- The largest and most valuable opal in the world was discovered in Coober Pedy, Australia, in 1956. In homage of the Melbourne Games that were taking place at the time, it is called “Olympic Australis.” Over $2.5 million is the estimated worth of the 17,000 carat gemstone.
- As opal was discovered by NASA in 2008 in a meteorite that had fallen nearly a century earlier, opal deposits have been detected on Mars.
- Opals were a passion of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Opal was her preferred royal gemstone out of all of them.
- The Chinese placed a high value on tourmaline; as a result, when the Chinese government fell in 1912, the trade in tourmaline was negatively impacted.
In This Article...
Is the birthstone for October unusual?
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. On the planet Mars, opal deposits were discovered!
- The priceless Australian birthstone for October accounts for over 95% of global production. 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. From pendants to earrings, these distinctive gemstones offer a variety of jewelry alternatives.
Is October Birthstone Opal or Pink?
Pink tourmaline and opal 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. Each opal is uniquely unique, more so than any other stone. 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. Because it frequently has several hues in a single crystal, the term derives 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?
Visit Joseph’s Jewelry to purchase October birthstone rings. For this month of birthdays, we have some beautiful 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 Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
- Pink Created Zircon and Diamond Halo Drop Necklace in 14K White Gold
Why do October have two birthstones?
Opal is thought to possess magical properties by 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 is thought to represent all the virtues and powers connected with colorful stones, according to Europeans, who have long held the belief that it represents optimism, purity, and truth.
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 quite cautious when cleaning those opals, also known as doublets and triplets.
On the Mohs scale of hardness, opal falls between 5 and 6.5. Opal should be stored by itself to prevent damage from jewelry containing 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. The safest approach to clean your opal jewelry yourself, in our opinion, is with warm, soapy water, says Southern California-based bespoke jeweler Shmukler Design.
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).
Tourmaline’s vibrant, dramatic colors 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 to the wide range of color variations, many ancient societies thought tourmaline 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. With warm, soapy water and a soft brush, we think the best way to clean tourmaline is. We advise against using steam and ultrasonic cleaners on tourmaline.
What birthstone is the most uncommon?
All gemstones, especially expensive gemstones, are thought to be relatively rare, yet some birthstones are more common than others. Although some highly expensive stones are not that rare, and vice versa, price tags can be deceiving when it comes to rarity. For instance, although expensive, April’s diamond is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. Speaking of alexandrite, it is now the most expensive and rarest gemstone on the list of birthstones. Additionally extremely rare, black opals are.
An intriguing technique to select jewelry is by birthstone. They enable people to investigate jewels that they might otherwise avoid. However, birthstones are not always what people think they are, so make sure you are buying birthstone jewelry for the right reasons while making your selection.
Is opal pricey?
One of the most important factors in opal pricing is body tone. It speaks about the opal’s underlying shade (background color). Black, dark, and light are all possible body tones. 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. The price range for dark opals given above does not include high-quality black opals, which are much more expensive.
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.
Is opal a priceless gem?
A pearl, an opal, or a piece of jade may occasionally be classed as a precious stone, but more frequently they are classified as semi-precious. These four precious stones have historically been the most expensive and sought-after gems.
What is the price of an opal?
Opal is thought to be an Australian mineral with the highest value. Australian opal is priced between $106,000 and $10,000 per carat, with excellent black opals occasionally reaching $10,000 per carat. Price points for fire Mexican opals start at $7300 per carat. Opals from Ethiopia are likewise highly pricey.
Where to Buy Real Opal Stones?
Visit some neighborhood shops close to the opal deposit for the highest chance of finding actual opal. The opportunity to purchase rough opal at the greatest price is now. Opals should be purchased from businesses that exclusively sell opals and no other gemstones. Request a certification. It will keep you from purchasing imitations.
TIP: Opals can be very pricey. Other jewels, however, are incredibly affordable. In the article that follows, you can learn why.
Which opal shade has the highest value?
The most gorgeous precious stone is the opal. From the darkest, clearest blues and greens to shimmering golden orange, through delicate pink and violet to rich turquoise, striking vermilion, carmine, and fuchsia – every color imaginable – it boasts every color of the visible spectrum.
Any or all of these colors may be present in an opal. They are arranged in beautiful patterns with names like rolling flash, harlequin, pinfire, Chinese script, flower garden, and mackerel sky. Gem opal is incredibly uncommon, much as other good things.
The harsh Australian outback is where most of the precious opal in the world is mined. Here, a special set of geological factors allowed opal to form close to the edges of an ancient inland sea. The best and most abundant opal in the world is thought to originate from Australia. Opal was designated as Australia’s National Gemstone in 1994.
Colour and Formation
Small silicon dioxide spheres that can only be seen under an electron microscope make up opal.
The tiny spheres of silica dioxide are consistent in size and arranged in orderly rows and layers to form exquisite opal, which is the name given to opal with spectral colors or “play of color.” This arrangement produces lattices that divide white light into its spectrum’s various colors. The smallest spheres create violet-colored opal, and the largest, red, as the size of the spheres increases from violet to red.
Opal is classified as common or potch since the vast majority of it lacks color play. Common opal can also be found in other colors but is commonly grey, black, white, or amber in color. There are microscopic silica dioxide balls in common opal, however they are asymmetrical in terms of size, form, and/or placement.
