Those who were born in October and have the birthstone opalneed to count themselves among the fortunate ones. The captivating opal is the Birthstone jewelryfor October.The stone sparkles in a variety of settings and styles of jewelry. It may either be the focal point of a spectacular piece or be covered with sparkling diamonds. The most uncommon hue of the October birthstoneis black opal. According to experts, green and grey are the most typical colors.
The blue, yellow, and pink iridescence of precious opal makes it stand out when it catches the light. When not produced by people, pressure, minerals, and time aid in the formation of these stunning stones.
Water that flows through the soil at a downward angle picks up silica deposits from nearby stones like sandstone. Until the water evaporates, this silica-rich slurry gets mixed with organic materials like fossils. A deposit of silica is subsequently left behind, and after many iterations of this process, an opal is produced.
Why Does October Have Two Birthstones?
The National Association of Jewelersagreed to compile a list of acceptable birthstonesfor each month in 1952 in an attempt to standardize the birthstones. That final has subsequently been modified throughout time to suit adjustments in fashion trends and stone supply.
In the instance of October, there were concerns raised regarding the durability of the opal and it was thought by many to be excessively feminine in look. To add tourmalineto the mix, the association made this decision. More recently, it was determined that opal and pink tourmaline would be the birthstones for October.
Opal Birthstone Meaning & History
The name of this traditional October birthstone is said to have come from Sanskrit, where it was known as upala, or "precious stone," in India when the first opals were introduced to the West. This was known as opalus in ancient Rome. The majority of opals are prized for their "play-of-color" phenomena, which refers to the changing colors in rainbow tones.
Writers have compared the stunning color play of the birthstone for October to fireworks, galaxies, and volcanoes. Opal was previously thought by Bedouins to contain lightning and to fall from the sky during thunderstorms. Opals were regarded by the ancient Greeks as providing both illness protection and the gift of prophecy.
Opal has long been considered by Europeans to be a sign of truth, hope, and purity. Opal was formerly thought to encapsulate the qualities and abilities of all colored stones.
Where Is Opal Found?
Opal is a birthstone that may be found everywhere. The world's most producing fields for the birthstone for October are in Australia. Brazil, Mexico, and Ethiopia are all significant suppliers. Additional deposits have been discovered in the United States, Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, Central Europe, Honduras, and Peru.
A little Australian village called Lightning Ridge is well known for producing valuable black opal. Lightning Ridge is a barren, rocky area that receives little rain and bakes in the sweltering summer heat. It is only softened by a few tiny trees and bushes. Because of the harsh weather, miners often live underground to escape the oppressive heat.
Tourmaline Birthstone Meaning & History
The more recent birthstone for October is tourmaline. Due to the frequent presence of several hues in a single crystal, the term is derived from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means "stone with mixed colors." Few gems can rival the stunning variety of hues seen in tourmaline.
It's possible that this birthstone for October's month has a color scheme for every emotion, which is why ancient mystics thought it might stimulate creative creativity. The neon green and blue-to-violet "paraba" tourmalines, the pink and red rubellites, and the emerald green "chrome" tourmalines are among the most well-liked varieties.
Tourmaline's wide spectrum of hues led to frequent confusion with other gemstones. The "Caesar's Ruby" pendant, one of the "rubies" in the Russian royal jewels, is really red (rubellite) tourmaline. In the 1500s, a Spanish conqueror discovered green tourmalinecrystalsin Brazil and mistook them for emeralds. Until tourmaline was identified by scientists as a different mineral species in the 1800s, these and other instances of misidentification persisted for many years.
Where Is Tourmaline Found?
The gemstone for October is most often found in Brazil, although it is also mined in other African nations including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Fine tourmaline is traditionally produced in large quantities in California and Maine. Pegmatites in the state of Minas Gerais have provided the majority of the tourmaline mined in Brazil throughout the years.
A genuine kaleidoscope of gem minerals is produced as a result of these subsurface magma intrusions. However, electrifying green, blue, and violet tourmalines from pegmatites in Brazil's Paraba State reached the gem market in the late 1980s.
Birthstone Jewelry For October Color
The traditional birthstones for October are opal and tourmaline. Some of the most exquisite and unusual gemstones include opal and tourmaline. No other gem compares to the opal's dynamic kaleidoscope of kaleidoscopic hues. The brilliance of fine opal is difficult to describe in words and elusive. It has been likened to volcanoes, galaxies, jellyfish, pyrotechnics, and jellyfish.
The tourmaline, which is generally shown as pink, really comes in a variety of colors, including pink (which is the approved color to symbolize October's birthstone), blue, luxurious reds, and greens, which are used to embellish the showrooms of luxury jewelers.
October Birthstone Jewelry - A Double Delight
When it comes to birthstone jewelry, folks born in October have a wide variety of options because of the presence of two birthstones.
There is jewelry ready to decorate you, whether you relate to the mysterious enchantment of opals or the bright variety of tourmalines. Here are a few well-liked choices.
Rings
There are many different designs for opal rings, from simple solitaire types to elaborate settings with a vintagefeel. They are ideal for those who wish to highlight the color play on their fingers.
You may choose a hue that speaks to you from the variety of colors that tourmaline rings come in. To match your style, they may be set in a variety of metals, such as white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
Necklace
An elegant opal necklace or a simple opal pendant may lend a magical touch to any ensemble. When worn as a necklace, opals often dangle gently near the chest.
