Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx: August’s Trio of Birthstones

Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx: August’s Trio of Birthstones

August boasts three unique birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Peridot forms under extreme conditions, found in hardened lava or meteorites from space. Spinel has gained recent appreciation as consumers seek alternatives to rubies, as red spinel was historically mistaken for ruby. Sardonyx, the original August birthstone, has a history dating back over 4,000 years. Explore these diverse gems to find the perfect gift for August birthdays.

橄欖石、尖晶石與褐紅條紋瑪瑙：八月的三重生日石

八月擁有三種獨特的生日石：橄欖石、尖晶石和褐紅條紋瑪瑙。橄欖石形成於極端條件下，見於硬化熔岩或太空隕石中。尖晶石近年備受青睞，因消費者尋找紅寶石的替代品，而紅色尖晶石歷史上常被誤認為紅寶石。褐紅條紋瑪瑙作為最初的八月生日石，歷史可追溯超過4000年。探索這些多樣的寶石，為八月生日尋找完美禮物。

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Peridot 橄欖石

Peridot Birthstone: Meaning and History

Peridot, the yellow-green to green-yellow variety of olivine, has often been confused with topaz and emerald throughout history. The island of Topazios (now Zabargad) in the Red Sea, once known for “topaz,” actually produced peridot. Even the 200-carat gem adorning the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral was long mistaken for emerald but is actually peridot. Historians speculate that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have included peridot.
The name “peridot” comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning “gem.” Ancient and medieval cultures valued this August birthstone for its protective qualities against evil spirits and nightmares. It is also the traditional gift for the 15th wedding anniversary.

橄欖石生日石：意義與歷史

橄欖石是黃綠色至綠黃色的橄欖石礦物品種，歷史上常與托帕石和祖母綠混淆。紅海的Topazios島（現扎巴賈德）以出產「托帕石」聞名，實際產的是橄欖石。甚至科隆大教堂三聖殿中200克拉的寶石長期被誤認為祖母綠，實為橄欖石。歷史學家推測克利奧帕特拉著名的祖母綠收藏中可能包含橄欖石。
「Peridot」一名源自阿拉伯語 faridat，意為「寶石」。古代和中世紀文化珍視這種八月生日石，認為它能抵禦邪靈和惡夢。它也是15週年結婚紀念日的傳統禮物。

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Where Is Peridot Found?

Most peridot in jewelry comes from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the USA. Some peridot arrives via meteorites, while others are found in exotic locales like Hawaii’s Peridot Beach, where sands shimmer with green crystals.
Egypt’s Zabargad Island is the earliest recorded source, mining since around 340–279 BC. Myanmar’s Mogok region yields deep green peridot with high transparency. Arizona is the primary US source, mined by the San Carlos Apache Tribe for decades.

橄欖石的產地

珠寶中的橄欖石多產自中國、緬甸、巴基斯坦、坦桑尼亞、越南和美國。有些橄欖石通過隕石到達地球，其他則見於夏威夷橄欖石海灘等異國地區，沙灘因綠色晶體閃閃發光。
埃及扎巴賈德島是最早的記錄產地，開採可追溯至公元前340–279年。緬甸莫谷地區出產深綠色高透明度橄欖石。美國亞利桑那州是主要產地，由聖卡洛斯阿帕奇部落開採數十年。

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Caring for Peridot

With a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, peridot is softer than many gems and not ideal for daily wear in rings. Acidic substances (even sweat) can damage it. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning due to thermal shock risk. Clean gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Store separately to avoid scratches.

橄欖石的保養

莫氏硬度6.5–7，橄欖石較許多寶石軟，不適合日常佩戴於戒指中。酸性物質（甚至汗水）可能損壞它。避免超聲波或蒸汽清洗，因熱衝擊風險。用溫水、溫和肥皂和軟刷輕柔清潔。分開存放以避免刮傷。

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Spinel 尖晶石

Spinel Birthstone: Meaning and History

Spinel derives its name from the Latin spina, meaning “thorn,” referring to its crystal shape. This August birthstone comes in rich colors: vivid reds, pinks, oranges, purples, violets, blues, and blue-greens.
For centuries, spinel was mistaken for other gems. Historic “rubies” like the 170-carat Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Imperial Crown are actually spinel. Red spinel was believed to heal blood loss and inflammation, soothe anger, and promote harmony. It is the traditional gift for the 22nd wedding anniversary.

