October Birthstone Opal and Tourmaline: What is October Birthstone?

Introduction to October Birthstone 

What is the October Birthstone?

October is birthstone month for two gemstones "opal and tourmaline" that are adored for their unique characteristics and brilliant colors. Tourmaline is valued for its broad spectrum of colors, while opal is recognized for its captivating color play.

What is the color of the October Birthstone?

The October birthstones—opal and tourmaline—come in practically every color of the rainbow, but they display that color in very specific ways. Opals are well-known for their beautiful color display, which may show every shade of the rainbow. Opalescence, the phenomenon that causes opals to seem multicolored, is caused by light diffraction inside the stones' silica spheres.

The most valuable opals are black opals, which are very rare and rarely seen. Opals are also often white or a wide range of colors ranging from blue to green to red.

Tourmalines, on the other hand, are well-known for their diverse color range. Tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors, from delicate pink and blue to vibrant green and red. Some tourmalines can have various colors.

Collectively, the opal and tourmaline hues of the October birthstones symbolize that people born in this month are free to color their lives in whatever style they consider to fit.

What Is Opal?

Opal, an October birthstone, is an amorphous hydrated silicon dioxide that is highly valued for the play-of-color (or stunning range of colors) it produces whether observed in fluorescent or sunlight. This play-of-color is caused by interacting with the angles of refraction at the opal's surface.

Opals are delicate compared to other gemstones. They have a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, making them more scratchable and needing careful handling to prevent abrasion.

What Is Tourmaline?

Tourmaline, an October birthstone, is a complex boron silicate crystalline mineral known for its color and durability. Tourmaline, known as "The Rainbow Gemstone," comes in almost every color, including pink, red, green, blue, yellow, black, and multi-colored variants like watermelon tourmaline. Tourmaline, with a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, is a popular gemstone for everyday rings and earrings.

The Origin and History of Opal and Tourmaline

1. Origin and History of Opal:

Opals, which are found in Australia, the western United States, Mexico, and Brazil, have been revered since ancient. However, according to the Geological Institute of America, opal was first discovered in India and named "upala," or "precious stone" in Sanskrit. Additionally, silica spheres in this October birthstone were mystical to early civilizations.

The Romans valued opals and thought that wearing them brought good fortune. During the Middle Ages, opals were considered symbols of purity and promise. Despite being structurally considerably more fragile than diamonds, opals are often considered the "diamond of the October birthstones" according to traditional culture. 

In ancient Greek, European, and Egyptian beliefs, opals represented health and well-being. Ethiopia manufactured the first opal before Australia's huge reserves. Ethiopian opals display unmatched color play compared to Australian opals. However, the only negative aspect of opals is the belief that they bring bad luck to gamblers who dare to wear them.

2. Origin and History of Tourmaline:

Mozambique and Brazil are two countries that are abundant in tourmaline. The mineral was not recognized and categorized until the 19th century, but its history is equally as interesting. Previously, naturally occurring colorful tourmalines were often misidentified as other gemstones, and they were even dubbed "chameleon stones" because they can change color.

In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors discovered green tourmalines in Brazil but mistook them for emeralds. Apparently, the conquistadors weren't the only ones who mistook tourmalines for other jewels, which contributed to the gemstone's colorful history. The Sinhalese name "toramalli," which means "mixed gems," is also associated with the substance.

Despite its gemstone status, China was the tourmaline trade center. Pink tourmaline from San Diego County was discovered by a Chinese emperor who loved it. In 1912, the Chinese economy collapsed, sending shockwaves throughout the globe and crashing the worldwide tourmaline market. Later in the 20th century, Tourmalines returned to popularity when Tiffany & Co. used them in their jewelry.

