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.
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Is opal or pink the birthstone for October?
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
What actual birthstone does October have?
birthstone for October. Opal and tourmaline are two magnificent birthstones that are used to mark the birthdays of those born in October. Both birthstones for October feature stunning hue and countless color combinations.
What shade is the birthstone opal?
Opal is largely an Australian product, and it can diffract light due to its distinctive interior structure. The refracted light can appear in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, magenta, gray, olive, and even black, while the stone itself can range in color from clear to white.
Why do October have two birthstones?
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 color was October born under?
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.
Why is tourmaline pink in October?
The Sinhalese word “toramalli,” which means “stone with mixed colors,” is where the name “tourmaline” originates. This is due to the fact that many tourmaline gems have numerous colors within a single crystal formation, and some of them can also appear to have varied shades depending on the angle from which they are seen. The “watermelon tourmaline with red and green stripes” is among the best-known examples of this. Tourmalines actually have a far wider range of colors than most other gem kinds. Tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors because, according to an old Egyptian myth, a stone went through a rainbow and collected all of its colors. Emerald green, crimson rubellites, and pink tourmaline, the birthstone for October, are some of the most well-liked tourmaline hues. It is thought that tourmalines encourage artistic expression due to their wide range of colors.
Tourmalines have historically been confused for other gemstones a lot due of their variety of colors. In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors mistakenly identified green tourmalines in Brazil as emeralds. One of the “rubies” in the Russian crown jewels’ “Caesar’s Ruby” pendant is actually a red rubellite tourmaline. These and other well-known gems weren’t reclassified as tourmalines until scientists realized that they were a distinct mineral species in the 1800s.
Different tourmaline colors are thought to offer various therapeutic qualities or abilities. The qualities of kindness, compassion, joy, and love are connected to pink tourmaline. Tourmaline is not just the eighth anniversary present but also one of the October birthstones.
Tourmaline Jewelry Cleaning and Care Tips
The birthstone for August is tourmaline, which is generally regarded as acceptable for everyday use because it is rated 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This birthstone for October can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a delicate brush. The best cleaning tool for tourmalines and many other gemstones at home is a baby toothbrush! Although tourmalines can tolerate light and the majority of chemicals, excessive heat can harm these vibrant stones. Due to this, tourmalines should not be cleaned using an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
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.
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!
Opals are they pricey?
One of the most important factors in opal pricing is body tone. It speaks about the opal’s underlying shade (background color). Body colors range from dark to light to black. Because they tend to display colors considerably more vividly, black and dark body tones are typically the most desirable.
Price per carat for dark opals can range from $30 to $1,500. However, due to rarity, the price per carat increases noticeably as the size of the opal increases, such as in the 510 carat range. Black opals of the highest caliber are extremely rare and will cost considerably more than the aforementioned price range for dark opals.
White opals normally cost $20 to $200, although their price can rise significantly depending on the quality and size of the stone.
Fire opals can sell for a very high price. The price per carat for premium fire opals can range from $50 to $10,000. It is based on the degree of transparency and the intensity of the color play.
Overall, there is a wide range of pricing, just like with all precious and semi-precious gemstones. You must take into account the opal’s type, body tone, brilliance, color pattern, color bar thickness, play of color, and any faults it may have when evaluating opals. In addition, consider the size of the opal and the quality of the cut and polish.
White opal is what color?
What fundamental differences exist between these two types of gemstones, then? Let’s put it this way: there is a significant difference in hue between the two stones that would be immediately apparent if you held them side by side in your hands.
The Color of White Opal
The body tone of white opal, commonly referred to as light opal, is a milky, cream tint. White opal’s precise body color belongs to the N8 or N9 range. Like many gorgeous opal varieties, white opal has vivid color flecks, particularly in the blue, yellow, and green range. White opals, however, vary in color grading, so they don’t all have the same appearance. among the varieties of white opal are
Opal from Mintabie: A milky white body tone with large flecks of pink, yellow, green, and blue.
Andamooka Opal: These precious stones contain fiery-colored patterns that are so vivid they resemble polka dots.
Opal from Coober Pedy makes up 80% of all Australian opal production, and you may discover a variety of milky-colored white opal there.
The Colors of Ethiopian Opal
There are numerous varieties of opal from Ethiopia, just like white opal. The main distinction, though, is that Ethiopian opal is available in a wide range of bright colors rather than just one body tone. Examples of Ethiopian variations include:
Fire opal: All types of Ethiopian opal exhibit a vibrant, eye-catching burst of flaming color. The body tone, which can be seen through the vibrant colors, can range from black to blue to orange to even white opal.
Contrary to white opal, dark opal from Ethiopia has a body tone that has been dyed black, with blazing swirls of red, green, and yellow dancing above.
The Wollo Province is one of the major producers of Ethiopian opal, and Welo opal has a striking color play and is a vivid orange-reddish colour.
Let’s now look at other characteristics that distinguish white opal from Ethiopian opal in addition to color. To accomplish this, we must comprehend each opal’s history and place of origin better.