尖晶石生日石：意義與歷史

尖晶石名稱源自拉丁語 spina，意為「刺」，指其晶體形狀。這種八月生日石擁有豐富色彩：鮮紅色、粉紅色、橙色、紫色、紫羅蘭色、藍色和藍綠色。
幾個世紀以來，尖晶石被誤認為其他寶石。歷史著名的「紅寶石」如英國帝國皇冠上的170克拉黑王子紅寶石實為尖晶石。紅色尖晶石被認為能療癒失血和炎症、平息怒氣並促進和諧。它是22週年結婚紀念日的傳統禮物。

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Where Is Spinel Found?

Key sources include Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Pakistan. Myanmar’s Mogok region produces vivid pink and red spinel, while Sri Lanka yields blue, pink, and purple varieties. Vietnam’s Luc Yen region discovered bright blue spinel in the early 2000s. Tanzania’s pink and orange-red spinel has attracted collectors since 2007.

尖晶石的產地

主要產地包括塔吉克斯坦、緬甸、斯里蘭卡、越南、坦桑尼亞和巴基斯坦。緬甸莫谷地區出產鮮豔粉紅色和紅色尖晶石，斯里蘭卡產藍色、粉紅色和紫色品種。越南陸克彥地區在2000年代初發現亮藍色尖晶石。坦桑尼亞的粉紅色和橙紅色尖晶石自2007年以來吸引收藏家。

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Caring for Spinel

With a Mohs hardness of 8, spinel is durable for rings and jewelry. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are generally safe unless fractures are present. Warm soapy water is always a safe option. Avoid high heat, which may fade some colors.

尖晶石的保養

莫氏硬度8，尖晶石耐用適合戒指和珠寶。超聲波和蒸汽清洗通常安全，除非有裂縫。溫肥皂水總是安全的選擇。避免高溫，可能使某些顏色褪色。

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Sardonyx 褐紅條紋瑪瑙

Sardonyx Birthstone: Meaning and History

Sardonyx, the original August birthstone, combines two types of chalcedony: sard (brownish-red to dark orange) and onyx (white or black bands). Used in ancient Roman seals and signet rings because wax didn’t stick to it, sardonyx has been a popular material for cameos and intaglios for millennia.
Mentioned in the Old Testament, sardonyx was believed to represent spiritual strength on the high priest’s breastplate. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings carved with Mars for protection in battle. Today, it symbolizes courage, happiness, and clear communication, bringing stability to relationships.

褐紅條紋瑪瑙生日石：意義與歷史

褐紅條紋瑪瑙是最初的八月生日石，結合兩種玉髓：褐紅石髓（褐紅色至深橙色）和縞瑪瑙（白色或黑色條帶）。用於古羅馬印章和圖章戒指，因蠟不黏附其上，數千年來一直是浮雕和凹雕的常用材料。
舊約中提到褐紅條紋瑪瑙，被認為代表大祭司胸牌上的精神力量。羅馬士兵佩戴雕刻戰神的褐紅條紋瑪瑙戒指以求保護。如今，它象徵勇氣、幸福和清晰溝通，為關係帶來穩定。

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Where Is Sardonyx Found?

India is known for sardonyx with high-contrast layers. Other sources include Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the USA.

褐紅條紋瑪瑙的產地

印度以高對比度層的褐紅條紋瑪瑙聞名。其他產地包括巴西、德國、捷克斯洛伐克、馬達加斯加、烏拉圭和美國。

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Caring for Sardonyx

With a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, sardonyx requires careful wear, especially in rings. It is often dyed, so heat during jewelry repair may affect its color. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning; use warm soapy water and a soft brush instead.

褐紅條紋瑪瑙的保養

莫氏硬度6.5–7，褐紅條紋瑪瑙需小心佩戴，尤其在戒指中。常經過染色，珠寶修復時的熱量可能影響顏色。避免超聲波或蒸汽清洗；使用溫肥皂水和軟刷。

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Explore August’s Birthstones

From the volcanic origins of peridot to the historic allure of spinel and sardonyx, August’s birthstones offer something for every taste. Discover curated August birthstone jewelry at Virtucasa, where tradition meets modern design.

探索八月的生日石

從橄欖石的火山起源到尖晶石和褐紅條紋瑪瑙的歷史魅力，八月的生日石滿足各種品味。在Virtucasa探索精選八月生日石珠寶，體驗傳統與現代設計的融合。

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