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.
In This Article...
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 is October the only month with 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 was October’s traditional birthstone originally?
Gemstones called opals are prized for their rainbow-colored sparkle. The Latin word upala, which means “precious stone,” is where the name opal originates. The majority of opal is older than 50 million years and was once silica. The stone emits flashes of color from within when it is moved and exposed to light. The stone exhibits hues of blue, green, aqua, and occasionally yellow and red.
What shade is the birthstone for 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.
What color birthstone corresponds to Scorpio?
A piece of Scorpio birthstone jewelry might be a better alternative. Lucky Scorpio has a wide selection of birthstones to pick from, so this star sign is inundated with options!
Opal or tourmaline are the two lovely birthstones available for Scorpio. Both have unique meanings, and our collection of jewelry with the birthstone for October offers countless variations of each.
Citrine and topaz are the two birthstones for Scorpio for November. Citrine, the birthstone for Scorpio, is recognized for its vivid orange tones, whereas topaz is more frequently seen in a range of blue hues.
Are citrine and topaz the same thing?
Topaz and citrine, which belong to the quartz family, are separate mineral species. Not quartz, although the silicate mineral family includes topaz. Before these distinctions were understood, many cultures misidentified citrine, a yellow type of quartz, by calling it various names like gold topaz, Madeira topaz, or Spanish topaz, which added to the confusion.
What gemstone is associated with October 27?
Tourmaline and opal are the birthstones for October. Due to its wide range of exquisite colors, tourmaline is a favorite gemstone of many. Opal gemstones are absolutely one-of-a-kind because each one is embellished with a special color combination.
The pink birthstone for October, why?
Red and pink tourmalines have previously been mistaken for rubies. The characteristics of pink tourmalines that make them stand out the most are electrifying. They produce a positive charge on one side and a negative charge on the other when heated. This indicates that they have the ability to draw in additional atoms. These characteristics were prized by alchemists because they thought the tourmaline was closely related to the philosopher’s stone, an item that could bring about enlightenment.
What does a pink tourmaline symbolize? The heart chakra and the color pink tourmaline are closely connected. The stone stands for emotional healing and love.
The birthstone for the month of October is also opal. The term “opal” has a Greek source that means “to observe a change in color.” The opal stone’s ability to display a rainbow of hues is how it got its name. Although it is considered lucky to wear the diamond, some superstitious people think that if you were not born in October, the luck is reversed.
What do opals stand for? Opal is a symbol of assurance and loyalty. Wearing the stones will guard your vision and ward off evil.
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). 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.