Opal and Tourmaline: October Birthstone Facts

Worn by royalty and clergy, associated with protection and healing

Feature	Opal	Tourmaline
Color Variety	Play-of-color, white, black, fire opal	Pink, green, blue, red, yellow, multicolored
Hardness	5.5 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale	7 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale
Composition	Hydrated silica	Borosilicate mineral
Symbolism	Hope, purity, creativity	Inspiration, compassion, balance
Care	Sensitive to heat & chemicals	Durable, but handled with care
Rarity	Black & fire opals are rare	Paraiba & rubellite are rarer
History	Treasured since ancient times	Gained popularity in the 19th century
Birthstone	Primarily October	Officially October

Different Colors & Characteristics of Opal and Tourmaline

Opals are available in a range of colors, which include:

1. White Opal: Due to its high silica concentration, white opals tend to be bright with flashes of blue, green, and pink.
2. Black Opal: Black opals are rare and expensive. Their darkness surrounds dazzling color displays in huge, spectacular portions.
3. Fire Opal: Fire opals' bright colors of red, orange, and yellow make them look like flames, which is why some are termed “Ethiopian Opal” or “Mexican Opal,” indicating where they were mined.
4. Boulder Opal: Boulder opals originate within a host rock, making them unique. Their natural matrix presents a striking interplay of colors that many individuals find appealing. 
5. Austalian Opal: Most of the world's opal production comes from Australia, which produces a variety of different types of opals which include white, black, and boulder opals.
6. Tourmaline is similarly diversified, with a vast spectrum of colors present in a single stone, making it unique. The most popular tourmaline colors are:
7. Black Tourmaline: Black tourmaline, also known as Schorl, is a popular gemstone for wellness jewelry because of its reputed protective properties as well as its attractive appearance. 
8. Paraiba Tourmaline: Paraíba Tourmaline comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including teal and electric blue-green, and is often used in premium jewelry. 
9. Watermelon Tourmaline: Watermelon Tourmaline is one of the most recognizable tourmalines. It is usually found in the United States but also Mozambique. Plus, it is a large, vivid, and rare gemstone. 
10. Chrome Tourmaline: Chrome Tourmaline is a deep green tourmaline that resembles emeralds. 
11. Indicolite Tourmaline: Indicolite Tourmaline is sometimes mistaken for sapphire, but its cool blue color is great for unique, striking display pieces. 
12. Dravite Tourmaline: Dravite Tourmaline's rich color variations from yellow to brown are unique to the Dravite type, making it ideal for vintage or crafted designs. 
13. Verdelite Tourmaline: Verdelite Tourmaline is ideal for earthy, natural appearances due to its bright green color.
14. Rubellite Tourmaline: Rubellite's vibrant pink and red colors make it a great option for striking, attractive jewelry.
15. Cat's Eye Tourmaline: Cat's Eye Tourmaline is considerably more challenging to find since the mineral that gives tourmaline its name is very rare.
16. Bicolor and Tricolor Tourmaline: Tourmaline may be found in a variety of colors, including two or three hues, giving it a unique and eye-catching appearance. 

October Birthstone Opal and Tourmaline Meaning and Symbolism

Both opal and tourmaline are believed to have phenomenal metaphysical properties. Opal is believed to affect the emotional body. Many consider wearing or carrying it to help promote emotional healing and equilibrium. Additionally, opal can boost intuition, and creativity, and resolve restrictions. Some consider it may brighten and provide hope to the miserable.

Turmaline is a powerful grounding and protection stone. It serves to balance energy and produce a calm, centered presence, as well as strong emotional support. Tourmaline helps to release negative emotions and gain self-confidence. Last but not least, tourmaline is associated with clarity and focus, which makes sense if one feels calm and centered.

Benefits of Opal and Tourmaline as October Birthstone

Before choosing an opal, be sure the recipient was born in October. Most people believe this month's birthstone wearer must be an October baby. Wearing an opal is believed to have the opposite impact on those born in other months. However, this concept lacks solid proof. Nevertheless, opal is believed to bring to its wearer good health, a wealth of creative energy, and an optimized sense.

Pink tourmaline is, without a doubt, a beautiful gemstone. It has traditionally offered emotional and mental balance to wearers. It is believed to help hardship sufferers. Since the stone has great emotional impacts, those who are connected to it hold it close to the heart. It may be why pink tourmaline is called "the stone of love" so often, but it suits.

Authentic Opal and Tourmaline Birthstone options to buy online

Shop Authentic October Birthstone at GemFly. Explore the best well-known authentic jewelry to express your style and honor your october birthstone:

How to Choose the Perfect October Birthstone Opal and Tourmaline Jewelry

Due to their beauty and qualities, opal and tourmaline make great October birthstone jewelry. Consider these considerations while choosing the perfect item.

