OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE
Those born in October enjoy two spectacular birthstones to commemorate their birthdays – opal and tourmaline. Each October birthstone has endless color combinations and beautiful coloring characteristics. Learn more about these two October birthstones and discover the perfect gift for those born in the tenth month.
OPAL BIRTHSTONE - AN OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE
OPAL BIRTHSTONE MEANING & HISTORY
The traditional birthstone for October is Opal. These stones possess a wide variety of colors like white, orange, yellow, red, green, brown, black, blue, and pink. Some opals are even colorless. Darker shaded opals, such as black and blue, are more expensive in comparison to light-colored ones, which sell at cheaper rates. Moreover, gemstones are always beautiful when vibrant and colorful. Such are black opals that have every shade of the rainbow in them and are a sight worth seeing. The Virgin Rainbow is the most expensive opal, with a price range of 250,000 dollars per gram.
HISTORY OF OPAL
In Latin, Roman, and Greek times, people knew opals as Greek Opallios and Latin Opalus. Miners rediscovered these gemstones around 4000 BC in Ethiopia and later in the 1990s. Hungary was once known for its opals in the 1900s, with the Dubnik and Tokaj mountains serving as opal hubs, but by the end of the 18th century, opals were almost nonexistent in the region. The Australians also contributed to the opal discovery, initially facing skepticism about the authenticity of their stones. However, during the 1800s, Australia became the largest supplier of opals.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
The chemical composition for opals consists of silica and water. With silica as the dominating element, only 10 percent of water exists in opals. The formula for this gemstone is (SiO2. nH2O). Opals can range from 5.5 to 7 on Mohs scale of hardness. Believers hold that natural opal forms 1 cm in 5 to 6 million years.
HEALING PROPERTIES
This stone is best for enhancing creative and artistic abilities. Opals bring good luck to those that wear them along with feelings of happiness, enthusiasm and, joy. They are one of the few stones that remove uptight moods. Opals strengthen the mind and help in retaining memory. Specifically, this stone represents the crown chakra, which helps the wearer feel more one with themselves and, increases their intuition. Opening the crown chakras creates peace of the mind and improves the meditation process. Opals are known to physically cure Parkinson’s disease. Aids in the optimum functioning of organs such as kidneys and balances water level in the body.
A breathtaking sunset seems to dance on the surface of this 1.72 carat (ct) opal. Photo: Dr. Edward J. Gübelin/GIA
WHERE IS OPAL FOUND?
Australia holds the majority of the world’s opals. Many opal deposits are present in Ethiopia, Nevada, Mexico, Czech Republic, Canada, Brazil, Hungary, Turkey and, Indonesia. In the US, opals are present in Idaho. NASA, in 2008 announced the discovery of opal on Mars.
Miners sometimes find black opal nodules in a line, as shown in this photo from the Lightning Ridge mine.
OPAL BIRTHSTONE CARE & CLEANING
Keep opals away from harsh chemicals as they are sensitive to them. If cleaning at home, use some mild detergent and brush off any remaining dust. Pat dry with a soft cloth to avoid scratches. Remember never to soak opals in soapy water as they can ruin its quality. Store in a fabric-lined box for maximum care. Try visiting a nearby jeweler once or twice a year to have your gemstone professionally cleaned. It will help maintain its luster and shine.
Sapphires and diamonds encircle a 1.92 carat (ct) black opal in this stunning 18K yellow gold and black rhodium ring.
TOURMALINE BIRTHSTONE - AN OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE
TOURMALINE BIRTHSTONE MEANING & HISTORY
The modern gemstone for October is tourmaline. This stone has a wide range of colors and deep dark shades such as brown and black, glowing pastel colors of pink, yellow, purple, green, and blue. However, the most valuable color of tourmaline is bright green and blue. Gemstones with higher saturated colors surpass lighter-toned ones in opulence. The most expensive tourmaline is the Paraiba tourmaline, with prices going up to 20,000 dollars. Their value increases depending on the carats of the gemstone. The high price is due to a deep neon bluish-green color the stone possesses.
HISTORY OF TOURMALINE
Since the 1400s, people have taken notice of tourmalines, often mistakenly comparing them to other gemstones of that era. Initially discovered in Italy, it wasn’t until the 1800s that tourmalines gained recognition as a distinct gemstone. Referred to as “turmali,” a Sinhalese term, tourmalines were also identified in the US, specifically California, around 1890. Concurrently, the Chinese had substantial tourmaline deposits, and their economy faced significant challenges following the government collapse in 1912. Moving forward to the 1980s, the discovery of Paraiba tourmalines in Brazil triggered a global surge in mining activity. Subsequently, various countries became prominent players in the mining of these exquisite gemstones.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Tourmalines consist of cyclosilicate. Their sturdiness is somewhat on a medium level. These gems are a 7.5 on Mohs scale of hardness. They form in holes under the ground containing hot liquids. Liquids consist of different minerals and, as they cool, tourmalines begin to develop. Since a liquid forms them, tourmalines sometimes have water on the interior. They can be rich in iron, magnesium, or lithium. Varying minerals causes tourmalines to have different colors.
HEALING PROPERTIES
Tourmalines contribute to the development of confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, they play a role in dispelling feelings of fear and anxiety by spreading positive vibrations. On a spiritual level, each tourmaline is associated with a specific chakra. Red tourmalines align with the Heart chakras, while black ones influence the Root chakras. Moving up the spectrum, pink tourmaline targets the Crown chakras, while blue tourmaline exerts its influence over the Throat and Third Eye chakras.
Suite of multi-color tourmaline. Photo: Robert Weldon/GIA
Enthusiasts of tourmaline acknowledge the distinct healing properties associated with various colors. Moreover, the belief persists that donning black tourmaline not only offers protection but also instills self-confidence in the wearer. Additionally, pink tourmaline symbolizes love and is closely associated with compassion and gentleness. Furthermore, green tourmaline is recognized for promoting courage, strength, and stamina. As an interesting tradition, tourmaline is often chosen as a gift to celebrate the eighth wedding anniversary.
WHERE IS TOURMALINE FOUND?
Tourmalines are commonly located in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. There are deposits in the US, in California, and in Maine. Several African countries are also distributors of these precious gemstones, such as Namibia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Malawi, etc.
TOURMALINE BIRTHSTONE CARE & CLEANING
While tourmaline is generally not sensitive to light and harsh chemicals, excessive exposure can lead to damage, potentially fading the gem’s natural color and diminishing its value. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your tourmaline protected from prolonged heat exposure. For home cleaning, it is advisable to soak the gem in sudsy, lukewarm water to eliminate dirt or stains. Afterward, gently brush off any remaining dust and pat dry with a soft cloth to prevent scratches. To ensure maximum care, store your tourmaline in a fabric-lined box. Additionally, consider visiting a nearby jeweler once or twice a year for professional cleaning, contributing to the maintenance of its luster and shine.
15.16 ct pink tourmaline and diamond ring set in platinum and white gold.
CONCLUSION: OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE
Now that you know a little bit more about the history of these two October birthstones and where they can be found, you just might be inspired to add them to your collection! But before you go shopping for an October birthstone, be sure to review our Opal Buying Guide and our Tourmaline Buying Guide for tips to help you pick a beautiful October birthstone. Both of these birthstones come in a spectacular array of colors sure to please you or your loved one born in October.