What Month Is An Opal Birthstone

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. Discover the ideal present for folks born in the tenth month by learning more about these two birthstones for October.

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What opal is the birthstone for?

Opal or tourmaline, depending on your source, is the birthstone for October. The most popular birthstone for October is opal. They are incredibly diverse rocks, changing in appearance according to the process of formation. Some jewelry uses precious opals, noted for their eye-catching iridescent colors. However, even the less spectacular common opals have a subtle beauty that makes specimen collections popular.

Opals are not considered minerals in the traditional sense, unlike the majority of other gemstones. They have an intricate lattice structure made up of many microscopic silica spheres. Because light interferes with the internal architecture of these jewels, which are renowned for their “dance of colors,” rainbow hues appear when they are moved.

In fissures and crevices in volcanic rocks that are close to the surface, opals form. Percolating groundwater dissolves silica in sedimentary volcanic ash rock, which finally crystallizes to produce the opal. Rarely does it replace fossilized wood, bones, or shells whose original material has disintegrated away.

Characteristics of opals

Opals are soft stones that can easily have their appearance changed by variations in pressure and heat. The gemstone’s appearance depends on the water content in the rock. An opal shrinks somewhat as water evaporates out of it, and the stress of the evaporation causes fissures in the stone.

Opals’ distinctive colors are caused by impurities within the rock. Tiny gas bubble inclusions are indicated by milky or pearly opals. Iron oxides are indicated by yellows and reds. Magnesium oxides and organic carbon within the stone give the magnificent black opals their color, which can occasionally show flashes of green, blue, and red. The harlequin design, which has sizable angular patches of red, yellow, and green that resemble the checks on a clown’s outfit, is possibly the most expensive opal pattern.

Australia is where most of the world’s opals are mined. It is famous for its stunning black opals in particular. Another newer supplier of opals is Ethiopia. On a lesser scale, northern Nevada is home to a large variety of opals, some of which are in the form of fossilized wood. Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Turkey, and the Czech Republic are additional commercial opal producers.

Opal lore

The Sanskrit term for opal is the source of the name “opalus, from the Latin word upala, means “precious stone.”

The fascinating iridescence of the opal was described by the ancient Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder in his book, “Precious Stones’ Natural History.

The hardest to describe of all valuable stones is opal, which exhibits at once the piercing fire of carbunculus, the purple brilliance of amethystos, and the sea-green of smaragdus, all mingled together and refulgent with an extraordinary brightness.

The history of the opal is based on an Indian myth. Adapted from Willard Heaps’ book Gemstones:

The gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva once competed over a lovely woman out of jealous love. The Eternal became enraged by this and transformed the fair mortal into a mist creature. The three gods then gave her their respective colors so that they could each distinguish her. She was endowed by Brahma with the dazzling blue of the skies, by Vishnu with the grandeur of gold, and by Shiva with his blazing red. However, it was all in vain because the exquisite phantom was carried off by the winds. Finally, the Eternal felt sorry for her and changed her into an opal, a stone that glistens in every hue of the rainbow.

Heaps also noted that opals had symbolic significance in earlier cultures. Opals were dubbed the Cupid stone by the Romans. The anchor of hope, as the Asians called it. Arabs thought that people descended from the sky. Opals were originally the talisman of thieves and spies in Poland because it was believed that wearing one would render the wearer invisible.

October birthstone: evil superstitions

An opal’s color intensity was thought to shift during the medieval era, signaling whether the wearer was healthy or ill. According to legend, the opal kept a robust heart, avoided fainting, guarded against infection, and purified odorous air. The stone continued to stand for optimism just as it has in the past.

But by the middle of the 14th century, the opal’s reputation had shifted. The Black Death raced through Europe, wiping out one-fourth of its people. The gem was thought to be the fatal factor. When worn by a victim of the fatal plague, it was bright only while the wearer was still alive. Then it would seem different and lose its brilliance. It was actually this stone’s sensitivity to temperature fluctuations that caused it to appear different as the heat of a raging fever gave way to the chill of death.

People in Elizabethan England prized opals for their beauty. It was referred to as the “queen of diamonds” by Shakespeare in Twelfth Night. Opals gained popularity because Queen Victoria cherished them and gave them to her children. However, the stone’s reputation remained tainted, largely as a result of Sir Walter Scott’s 1829 book Anne of Geierstein, which portrayed it as a stone of evil.

