Opal is the birthstone associated with luck and fortune. Opals represent strength and are believed to bring luck to the wearer.
Opals are said to have fallen from the sky during lightning storms according to Arabic folklore, whereas Australian aborigines believed the creator came to earth in a rainbow and gave opals as a bright gift.
Pliny, a Roman academic who lived in the first century B.C., realized that opals may reflect the colors of any gem and compared them to volcanoes and vibrant paintings. Opals were regarded to have great power and luck during the Middle Ages because of their vivid reflected characteristics.
Opals have a long history of being associated with prosperity and fortune, especially for people born in the month of October.
In This Article...
Opal Color
Opals are a white or black birthstone that may exhibit a spectrum of hues. The kaleidoscopic character that emits a rainbow of hues is the opal’s most distinctive feature. The essential ingredient in opal composition, microscopic silica, diffracts light in a way that produces this vibrant show. Microscopic silica is present in opals, which are what are known as “Usually found in Australia, precious opals. Opals that lose this specific property are regarded as “ordinary opals
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
Opal is it a unique birthstone?
Based on its capacity to create the play-of-colors effect when exposed to white light, it is available in two varieties: valuable and common. The opal birthstone is still a coveted and cherished present, even though it isn’t as rare as it was before the discovery of abundant mines in Australia.
What shade of blue is opal?
Blue Opal has a wisteria undertone and is a gentle, subdued blueberry blue-purple. It is the ideal paint color for a contemporary interior, a room used for meditation, a bedroom, or a powder room.
White opal is what color?
What fundamental differences exist between these two types of gemstones, then? Let’s put it this way: there is a significant difference in hue between the two stones that would be immediately apparent if you held them side by side in your hands.
The Color of White Opal
The body tone of white opal, commonly referred to as light opal, is a milky, cream tint. White opal’s precise body color belongs to the N8 or N9 range. Like many gorgeous opal varieties, white opal has vivid color flecks, particularly in the blue, yellow, and green range. White opals, however, vary in color grading, so they don’t all have the same appearance. among the varieties of white opal are
Opal from Mintabie: A milky white body tone with large flecks of pink, yellow, green, and blue.
Andamooka Opal: These precious stones contain fiery-colored patterns that are so vivid they resemble polka dots.
Opal from Coober Pedy makes up 80% of all Australian opal production, and you may discover a variety of milky-colored white opal there.
The Colors of Ethiopian Opal
There are numerous varieties of opal from Ethiopia, just like white opal. The main distinction, though, is that Ethiopian opal is available in a wide range of bright colors rather than just one body tone. Examples of Ethiopian variations include:
Fire opal: All types of Ethiopian opal exhibit a vibrant, eye-catching burst of flaming color. The body tone, which can be seen through the vibrant colors, can range from black to blue to orange to even white opal.
Contrary to white opal, dark opal from Ethiopia has a body tone that has been dyed black, with blazing swirls of red, green, and yellow dancing above.
The Wollo Province is one of the major producers of Ethiopian opal, and Welo opal has a striking color play and is a vivid orange-reddish colour.
Let’s now look at other characteristics that distinguish white opal from Ethiopian opal in addition to color. To accomplish this, we must comprehend each opal’s history and place of origin better.
Pink birthstone: What is it?
The birthstone for October is tourmaline. Pink tourmaline has a delicate, pleasant vibe. It fosters a love of people, mends shattered hearts, and rebuilds relationships. Tourmalines come in a variety of hues, but the rarest of them all, pink, is connected to the month of October. The pink and green watermelon tourmaline represents empathy and selflessness. Some individuals think that tourmaline has probiotic properties that can improve digestion and the immune system. When rubbed, a stone develops an electrical charge that can result in a “cat-eye,” or chacoyancy, when held up to the light.
October birthstone gift ideas:
- Green tourmaline asymmetrical earrings made of 18k vermeil (pictured)
- Moonstone and tourmaline earrings made in 18k vermeil
- Asymmetrical Opal, Carnelian, & Multi-Stone Earrings in 14k Gold
Why do October have 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.
The wearer of black 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 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!