as in “to notice a change in color.” Learn more about the birthstone for this month!
In This Article...
Why do October have two birthstones?
Opal is a distinctive and well-liked gemstone that, among other things, lends itself wonderfully to jewelry. Ever notice the way an opal’s many colors shine? Continue reading to learn five interesting facts about the popular opal, the birthstone for October!
- Many people think that rain becoming caught inside of a rock is how opal forms. Crystalline silica in the rock is carried downward by the rain. The silicon slowly dries out after that.
- NASA made a really intriguing finding in the year 2008. Opal deposits have been discovered on Mars!
- Australia provides over 95% of the valuable birthstones for October in the globe. Since 1875, opal has been mined in Australia!
- Regarding the opal gem stone’s exceptional abilities, both Ancient Greeks and Romans held distinct views. Many individuals in Ancient Greece believed that opal might make you psychic! The common gemstone was associated with optimism and love in Ancient Rome.
- The abundance of silica spheres of various sizes is what gives opal gemstones their wide range of colors. The lovely October birthstone’s stunning array of colors is produced by light refraction caused by the spheres.
Is October Birthstone Opal or Tourmaline?
Opal and pink tourmaline are two magnificent birthstones that honor those who were born in October. Both opal and tourmaline, the birthstones for October, typically emit a range of hues. Jewelry with October birthstones stands out thanks to the variety of colors. Any piece can be altered to fit your personality and style. There are several jewelry alternatives available with these distinctive jewels, ranging from pendants to earrings.
Is October Birthstone Opal or Pink?
Opal and pink tourmaline are the birthstones for October. The main birthstone, tourmaline, is one of the few stones that can be found in practically every color, making it a rare gem. Some pink tourmalines are as clear as diamonds in clarity! Opals, on the other hand, are unique in their own right. Opal patterns have their own descriptive terminology since they are so distinctive. Opals are the most distinctively individual gems. The most fragile gemstones worn frequently are opals, which need specific maintenance.
Why Does October have two Birthstones?
The National Association of Jewelers decided to compile a list of acceptable birthstones for each month in 1952 in an effort to standardize the birthstones. That last has since been modified over time to match 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 tourmaline to the mix, the association made this decision. More recently, it was determined that opal and pink tourmaline would be the birthstones for October.
What is the October Birthstone Meaning?
The opal, the traditional birthstone for October, is thought to have originated in India (where the first opals were imported to the West), where it was known as upala, or a “precious stone,” in Sanskrit. This was known as opalus in ancient Rome. The majority of opals are prized for their rainbow-hued color shifting, or “play of color.”
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 colors found in tourmaline. Perhaps for this reason, ancient mystics thought that the birthstone for October could stimulate creative expression. There is a color scheme for each mood. The pink and red rubellites, the emerald green “chrome tourmalines, and the neon green and blue-to-violet “paraba tourmalines are among the most well-liked varieties.
What Color is the October Birthstone?
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 colors. The brilliance of fine opal is difficult to describe in words and elusive. It has been compared to volcanoes, galaxies, jellyfish, pyrotechnics, and jellyfish.
The tourmaline, which is generally depicted as pink, actually comes in a variety of colors, including pink (which is the approved color to represent October’s birthstone), blue, luxurious reds, and greens, which are used to embellish the showrooms of luxury jewelers.
What Are Typical October Birthstone Rings?
Shop rings with the birthstone of October at Joseph’s Jewelry. To celebrate this month of birthdays, we have some amazing rings to offer. Here are a few examples:
- Teardrop Pink Created Zircon and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
- Pink created zircon stackable ring made of 14K white gold.
- Ladies’ Pink Created Zircon and Diamond Ring in 925 Sterling Silver
What Are Typical October Birthstone Necklaces?
Visit Joseph’s Jewelry to view our lovely October birthstone necklaces. Check out our selection of October birthstone necklaces to get exactly what you’re searching for;
- Pink Created Zircon Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold with Diamond Accents
- Opal Cross Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold
- Pink Created Zircon and Diamond Halo Drop Necklace in 14K White Gold
Why are opal and tourmaline in October?
The name of this traditional October birthstone is thought to have come from Sanskrit, where it was known as upala, or “precious stone,” in India, when the first opals were brought to the West. This was known as opalus in ancient Rome. The majority of opals are prized for their rainbow-hued color shifting, or “play of color.”
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 disease protection and the gift of prophecy. Opal has long been considered by Europeans to be a sign of truth, hope, and purity. Opal was once thought to encapsulate the qualities and powers of all colored stones.
