In June 2016 the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewellers of America (JA) added spinel as an official birthstone for the month of August. While this modern list of birthstones was devised during a meeting of the (American) National Association of Jewellers in Kansas City in 1912, ancient cultures have always believed in a connection between gemstones, the zodiac and the cosmos.

In Hindu astrology, the spinel is associated with the planet of Saturn, as well as the sun and August’s fiery sign of Leo; the spinel’s celestial properties include the attraction of money, wealth and prosperity, as well as high energy.  Spinels come in a wide range of brilliant colours, each of which has its own healing properties and benefits. For instance, red, green and blue spinels can calm anxiety and help relieve depression, while black spinels are considered extremely powerful as protective talismans.  As the spinel is also said to be the stone of immortality, we are delighted to see it join the Official Birthstone List.

Official Link: http://www.jckonline.com/2016/06/03/agta-ja-add-spinel-official-august-birthstone

Sources:

• http://www.bernardine.com/birthstone/ancient.htm
• http://www.hinduism.co.za/amazing.htm
• http://howisyourdaytoday.com/samples/miscl/GemPrescription.htm
• http://www.astrologer-drsudhirshah.com/gemsastrology.html
• http://gemstone-dictionary.com/birthstone-chart.php
• http://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/spinel/
• http://www.crystalsrocksandgems.com/Healing_Crystals/Spinel.html