Displaying the variety of this gemstone's splendor with a pendant on a chainis wonderful. Choose a pendant in your favorite shade or go for a multicolored tourmaline pendant to honor the variety of the stone.
Earrings
There are many different types of opalearrings, such as opal studs, dangle earrings, and hoops. They provide a flexible approach to add the allure of opals to your regular wardrobe.
Elegant stud earrings or striking dangling earrings are also possible with tourmaline. You may choose a pair that matches the hue of your eyes or just expresses your particular taste.
Bracelets
Opal braceletscome in a variety of forms, from delicate and endearing styles with opal charms or beads to more opulent styles with elaborate opal embellishments.
A beautiful and vibrant decoration for your wrist, tourmaline braceletsmay be made in a single color or a range of colors.
October Birthstone - Evil Superstitions
An opal's color intensity was thought to shift throughout the medieval era, signaling whether the wearer was well or sick. According to legend, the opal kept a robust heart, avoided fainting, guarded against illness, and purified odorous air. The stone continued to stand for optimism just as it had in the past.
But by the middle of the 14th century, the opal's reputation had shifted. The Black Death raced over Europe, wiping out one-fourth of its people. The gem was thought to be the fatal factor. When worn by a victim of the fatal disease, it was bright only while the wearer was still alive.
Then it would seem different and lose its brilliance. It was really this stone's sensitivity to temperature fluctuations that caused it to seem different as the heat of a raging fever gave way to the chill of death.
Birthstone For October Treatment And Care
Opal quality has a direct impact on the stone's entire market value. Opal values are influenced by a number of variables. When it comes to the value of this October birthstone, brightness and brilliance are very significant.
The value of an opal with more brightness will outweigh the amount of hues sparkling on a dull stone. Not only are October infants valued gemstones, but so are aficionados of better things in life. The reason for people's appreciation of these jewels is the great variety of colors and the dance of colors they exhibit.
The tourmaline's hues do not, however, have the same value that other valuable stones do. The 4Cs color, carat, cut, and clarity are the most important variables in determining a tourmaline stone's worth.
Opal Treatment And Care
Opals are processed by being impregnated with plastic, wax, or oil. They range in hardness from 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, thus they should be kept apart from harder stones while storing them.
Some gems, including emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and sapphires, may damage opal stones. Using warm, soapy water to clean opals is the safest method without endangering them.
Strict cleaning procedures may damage the filler material's opal gem. However, opal doublets and triplets' adhesive strength may be diminished by extended contact with water. Natural opals may also shatter when exposed to extreme heat or rapid temperature fluctuations.
Tourmaline Treatment And Care
Usually, treatment is done to tourmalines to improve quality. When the stone is excessively dark in tone, careful heating is the most common treatment. Irradiation and oiling to conceal fractures are two other typical treatments or enhancements.
Compared to other valuable stones, tourmaline is relatively tough and resistant to most chemicals and strong light. On the Mohs scale of hardness, the stone has a rating of 7 to 7.5. It should be maintained away from extreme heat, however.
Therefore, in the case of this October birthstone, the ultrasonic cleaning procedure is not advised. As an alternative, cleaning should be done carefully with a soft brush and warm, sudsy water.
FAQs About Birthstone Jewelry For October
What Symbolism Is Attached To Tourmalines For October Birthdays?
Tourmalines symbolize balance, protection, and creative expression. They are thought to help individuals find harmony, protect against negative energies, and inspire artistic endeavors.
Are Opals And Tourmalines Suitable For Different Styles Of Jewelry?
Yes, both opals and tourmalines are versatile gemstones that can be incorporated into various styles of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
What Are The Different Types Of Opals And Tourmalines Available For Jewelry?
Opals come in varieties such as precious opal, fire opal, common opal, boulder opal, and black opal. Tourmalines exhibit a wide range of colors, including rubellite, indicolite, verdelite, dravite, watermelon tourmaline, and bi-color or tri-color tourmaline.
Can I Wear Opal And Tourmaline Jewelry Together In The Same Piece?
Absolutely! Combining opals and tourmalines in a single jewelry piece can create a striking fusion of colors and meanings, making your jewelry even more unique and meaningful.
Are There Famous Opal And Tourmaline Jewelry Pieces In History?
Yes, famous opal jewelry includes the Burning of Troy Opal and the Andamooka Opal, while tourmaline jewelry includes the Empress Dowager Cixi's Tourmaline Necklace and the Stewart Tiara, showcasing the enduring allure of these gemstones.
Are Opals And Tourmalines Used In Engagement Rings?
Yes, both opals and tourmalines can be used in engagement rings, offering a unique and colorful alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings.
Do Opals And Tourmalines Have Any Healing Properties Or Metaphysical Significance?
Some believe that opals and tourmalines have healing properties, including promoting balance, protection, and creativity.
Conclusion
Today's Birthstone jewelry for October is tourmaline. These jewels come in a wide range of styles and hues, including lovely stones with multiple colors. The traditional Birthstone jewelry for October is opal. These gems have their own distinct gem grading system and are probably most recognized for their play of hues.
Opals have some of the most varied metaphorical connotations of any gemstone. You may decide whether to think of them as the world's luckiest or unluckiest diamonds.