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 color birthstone corresponds to 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 birthstone falls in October the most frequently?
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 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.
What birthstone has the most gorgeous gemstone?
The stones connected to our birth months have changed over time, with new meanings being attached to each. Read on to learn your birthstone’s identity, potential meaning for you, and attractiveness ranking because we’ve ranked them from top to worst.
Emerald (May)
The emerald, the birthstone for May, embodies the lush richness of spring with its rich green tint, making it the greatest birthstone of them all. Emeralds, according to folklore, are also a source of great luck and provide wearers with protection from evil. Emeralds are also perfect for the fashion-forward from an aesthetic standpoint because of their dazzling color, which scarcely fits a shrinking violet.
Amethyst (February)
Brilliant purple amethyst, a kind of crystalline quartz, is the birthstone for February newborns. This magnificent stone is the ideal match to the fiery Aquarius personality and the more subdued Pisces. It is believed to bestow wisdom, heal lungs and heart diseases, and protect against both physical toxins and poisonous ideas.
Aquamarine (March)
Unquestionably stunning are aquamarines, the light blue gemstones associated with March birthdays. Aquamarines, which are the hue of the ocean on a clear day, are symbolic of serenity of spirit and the capacity for prophecy. And individuals who wear this magnificent diamond are always trend-setters who strive to seem stylish without fitting in.
Garnet (January)
The birthstone for people born at the beginning of the year is red blood. The birthstone for January babies is a garnet, whose deep red color is inherited from the pomegranate, whose seeds garnets have a resemblance. While many gem experts believe the stone to be specifically associated with female energy and that it has healing properties, it is also frequently used as a protection stone, fending off those who could do us harm. This makes it ideal for the strong warrior within of you.
Sapphire (September)
Although it may not be as distinctive as the garnet, this dark blue birthstone is nevertheless stunning. This birthstone is the height of elegance and is linked to mental clarity and protection from negative energy. It is a common feature in royal wedding rings, like the one Princess Diana gave to Duchess Kate.
Ruby (July)
July newborns are fortunate to receive this lovely stone, which ranges in color from deep pink to red burgundy. Rubies, on the other hand, are a fantastic gift for any partner or friend born in July despite having a tendency to be a little more frequent and undoubtedly having a less vibrant colour than garnets.
Opal & Tourmaline (October)
Opal and tourmaline are two of the most unusual birthstones, making October one of the rarest months of the year for birthdays. Due to the silica specks that make up the former, in addition to having a variety of colors that range from white to black, it also reflects a rainbow of hues. The second stone is similarly magnificent; its hues range from blue to green to pink, and it is thought to encourage introspection, wisdom, and inner calm. The 100 Wow Gifts for The Person Who Has Everything also have you covered when you’re looking for the ideal gift.
Pearl and Alexandrite (June)
One of the few months with both a pearl and an alexandrite birthstone is June. Although pearls may also be found in a wide range of colors, from pink to black, the former, an opaque creation made by mollusks, is believed to signify integrity and love. Its prevalent white color also stands for purity. Similar to other gemstones, alexandrite is available in a range of hues, including pink, blue, green, gray, red, and yellow, with many stones possessing more than one color. And whereas Alexandrite is frequently believed by crystal healers to have health-promoting qualities, pearls are rarely supposed to have the powers of gemstones.
Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Blue Zircon (December)
Tanzanite, turquoise, and blue zircon are the three distinct birthstones for the month of December, making it unique among other months. The former is a lovely blue or violet stone, however it lacks the emerald’s vibrant hue. One of the most distinctive-looking gemstones, turquoise typically has its name-brand color, while it also frequently has gold, orange, and black flecks. Unsurprisingly, blue zircon also has a blue colour, though it is a little lighter than tanzanite. Furthermore, tanzanite doesn’t have a lot of mythology attached to it compared to zircon and turquoise, which are both supposed to have protective qualities and lead those who wear them to greater health, enhanced intelligence, and prosperity.
Peridot (August)
August has two main drawbacks: it’s an unbearably hot month worldwide, and its birthstone isn’t exactly fantastic. Many crystal aficionados believe that the green stone peridot, which is believed to have been one of the original jewels in Aaron’s breastplate, can reduce stress. Unfortunately, it’s not really a color that most clothing can easily match, unless it’s St. Patrick’s Day.
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.
Is a diamond a birthstone for October?
Opal and tourmaline are the two gemstones that stand for October. These two birthstone selections are renowned for having a wide range of color options.
A mineraloid, or hydrated silica, is an opal. In other words, opal contains a specific volume of water (from 6 to 20 percent ). Ethiopia and Australia are two of the principal geographical suppliers of opal. Opals come in two varieties: precious and common. Iridescence, or a play of colors, can be seen in precious opals. This gemstone can have practically any color, from the rainbow’s colors to gray and black, and it can be translucent, transparent, or opaque.
A silicate mineral called tourmaline contains crystalline boron. Concentrations of iron, aluminum, magnesium, potassium, lithium, and sodium are possible in it. Tourmalines can be found in a wide variety of colors, ranging from vivid red to colorless, because they can include combinations of all three components. In contrast to other gemstones, tourmalines exhibit the widest range of colors and color combinations. They typically originate from igneous and metamorphic rocks that are mined in Brazil and Africa. Tourmalines often form through hydrothermal activity and hot temperatures, unlike opals, which do so in low temperatures.
Both of these birthstones for October are quite well-liked and produce stunning jewelry. Although they are less expensive than diamonds and other more expensive precious stones, they can nevertheless fetch great sums.
What gemstone costs more than a diamond?
A gem’s price is often determined by its carat weight. But the cost of certain gemstones varies substantially. Beyond that, other factors that are taken into account when determining a gemstone’s value include color, clarity, cut, polish, size, demand, and treatments. More valuable jewels than diamonds can be found. Among them are alexandrite, sapphires, rubies, garnets, emeralds, and sapphires. But a specific kind of diamond is the most priceless gem ever discovered. Here, we examine the most expensive non-diamond gemstone in addition to the two categories of diamonds that currently hold the record for the most expensive gem by carat weight.