What birthstone actually falls on October?
Opal and tourmaline are the birthstones for October. Despite the fact that both gemstones come in a wide range of hues, the traditional white opal and pink tourmaline are the two most popular options for people born in this autumnal month.
Is white opal the birthstone for October?
Opal is known as the rainbow jewel by Australia’s indigenous people. They believed that the world’s creator descended on earth while riding a rainbow. As soon as he touched the earth, all the stones became opals with a variety of colors. Opal is currently Australia’s official gemstone.
Opal legends in other cultures
Opals are said to have fallen from the sky during lightning storms, according to Arabic folklore. Opals were thought to be able to shield their owners from disease by the ancient Greeks. Opals had numerous connotations in ancient Rome, but the most intriguing one was the notion that blonde women could use opals to maintain their desired hair color.
Meaning of opal October birthstone
Opals are traditionally thought of as the birthstone for October, and those who wear them are said to experience good fortune, good health, and love. According to astrologers, the stone signifies the Libra star sign, which stands for truth and purity.
Cleopatra and the opal ring
The famed lovers Anthony and Cleopatra appear in one of the most intriguing opal tales. Anthony was smitten with the Egyptian queen and wanted to present her something absolutely unique. Only an opal, he determined, would do. Anthony soon came across a stunning opal ring. Its ownership by Roman Senator Nonius was the only issue.
With an offer for four times the ring’s value in gold, Anthony made an effort to convince Nonius to sell the ring. However, Nonius did not want to give up his priceless opal. Because he was too terrified to reject the strong Anthony, he made the decision to leave Rome with his familyincluding his wife, kids, home, and the ringnever to return.
Painting by L. Alma-Tadema titled “The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra” | Image credit Wikimedia Commons, Sotheby’s New York
The meaning of the name ‘opal’
Various people have different ideas regarding where the name “opal” came from. According to one theory, it originated from the Roman word opalus, which later developed from the Greek word opallios, which meant “changing hue.” The term might have originated from the ancient Sanskrit word upala, which means “precious stone” in Indian.
Famous celebrity opals
Opals were a gem that Queen Victoria cherished dearly, and as a trendsetter, she helped the gem become wildly famous in the late 20th century. Much later, Cate Blanchett made waves in 2014 by attending the Oscars while donning magnificent drop earrings crafted from the national gemstone of her homeland.
Opal’s influence is visible everywhere
Many individuals are unaware of how pervasive opals’ effect is. You’ll quickly realize, though, how much inspiration this stone provides to fashion, beauty, and design if you pause and consider sparkling eye makeup, sequined clothes, or metallic car paint with color specks that glisten in the sun.
Meaning of opal October birthstone gifts
Opals are special. They are the perfect treasured present for any occasion because they reflect light in all the colors of the rainbow. Opal is the birthstone for October, so it will hold extra significance for your loved one. The light-colored glitter of white opals makes them a gorgeous alternative to pearls and diamonds since it matches every ensemble.
Why is opal used?
Opal, the birthstone for October, represents loyalty and assurance. The name is derived from the Greek word opallios, which means “to observe a shift in color,” and the Latin word opalus, which means “valuable jewel.” Learn more about the birthstone for this month!
I have two birthstones; why?
Alexandrite and pearl are the two birthstones for June birthdays. Due to their inherent beauty, pearls have been used in jewelry for many years. Gemstones made of alexandrite are exceedingly rare and prized because they change color depending on the illumination.
Are opal and tourmaline the same thing?
A tourmaline gemstone exhibits a vibrant combination of hues that may be seen in a single crystal, but an opal gemstone is distinguished by its shimmering, rainbow-like hue and iridescence.
Which is superior, opal or tourmaline?
Opal is revered as having mystical qualities in many cultures. The ancient Greeks believed that opals imparted the gift of prophecy and protection from disease, while the Bedouin (nomadic people who lived in the desert areas of North Africa) thought that opals held lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. Opal has long been considered by Europeans to be a sign of optimism, purity, and truth as well as the embodiment of all the virtues and powers ascribed to colored stones due to its ability to change color.
Even the wearing of opals by anyone other than those who were born in October is seen to be unfortunate. It wasn’t inspired by anything spiritual, but rather by Sir Walter Scott’s 1892 book Anne of Geierstein (aka The Maiden of the Mist). Opals were regarded as historically lucky before then.