Opals have always played a role in Australian Aboriginal cultures. In one tale from the Dreamtime, a pelican was sleeping amid a spectacular display of hues. A spark that was released when he picked at the colored stones set the dry grass on fire. His people were able to prepare fish and meat for the first time as the fire spread to them.

Tourmaline, an alternate October birthstone

Tourmaline, which displays the widest range of gemstone hues, is the alternate birthstone for October. Gem-quality varieties of this material have previously been mistaken for sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. In actuality, it was long believed that a famous tourmaline, about the size of a pigeon’s egg, belonged to the Russian monarch Catherine the Great.

Toramalli, a phrase used to describe bright stones in Singhalese (Sri Lankan), is said to be the source of the name of this gemstone.

Tourmaline characteristics

A complex silicate mineral that contains boron, tourmaline can also contain other elements like iron, aluminum, magnesium, sodium, and lithium. They are available in a wide range of hues, including yellow, green, red, blue, pink, brown, and black. The colors of gemstones are caused by metals that are part of the crystal structure. Manganese, for instance, is responsible for the color pink. While magnesium provides browns and yellows, iron produces colors that range from black to deep brown. Lithium-rich tourmalines can generate a range of hues, including blues, greens, and reds. Even some crystals have the ability to be bicolored. The watermelon tourmaline variant features a pink or light red inside and green outer margins that change to a translucent white zone.

Tourmalines are attracted to tiny pieces of paper, lint, and ash when heated or rubbed. The gem acquires a static electrical charge as a result. Benjamin Franklin actually used this gem in his research on electricity. Tourmaline exhibits in museums need to be cleaned frequently because the heat from the display case’s lights charges the gemstone, which attracts dust.

Tourmalines were only recently discovered compared to other gemstones. As a result, it lacks the extensive history that many other precious stones have. However, some consider tourmaline to be the “peace stone,” dispelling fear and calming the wearer.

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

An opal ring is what month?

When given in honor of a loved one’s birthday, there’s something about gemstone jewelry that makes the present more meaningful. The jewelry’s owner receives something that captures their spirit from the particular gemstone associated with their month’s birthstone. What better way to commemorate a birthday in October than with gemstone jewelry that embodies the absolute best of the stone? Let us introduce you to the opal, which is the birthstone for October.

Opal is thought to control Venus’ energies, which are seen as being sympathetic. Librans who were born in October (between October 1 and October 22) are believed to be fair-minded, calm, intelligent, and social because Venus is the planet that rules this Air sign.

Scorpios are renowned for their obstinacy, whilst Libras are renowned for their tranquility. Scorpions are people who were born between October 23 and October 31. This Water sign is seen as being sincere, courageous, and passionate. Pluto and Mars dominate it.

Your October-born loved one will adore their Opal gemstone jewelry present, whether they are a Libra or a Scorpio. Scorpions will find the Opal gemstone to connect with their passionately passionate nature, much as Libras are known for being drawn to all things beautiful (including jewelry, paintings, music, books, and more).

Speaking of nature, did you know that there is a myth claiming that the birthstone for October arrived on earth via a rainbow?

The Kaleidoscopic Gemstone

The vivid legends surrounding the Opal gemstone’s beginnings are almost as numerous as the gemstone itself.

The indigenous people of Australia thought that the creator descended to earth on a rainbow and left these vibrant diamonds where his feet touched the land. Opals are said to have fallen from the skies as lightning bolts in Arabic traditions. In the Middle Ages, people believed that an opal had all of the properties of the gemstones that were imitated in its brilliance.

Opals have been associated with good luck for thousands of years, despite more recent superstitions that claim they are bad luck for anyone who wasn’t born in October. It is also regarded as an emotive stone that can capture the wearer’s state of mind. Some people think an opal may foster independence and freedom, inspire creativity, and awaken cosmic consciousness.

Rare Fossils from the Australian Outback

The name “opal” comes from the Greek “opallios,” which means “to observe a shift on hue.” Australia is considered to be the traditional country of origin for opals. Since the first opal was discovered in this country in 1850, it has provided 95% of the opals in the globe. Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Ethiopia, the Czech Republic, and even here in the United States are some countries that mine opal (particularly Nevada and Idaho).

Seasonal rains in Australia’s outback carry silica deposits underground into fractures between rock strata. Once these rains have dried up, the silica deposits turn into opals. Oddly enough, silica may leak into crevices surrounding wood, skeletons, and seashells to create opalized fossils.