Opals are created when dissolved silica-containing water seeps into cracks and crevices in rock or clay. As the water slowly dries out, silicon dioxide tiny spheres start to form. Opal creation requires a very particular pH and other chemical environment, which only occasionally occurs in nature.
Cost and Rarity
Like rubies, emeralds, or diamonds, opal is a priceless gemstone. Opal is expensive to prospect for and mine because it is so rare. Numerous miners can toil for months, using pricey equipment and tens of thousands of dollars in gasoline, only to come across one or possibly a few good opals. Opal of great quality is very expensive and actually deserves to be valued far higher than it is!
Though not all opal is pricey, keep in mind that there is an opal for any budget. You can buy an opal if you can afford to buy a phone, a car, or even a cheeseburger.
One of the most prevalent minerals on the earth is silica, although exquisite opal is much rarer than diamonds. Due to the infrequent occurrence of the natural processes that produce precious opal, it is rare.
Common opal without gem color makes up the majority (at least 95 percent) of the opal that miners find. We refer to it as potch in Australia. It might be amber, white, grey, or black in color. Even when a miner discovers opal that is gem-colored, the majority of material is too thin or sandy to be cut into gemstones.
Types of Opals
The most uncommon and expensive variety of opal is black opal, which has what is referred as as a black (or dark) body tone. Every color of the rainbow is present in black opals. The colors on the opal’s face appear rich and strong due to their dark body tones.
How dark is an opal if the color is ignored? Black opals are described as being black or nearly black. Dark opal is opal that has a dark body tone that is not black.
Opal with a light body tone is known as light opal. Precious light opal’s colors have a lovely, pastel-like appearance. Opal that is the lightest of all opals is sometimes referred to as white or milky opal.
If you hold a piece of crystal opal up to the light, some light will flow through it. It lacks the crystalline structure of diamond or amethyst. It is simply termed “crystal” because of how transparent it is, similar to crystalline materials like glass or rock crystal.
Australian crystal opal’s body has a warm orange hue when illuminated by light coming through from behind.
Even while crystal opal often has a light body tone, it can occasionally be as dark as black opal. It is known as Black Crystal in that situation.
Opal that has been naturally backed by host rock is known as boulder opal. The most well-known boulder opal comes from Western Queensland, where it grows in voids inside ironstone, a brown-colored rock rich in iron.
On dark ironstone, the opal appears rich in color and dark in body tone, much like black opal. Opal can occasionally be found scattered throughout the ironstone in slender, asymmetrical veins. Boulder matrix is what this is.
Boulder opal country also generates thicker “pipes” of crystal opal, which are formed when the opal fills cylindrical tunnels made by tree roots, fallen branches, or burrowing invertebrate animals.
Potch is identical to opal; it contains small spheres of silicon dioxide as a mineral. The main distinction between the two is that while in potch the tiny spheres are dispersed, in valuable opal they are all evenly distributed and piled like oranges in a crate.
Indigenous connection
Yes, there is no doubt that the first people to discover opal were the Aboriginal people, and there are Dreamtime stories that describe how opal was made.
Opal mining afforded Aboriginal people the chance to make a respectable livelihood in contemporary Lightning Ridge at a period when doing so was very challenging elsewhere. In Lightning Ridge, there are numerous prosperous Aboriginal mining families.
Valuing Opal
A weight unit known as a carat, which is used to measure weight, serves as the basic unit of valuation for all gemstones. (5/100 of a gram is one carat).
A number of variables affect how much opal costs per carat, including:
- Brightness: best when it’s brightest
- Purple is the most prevalent color, followed by blue, green, then orange, gold, and finally red, which is the most uncommon and consequently the most valuable.
- Chinese Writing and Harlequin are two patterns that are more uncommon than Pinfire.
- Body tone: If you disregard the color of the opal, the body tone is its level of blackness; all other things being equal, the darker the body tone, the rarer and thus more precious the opal.
- Consistency: An opal is considered more highly if it seems brilliant and lovely from all angles rather than brilliant in one position but dull in another.
Other concerns include flaws like sand or potch appearing on the opal’s face.
In general, a valuable opal is valued higher when it possesses a rarer mix of characteristics. Like fine jewelry, fine wine, and fine art, the final cost may vary depending on the buyer’s preferences and the state of the market.
What birthstone has the best omens?
It is regarded as a gemstone that stimulates imagination and creativity. Some people believe that wearing an opal brings bad luck to anyone born in a different month. But that specific superstition originates from a novel from the 1800s (Sir Walter Scott’s Anne of Geierstein), not from any old beliefs or experiences. Because it may display all colors, opal has actually been considered throughout the majority of history as the luckiest and most mystical of all jewels.
Which stone is the most valuable?
World’s Top 15 Most Expensive Gemstones
- Per carat, a blue diamond costs $3.93 million.
- $3 million per carat for jadeite.
- A carat of pink diamond costs $1.19 million.
- $1,000,000 per carat for red diamonds.
- $305,000 for an emerald carat.
- $35,000 per carat for taaffeite.
- $20k per carat for grandidierite.
- A carat of serendibite costs $18,000.