• Choose Your Style: Imagine your or the recipient's style. Do you like delicate, intricate designs or big, statement pieces? Choose the right jewelry based on whether you'll wear it daily or just on special occasions.

• Pick the Right Colour: Tourmaline and opal are both available in a variety of colors. Opals are multicolored, whereas tourmaline is pinks, greens, blues, and browns. Choose a color you like or your recipient like.

• Consider Setting: The metal setting might affect the jewelry's look. You might choose gold, silver, or platinum. Some individuals like particular metals based on skin tone or theme. Harmony between the opal/tourmaline color and metallic colors is essential.

• Check Quality: Quality dominates in opal and tourmaline. Check for opals with obsidian-like scales and color play, particularly if you're choosing black opals for passionate color contrast. Choose tourmalines with no inclusions/impurities and the same color throughout.

• Consider Mohs Hardness: Due to their hardness, tourmalines (7-7.5) are harder than opals (5.5-6.5). If the jewelry is worn regularly, consider the stones' longevity and choose the most durable ones.

• Consider Maintenance: Different gemstones need specific care. Opals are delicate and heat-sensitive, so if you're buying daily jewelry, take this into account. It is also necessary to seek information about the right cleaning and storage methods.

Caring for Your Opal and Tourmaline Jewelry

Octahedron and tourmaline are the birthstones for October, and like every gem, there is the right method to clean them and the one that may damage them. Knowing this will help you keep your birthstones looking beautiful for longer. Explore caring methods to make October gemstones clean and beautiful.

How to Clean your Opal Jewelry

Cleaning: Opals are fragile and soft gemstones, weighing just 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. To clean opal jewelry, use a gentle towel soaked with simple water. 

Storage: Many jewelers advocate keeping opals in a cloth bag with a moist cotton ball for safety. That seems odd, but it keeps the opal cold and prevents drying and breaking. 

Caring Tips for Opal Jewelry

• Be mindful that if you're having your opals appraised or resized, harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners may cause serious damage to opals and their precious metal settings. 
• If your opal pendant or ring needs cleaning, use jewelry-safe nail polish to avoid harming the valuable gemstone.
• Take professional help for opal jewelry inspection and cleaning yearly for extra protection.

How to Clean your Opal and Tourmaline Jewelry

1. Cleaning: Cleaning tourmaline jewelry is as easy as soaking it in a solution of gentle dish soap and warm water and giving it a gentle brushing with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. 
2. Storage: Tourmaline is strong, but it may still get scratched, therefore it's best to store it separately. Keep Tourmaline jewelry in a cloth-lined box or container to avoid scratches and tangling.

Caring Tips for Tourmaline Jewelry

• Avoid exposing tourmalines to quick temperature fluctuations or strong heat since they are prone to fracture in these harsh situations. 
• Similarly, do not clean them with ultrasonic or steam cleaners. These harsh cleaning procedures are just as prone to fracture or dislodge tourmalines as opals.
• To ensure your Tourmaline Jewelry is always in pristine condition, get professional help for cleaning and inspection once a year.

 

Conclusion:

October birthday stones like tourmaline and opal each have their own unique history, color, and set of values. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, paying tribute to a loved one, or just wanting to bring harmony to the twisted strands of your life, opal and tourmaline are lovely alternatives.

October birthstones, with their many varying colors of precious jewels, are symbolic of the energy and inspiration that fill each individual's life.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About January Birthstone Garnet

Q1. Which birthstones are associated with October?

Ans. Though opal is the most popular October birthstone, tourmaline is equally suitable for jewelry.

Q2. What does October symbolize?

Ans. October (derived from the Latin “octo”) symbolic significance “eight”—often a symbol of wealth, prosperity, peace, and fertility.

Q3. What is October's real birthstone?

Ans. Opal is considered a traditional birthstone for October.

Q4. Why is October born special?

Ans. Octal and tourmaline are the birthstones that give October its uniqueness. For persons born in this lovely month, this fortunate duality boosts color and significance.