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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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.
What gemstone represents Libra in October?
The Opal is the primary birthstone for Libras. Having this stone nearby can help you stay positive in your personal relationships and shield you from accidents and nightmares.
It’s a powerful stone for a Libra that supports your efforts to spread optimism, encourage personal progress, and be inspired. It will also assist you in determining who in your life is a good influence and who should no longer be a part of your close friends and family.
What shade is the birthstone for October?
Opal and tourmaline are the birthstones for October. Despite the fact that both gemstones come in a wide range of hues, the traditional white opal and pink tourmaline are the two most popular options for people born in this autumnal month.
Are citrine and topaz the same thing?
Topaz and citrine, which belong to the quartz family, are separate mineral species. Not quartz, although the silicate mineral family includes topaz. Before these distinctions were understood, many cultures misidentified citrine, a yellow type of quartz, by calling it various names like gold topaz, Madeira topaz, or Spanish topaz, which added to the confusion.
What birthstone has the rarest stone?
While some birthstones are more accessible than others, precious gemstones in particular are thought to be relatively scarce. However, given that some really expensive stones are not all that rare and vice versa, price tags can be deceiving when it comes to rarity. For instance, although expensive, April’s diamond is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. Speaking of alexandrite, it is now the most expensive and rarest gemstone on the list of birthstones. Additionally extremely rare, black opals are.
Birthstones provide an intriguing way to select jewelry. They enable people to investigate jewels that they might otherwise avoid. However, birthstones are not always what people think they are, so make sure you are buying birthstone jewelry for the right reasons while making your selection.
What color is lucky for Libras?
Moon-ruled Cancer is characterized by the supple, responsive, and nurturing hues of white, grey, silver, and cream. The feminine aspects of the body, including the uterus, reproductive system, and breasts, are influenced by this zodiac sign and its color implications.
Leo: The sun is the sign’s ruling and guiding force. This astrological sign is associated with warm tones of Gold, royal Purple, and burnt Orange and has an impact on the upper back and heart system.
Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac. It is the earth element’s dual nature sign. Virgo’s governing planet is Mercury. Colors like blue, green, light yellow, and white are seen as auspicious hues for virgos. Red should be avoided by Virgo sign natives whenever feasible.
The seventh sign of the zodiac is Libra. The planet Venus rules this mutable, airy sign. White and light blue are thought to be auspicious hues for Librans. Any vibrant hue works well for a Libra. Red should not be used frequently in one’s life, according to this indicator.
Scorpio: Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac, and Mars is its ruling planet. The best colors for this sign are white, crimson, and dark chocolate. Colors like orange and yellow might also be advantageous. When it comes to shades of blue and green, Scorpions should exercise caution.
What color is a Libra?
Pink and blue, which assist open the heart and soften one’s presence, are the colors of Libra. These soft colors, which represent a cool, tranquil air, give Libra’s demeanor a calming and endearing presence. Pink emphasizes Libra’s kind and compassionate character, while light blue heightens clarity and balance.