A wide range of stones are available in opals, which diffract light to display a play of many colors. In the 1960s, scientists provided an explanation for the Opal gemstone’s kaleidoscopic property. These “precious Opals” are made up of microscopic silica spheres that scatter light in the most spectacular array of hues and tones. Opals lacking this color contrast are referred to as “ordinary Opals.” Despite the presence of several Opal types, only a small number have gained worldwide recognition. Known varieties of opal include Boulder, Crystal, White, Black, and Fire varieties.

Opals are evaluated using the same criteria as diamonds (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight), but their patterns are also particularly valued. Examples of these patterns include stained glass, rolling fire, Chinese lettering, and peacocks.

The most significant indicator of opal quality is probably color. The background color, or “body color,” and the flashing color seen when light hits the gemstone, or “play of color,” are the two aspects of color that are measured. The play of colors in an opal is measured on a brightness scale of 1 to 5, with 1 denoting “faint” and 5 denoting “brilliant.” Black opal is preferred over milky white opal in terms of value because darker backgrounds enable more contrast when there is intense play of color.

Opal is not only the gemstone connected with the 34th wedding anniversary, but it also makes the ideal gift for someone born in October! Opals add brightness to the wearer’s world, whether you’re singing Happy Birthday or meditating on 34 years well-lived.

What are each month’s two birthstones?

Those who were fortunate enough to be born in June, August, October, November, or December each had twice as many alternatives as the rest of the population.

June: Alexandrite and Pearl.

Peridot & Spinel for August.
Opal and tourmaline for October.
Yellow Topaz for November.

Zircon, Tanzanite, turquoise, and blue topaz for December.

Who ought to wear an opal?

A extremely appealing milky white stone is the opal stone. Because of its elegance and “play of color” (fire) impact, opal has unexpectedly gained a lot of popularity and desire. Opal is prized for both its unparalleled beauty and astrological significance.

What is the ‘play of color’ (fire) effect in opal?

Because of the spaces between the silica spheres inside the opal, light that enters it causes a color play. Light is forced to bend as it travels through the opening, and this bending effect divides the light into the many colors of the spectrum.

What planet is associated with Opal?

According to Indian Vedic astrology, the opal is the astrological gemstone for the Venus (Shukra) planet. Venus represents wealth, extravagance, love, marriage, and materialistic ambitions. Opal is a powerful astrological gemstone for Venus (Shukra) Planet when combined with diamond. It enhances the wearer’s social standing, physical health, and financial wealth.

Who should wear Opal?

For those whose horoscopes contain the Mahadasha or Antardasha of Venus (Shukra), opal is highly advised. According to Indian astrology, the Tula (Libra) and Vrishabha (Taurus) rashis are given Opal ratna. Opal is the suggested birthstone for the Libra zodiac sign in Western astrology. The ascendants of Capricorn, Aquarius, Gemini, and Virgo can also wear an opal gem.

What are the benefits of Opal?

The most popular astrological gem for Venus is the opal (Shukra). Healthy relationships, a greater capacity for creativity, more luxury, and personal refinement are all advantages of opal. Venus also represents the general health and happiness of women. Opal is worn to encourage a couple’s love, harmony, and understanding as well as to resolve any marital problems. Opal is used to retain social status and a lavish lifestyle in addition to improving financial circumstances. Opal is thought to be very helpful for people who are struggling with creative blocks, a lack of inspiration, and life insecurities because it is connected to the planet of creativity and innovation. Astrologers firmly believe that wearing white opal aids in boosting artistic expression and bringing creative energies into alignment for improved results.

What colour Opal is preferred for astrological purposes?

The best white opal for astrological purposes is one with vivid, brilliant fire. Other colors of opal include pink, green, orange, blue, and black, among others. As they exhibit a wonderful play of color above a dark background, gemstones with dark body colors like black, blue, and green are equally appreciated. These premium opals are utilized in high-end fashion jewelry but are not recommended for astrological purposes. Surface fissures and significant black inclusions/spots are not acceptable in astrological opal.

Which country produces the best quality Opal?

The level of color “fire” play in an opal determines its quality as a gemstone. Australian opals are of the highest caliber and are quite expensive.

What is the price of Opal?

Price per carat for opals ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 7,000. The amount and pattern of the rainbow hues on the surface of the opal, as well as its quality, determine its price.

How to wear an Opal ring as per astrology?

Silver or any other white metal alloy, such as white gold and platinum, should be used to set opals. On Friday, an opal should be placed on the index finger. For maximum performance, opal needs to be properly energized, activated, and cleansed.

What do opals represent?

Color, Meaning, and Folklore of Opals. 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!