October Birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline | Color, Meaning & History
October is a special month for all the individuals who were born in this month. This is because their birthstones are none other than the gorgeous and spectacular Opal and Tourmaline. Both of these precious stones have unique colors, meanings, and histories that make them highly coveted among gemstone enthusiasts and collectors alike. So, let’s delve into the world of October birthstones and understand more about them.
What are the Meanings Of October Birthstones?
Opal and Tourmaline are known to have different meanings associated with them.
The Opal stone symbolizes hope, innocence, and purity. It is believed to have the power to heal depression and encourage positivity. It is also known to bring good luck, love, and happiness to those who wear it.
On the other hand, Tourmaline is associated with calmness and serenity. It is believed to give a relaxing effect on the mind and body. It is also known to promote self-confidence and creativity.
Aside from their symbolic meanings, Opal and Tourmaline also have interesting physical properties. Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, which means it doesn’t have a crystalline structure. It is also known for its unique play of color, where it displays a rainbow-like effect when viewed from different angles. Tourmaline, on the other hand, is a crystalline boron silicate mineral that comes in a variety of colors. It is also known for its ability to become electrically charged when heated or rubbed, making it useful in various industries such as electronics and jewelry-making.
October Birthstone Colors
The colors of October birthstones are simply breathtaking. The Opal stone has a unique color play, which is often described as a firework of colors. It is a stone that exhibits all colors of the rainbow, which gives it its iridescent quality. It can have a white or transparent base with blue, green, red or yellow flashes in the center.
On the other hand, Tourmaline stone comes in a variety of colors such as green, black, pink, watermelon, and blue. Some Tourmaline stones can exhibit more than one color, which is called bi-color or even tri-color Tourmalines.
Opal is a stone that has been revered for centuries for its beauty and mystical properties. It is believed to enhance creativity, imagination, and intuition. Opal is also said to have healing properties and can help with eye and skin problems.
Tourmaline, on the other hand, is a stone that is believed to have grounding and protective properties. It is said to help with anxiety and stress and can promote a sense of calm and balance. Tourmaline is also believed to have physical healing properties and can help with issues related to the nervous system and the immune system.
What are October Birthstones?
Opal and Tourmaline are the official birthstones of the beloved month of October. If you’re an October baby, you’re lucky enough to have not one, but two birthstones to choose from. Both of these stones are unique in their own way with meanings and histories that go back centuries.
Opal is a gemstone that is known for its iridescent play of colors, which can include flashes of blue, green, and pink. It is believed to symbolize hope, purity, and innocence. Tourmaline, on the other hand, comes in a variety of colors, including pink, green, and blue. It is said to promote self-confidence, creativity, and balance. Both of these stones have been used for centuries in jewelry and other decorative items, and they continue to be popular choices for those born in October.
Opal Stone
Opal stone is a hydrated amorphous form of silica that is made up of microscopic silica spheres, which reflect the light and create a stunning rainbow effect. It is considered a delicate stone, meaning that it needs to be handled with care to avoid any damage. Opals are often found as small deposits in sedimentary rock formations and volcanic ash beds.
Opals are believed to have healing properties and are often used in alternative medicine. They are said to promote emotional stability, enhance creativity, and improve relationships. Opals are also used in jewelry making and are a popular choice for engagement rings due to their unique beauty and symbolism of love and commitment.
Tourmaline Stone
Tourmaline stone is a complex stone that is composed of boron, aluminum, and silicon. It is a mineral that exhibits a wide range of colors, from black to green to pink. In fact, it is one of the few gemstones that exhibits a wide range of colors. Tourmalines can be found all over the world, but the majority of them are mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
Tourmaline is a popular stone in the jewelry industry due to its unique color variations and durability. It is often used in engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets. The stone is also believed to have healing properties, such as promoting healthy blood circulation and reducing stress and anxiety.
There are several types of tourmaline, including schorl, dravite, and elbaite. Schorl is the most common type and is usually black or dark brown in color. Dravite is brown and is often found in Australia and Sri Lanka. Elbaite is the most colorful type and can be found in a variety of colors, including pink, green, and blue.
Where Is The Opal Found?
Opals are mostly found in Australia, which is known for producing around 95% of the world’s supply of this precious stone. Other countries that mine Opals include Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia, and the United States. A large deposit of high-quality Opals was discovered in Ethiopia in 2008, which many experts believe could rival Australian Opals in quality and beauty.
Apart from the countries mentioned above, Opals are also found in other parts of the world such as Slovakia, Hungary, Indonesia, and Honduras. In Slovakia, Opals are found in the volcanic rocks of the Gemer region, while in Hungary, they are found in the Tokaj Mountains.
Opals are also found in different types of rocks such as sandstone, basalt, and rhyolite. In Australia, Opals are mostly found in sedimentary rocks that are millions of years old. The Opal deposits in Australia are believed to have formed from the weathering and erosion of ancient rocks that contained silica-rich solutions.
Where Is The Tourmaline Found?
Tourmaline is mined in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia, and the United States. However, some of the most beautiful and rare Tourmalines are found in Nigeria and Madagascar.
In Nigeria, Tourmaline is found in the Jos Plateau region, which is known for producing some of the finest quality Tourmalines in the world. The colors of Nigerian Tourmalines range from pink to green, with some rare blue and yellow specimens also found. Madagascar is another important source of Tourmaline, with deposits found in the southern part of the country. The Tourmalines from Madagascar are known for their vivid colors, including bright pinks, greens, and blues.
Opal Care And Cleaning
Opal is considered a delicate stone and requires proper care to maintain its natural beauty and luster. It is recommended to clean Opals with a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the stone. It is also best to store Opals away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight to avoid any cracking or discoloration.
When wearing Opals, it is important to avoid any activities that may cause physical damage to the stone, such as sports or heavy manual labor. Opals are also sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, so it is best to avoid wearing them in hot tubs or saunas.
If you notice any scratches or damage to your Opal, it is recommended to take it to a professional jeweler for repair. They can assess the damage and determine the best course of action to restore the stone to its original beauty.
Tourmaline Care And Cleaning
Tourmalines are relatively hard and durable, but care should still be taken to avoid scratching or chipping the stone. It is recommended to clean Tourmalines with a soft cloth and mild detergent, avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures or sudden changes in temperature. As with Opals, it is best to store Tourmalines away from direct sunlight and heat.
Conclusion
Opal and Tourmaline are two of the most beautiful and unique birthstones that October babies can choose from. They are not only visually stunning, but also hold deep meanings and histories that make them truly special. Whether you prefer the rainbow colors of Opal or the calming effect of Tourmaline, both of these gemstones are guaranteed to leave you in awe.
