What’s October’s 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.

Why do October have two birthstones?

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 shade is the gemstone for October?

Pink tourmaline is the birthstone for October and is available in a variety of colors, more than any other gemstone. The pink tourmaline, the rarest of the tourmaline gems, receives its color from manganese and other elements found in the crystal structure. Previously, each color of tourmaline had its distinct name, but today all of the colors are referred to as tourmaline with the stone’s solar in front of the name. A yellow tourmaline with dull clarity and an ordinary cut sells for $50 per carat, whereas a prized and rare Paraiba Tourmaline costs $10,000.

Which is superior, opal or tourmaline?

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.

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 does the opal 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!

What gemstone symbolizes each month’s birth?

What stones represent each month’s birth? Garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, alexandrite, ruby, peridot, sapphire, tourmaline, topaz, and blue topaz are the gemstones associated with the months of January through December. Find out more about these well-known gemstones.

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.

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.

Are there two birthstones for each month?

Although each month has a single birthstone traditionally, certain months have numerous birthstones. This fact does cause some confusion, but the variety of possibilities for some months was developed to give customers a choice of less expensive selections in addition to the more typical, pricey stones.

The location of my birthstone.

A birthstone is simply a gemstone that is linked to a person’s date of birth. Wearing a birthstone is thought to bring luck and good health. Depending on their connection to the planets, several gemstones are thought to possess supernatural abilities. Many societies used to associate a particular gemstone with births occurring during each sign of the zodiac, but throughout time, this custom was changed to correspond with calendar months.

Birthstones have their origins in ancient astrology, and over time, several different lists of birthstones have been employed. The one that is most widely used now is based on a list that the US jewelry industry initially made public in the 1950s.

According to calendar months, birthstones are categorized as follows:

January BirthstoneGarnet

This stone is thought to protect its wearer from harm. A garnet also represents unwavering loyalty and friendship. This stone has a long history of being connected to blood purification and is thought to ward off food poisoning, snake bites, and hemorrhaging.

March BirthstoneAquamarine

This gemstone was thought to protect seafarers and ensure a safe journey. The calming hue of aquamarine is thought to soothe the temper, enabling the wearer to maintain composure and objectivity. Additionally, it is thought that this stone delays the effects of aging.

May BirthstoneEmerald

This stone symbolizes rebirth, and those who wear it are said to receive wisdom, luck, and youth. Some people think that wearing an emerald will grant them patience, progress, and wisdom. Furthermore, it is renowned for its capacity to convey deep love.

July BirthstoneRuby

Rubies are thought to ensure health, intelligence, fortune, and success in love. They also excite the senses and the imagination. Ruby is thought to make the wearer intelligent and provide protection from all kinds of misfortunes.

August BirthstonePeridot

According to legend, peridot possesses magical abilities and healing qualities that can ward off nightmares and grant the wearer strength, influence, and a happy year. Additionally, this diamond was worn to ward off evil spirits.

September BirthstoneSapphire

The wearer of sapphire and their loved ones are shielded from harm and enmity. Priests in antiquity thought sapphires were able to foretell the future. The gem is linked to contentment and calm.

October BirthstoneOpal

Through the ages, opal has stood for optimism, innocence, and purity. It was said that wearing it would improve the wearer’s vision. Additionally, it was believed to drive away evil spirits and to favor kids, entertainment, friendships, and emotions.

November BirthstoneCitrine

The wearer’s hope, enthusiasm, and warmth are supposed to be encouraged and guided by this golden gemstone, which is also said to boost vitality and health. Citrines have also been employed as a talisman against the plague, bad skin, and evil thoughts, as well as an antidote for snake poison. They are thought to facilitate digestion and help the body get rid of impurities.

December BirthstoneTurquoise

This gemstone is said to bring happiness and luck to the wearer. Turquoise was a hue that Native Americans connected to the blue sky and the green ground.

Which stone is ideal for October?

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.