It’s critical to understand the type of opal you are caring for while deciding how to care for it. Incredibly porous Ethiopian opals, for instance, are prone to “taking on” moisture. As a result, a qualified jeweler should take care of this particular opal’s maintenance. Other opals are composites, which are made up of many materials. You also need to be very cautious when cleaning those opals, also known as doublets and triplets.
The hardness of opal ranges from 5-6.5 on the Mohs scale. Opal should be stored alone to prevent damage from jewelry with tougher gems. Certain opal settings, such as doublets or triplets, which are tiny opal slices glued to a base material and covered in a thin coating of pure quartz, can become brittle when exposed to water for an extended period of time. When exposed to abrupt temperature fluctuations, particularly extreme heat, natural opal can fracture.
It is possible to treat this October birthstone using oil, wax, or plastic impregnation, although we do not advise it. We at Shmukler Design, a bespoke jeweler in Southern California, think that washing your opal jewelry by hand in warm, soapy water is the safest method.
Tourmaline is a more recent addition to the birthstone pair for October. Because tourmalines can have several hues in a single crystal, the name “tourmaline” is derived from the Sinhalese word “toramalli,” which means “stone with mixed colors.” As a result, some believe it to be a “chameleon” gem that frequently passes for other gemstones. There were quite a few confusions prior to the 1800s when tourmaline was identified as a unique species of mineral. A Spanish conquistador mistakenly believed green tourmaline crystals he discovered in Brazil during the 1500s to be emeralds.
Tourmaline is still most frequently found in Brazil, but it is also mined in other countries as well, including Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Madagascar, and even here here in the United States, specifically in California and Maine. While California’s tourmaline deposits were located in the early 1900s in San Diego County, Main’s were first identified in 1822 in southern Main at Mount Mica (in the town of Paris).
The deep, vibrant colors of tourmaline are a result of copper deposit accumulation. In actuality, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the first electrifying green, blue, and violet tourmalines were found.
Due of the numerous color changes in tourmaline, many ancient societies thought it might stimulate creative expression. According to popular belief, tourmaline comes in a variety of colors.
- Black is said to give its user protection and self-assurance.
- Green is said to encourage fortitude, bravery, and strength.
- Pink is thought to represent kindness and affection.
The customary present for the eighth wedding anniversary is tourmaline. In addition, pink tourmaline is one of the more well-liked colors to give as a gift because of its romantic qualities.
Tourmaline ranges from 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it slightly harder than opal. It is resilient for daily use and resistant to heat, light, and the majority of chemicals. We think that using a soft brush and warm, soapy water to clean tourmaline is the best method. We advise against using steam and ultrasonic cleaners on tourmaline.
What colors dominate October?
Opal is the birthstone for October, and its birthstone color options are Multi-Color, White, or Pink. Pink tourmaline is the alternate birthstone for October, and opal and tourmaline are the actual birthstones for this month.
Opal, peridot, and lapis lazuli are the Zodiac birthstones for Libra (born between September 24 and October 23). Aquamarine, coral, and topaz are the zodiac birthstones for Scorpio, which runs from October 24 to November 22. The marigold and cosmos, which are the birthflowers for October, are additional birthday symbols.
Opal jewelry is presented to commemorate a 14th wedding anniversary while tourmaline jewelry is given to mark an eighth wedding anniversary, in addition to being a meaningful gift for an October birthday.
The word “opal” derives from the Sanskrit upala, which means “precious stone,” and the Greek opallios, which means “to see a change of hue.” The brilliant Opal gemstone is linked to creativity, inventiveness, fidelity, innocence, and hope.
Opal is essentially a silica gel that has been cemented, and over thousands of years it has been able to replace pieces of animal skeletons, plants, and wood to create opalized fossils and opalized wood. Jewelry and home dcor are made from interesting materials.
Opals bad luck?
When gemstones are utilized or valued for their mystical qualities, it is typically for their goodness or capacity to influence the best results. Opal, black diamond, and pearl are three stones that have developed a reputation over the years as being unlucky to the owner.
While we gemmologists do not subscribe to the superstitions surrounding these equally interesting gemstones, there is no denying that such tales are highly fascinating and may be helpful for crafting eerie Halloween tales.
Opals
Opals were genuinely thought to bring good fortune for a large portion of history. Opals were regarded by the Romans as one of the lucky jewels and a representation of hope. Due to its rainbow-like mix of colors, opals were thought to possess all the beneficial qualities of colored gemstones during the Middle Ages.
Despite a lengthy history of good fortune, many myths and legends connect this vibrant stone with misfortune, the “evil eye,” and even death.