August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar and has the birthstones peridot and spinel assigned to it. However, some people believe that onyx is also an August birthstone.
Onyx is a popular gemstone that has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. It is a variety of chalcedony, which is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. The name “onyx” comes from the Greek word meaning “claw” or “fingernail” because of the mineral’s flesh-colored bands that resemble human fingernails.
So is onyx actually an August birthstone, or is this a common misconception? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
Traditional August Birthstones
The tradition of assigning gemstones to months of the year dates back to at least the 18th century. Over time, various lists were drawn up by different organizations attempting to standardize the birthstone system.
Here are the August birthstones recognized by some of the most notable groups:
American National Association of Jewelers – 1912
Peridot and sardonyx
Jewelers of America – 1912
Peridot and sardonyx
National Association of Goldsmiths – 1937
Peridot
American Gem Trade Association – 1912
Sardonyx
British National Association of Goldsmiths – 1937
Peridot
Modern Birthstone List
Peridot
Spinel (added in 2016)
As you can see, onyx is not included as an August birthstone on any of the major traditional birthstone lists. The stone most commonly associated with August is peridot, a green mineral variety of olivine.
The one exception is sardonyx, which was considered an August birthstone in the early 20th century. Sardonyx is a banded variety of onyx containing sard, a reddish-brown mineral variety of chalcedony. So while technically a type of onyx, true onyx with black and white banding was never historically considered an August birthstone.
How Onyx Became Associated with August
So how did this misconception around onyx arise? There are a few possible reasons:
Confusion with sardonyx
As mentioned, sardonyx was recognized as an August birthstone in the early 1900s. The similar-sounding names and banding patterns of the two stones seem to have led many people to associate regular onyx with August as well.
Adoption as a mystical birthstone
Over the last century, various lists have sprung up assigning special mystical and planetary birthstones to each month. These were likely influenced by astrology, numerology, and other mystical traditions. Onyx appears on many of these types of birthstone charts associated with Leo, the zodiac sign that falls partly in August.
Use in jewelry
Being a widely available and affordable gem, onyx is popular for use in all kinds of jewelry. August-born people may have simply adopted onyx as a personal birthstone preference through its prevalence as a jewelry stone.
Black and white color symbolism
In color symbolism, black represents constancy and discernment while white represents purity and innocence. The bold contrast yet complementarity of these colors in onyx may appeal to the Leo zodiac sign and people born in August.
Strong marketing campaigns
Some retailers aggressively marketed onyx as an August birthstone to sell more jewelry. This marketing push likely reinforced the onyx-August association in many consumers’ minds.
Is Onyx Officially an August Birthstone?
Despite its widespread adoption, onyx has never been officially recognized as a traditional or modern August birthstone by any major jewelry or gemology organization. The official August birthstones remain peridot and spinel.
Gemstone lore and symbolism are always evolving, however, so it’s possible onyx may someday attain official August birthstone status along with or in place of peridot or spinel. But for now, the traditionalists view it simply as a popular mystical or alternative August stone.
Onyx as a Legitimate Alternative August Stone
Regardless of its unofficial status, there are still good reasons why onyx deserves consideration as an August birthstone:
- Its metaphysical properties like protection and emotional balance complement the astrological traits of Leo.
- It makes a bold, dramatic statement befitting the passionate Leo personality.
- Black and white represent the contrasting but connected forces of nature and human nature.
- It’s built up in bands and layers, paralleling the steady, persistent progress of hard work and self-mastery.
- It resonates with Leo’s vanity, amplifying inner beauty and magnetism.
Birthstone Tables
Traditional August Birthstones
| Organization | Year Established | August Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|---|
| American National Retail Jewelers Association | 1912 | Peridot, Sardonyx |
| Jewelers of America | 1912 | Peridot, Sardonyx |
| National Association of Goldsmiths | 1937 | Peridot |
| American Gem Trade Association | 1912 | Sardonyx |
| British National Association of Goldsmiths | 1937 | Peridot |
| Modern Birthstone List | 2016 | Peridot, Spinel |
Mystical August Birthstones
| Stone | Color | Metaphysical Associations |
|---|---|---|
| Onyx | Black and white bands | Protection, emotional balance |
| Sardonyx | Reddish-brown bands | Courage, happiness in marriage |
| Carnelian | Orange, red, brown | Creativity, courage, passion |
| Moonstone | Translucent off-white | Intuition, feminity, new beginnings |
August Birthstone Jewelry
Onyx makes for beautiful, striking birthstone jewelry as an alternative August stone. Here are some stunning pieces featuring onyx:
Onyx and Diamond Ring
This elegant ring features a large hexagonal onyx cabochon as the centerpiece, accented by a frame of round diamonds. The contrast of jet black onyx against sparkling diamonds captures the dual nature of those born in August.
Onyx Pendant Necklace
This ornate pendant centers on an oval-shaped onyx cabochon with a vitreous polish. Encircling filigree decorations in sterling silver complement the smooth, bold surface of the onyx. The layered, embellished look reflects the elaborate self-expression of August-born Leos.
Onyx and Peridot Bracelet
This handcrafted charm bracelet alternates faceted onyx rondels with peridot beads, making for an intriguing mix of traditional and alternative August birthstones. The clasp features a ruby accent, providing a third Leo birthstone.
Men’s Onyx and Gold Ring
At once understated yet handsome, this geometric men’s ring combines an onyx centerpiece with 14k yellow gold. The clean lines offset the rich gold and jet black tones in a style perfect for an August-born Leo man’s confident and discerning tastes.
August Birth Flowers
Like birthstones, flowers also carry symbolic meaning associated with each month. The two primary flowers for the month of August are:
Gladiolus
Gladioli symbolize strength, moral integrity, and infatuation. Their sword-shaped flowers represent the Roman gladiators born under the Leo zodiac sign. They convey the message to “never give up” to August-born Leos.
Poppy
Poppies represent imagination, extravagance, and pleasure seeking. Their vibrant red blooms embody the passion, drama, and lushness associated with bold Leos.
Conclusion
While onyx has never attained official August birthstone status, its striking black and white layers make it an alluring alternative stone choice. Its bold look and metaphysical properties resonate with Leos born in August.
Though not as traditional as peridot or spinel, onyx has developed a strong connection to August over the centuries. This enduring association means it will likely continue to be a popular symbolic and decorative birthstone for August-born people.