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.
In This Article...
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 actually falls on October?
birthstone for October. 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.
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.
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 pink birthstone for October, why?
Due to the presence of aluminum or iron, which produce various intensities of pink tints, rubelite, also known as pink tourmaline, acquires its stunning pink colours. One of the rarest gemstones in the world and the most sought-after kind of tourmaline is pink tourmaline.
According to the Mohs scale of hardness, it is 7.5 out of 10, making it reasonably durable and adaptable. Pink tourmaline is extremely durable, making it possible to fashion it into exquisite jewelry that can be worn on a daily basis.
Some of the species or types of tourmaline are well known throughout the entire world.
Tourmaline varieties ranging from brownish black to black are classified as schorl species.
Facts about Tourmaline
- Tourmalines are referred to as the “Sri Lankan Cyolene Magnet. They have the ability to both attract and repel hot ash because of their pyroelectric properties.
- The word “tourmaline” is a Sinhalese word “Toromalli, which translates to “little object taken from the earth,”
- Additionally, tourmalines have the qualities of being dichroic. This means that depending on the illumination, the gemstone’s hues may fluctuate in intensity or appear differently when held at different angles.
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.
What color is my birthday?
You are naturally born under one of the various colors associated with the month of your birth. These monthly hues have a significant impact on your experiences in life. For instance, a person born in October who desires more harmony in their relationships may wear, focus on, or surround themselves with navy blue; similarly, a person born in October may use specific purple hues to promote prosperity.
- Orange, Yellow, and Red January
- Pink, Blue, and Green February
- Aqua, Lime, Black, Purple, March
- Navy, silver, and white in April
- Blue, Gold, and Cream May
- Gray, Maroon, JuneCream, and Red
- red, orange, yellow, and pink in July
- Blue, Green, and Aqua
- Aqua, Lime, Olive, and Purple in September
- Purple, Navy, Silver, and White October
- White, Gold, and Cream November
- cream, gray, maroon, and teal
What color represents the sign of Libra in October?
As stated, the hue of Libra is pink. Serene, gentle pink hues give your star sign just the proper amount of delicacy, tenderness, and beauty.
The delicate shade of pink, one of the most attractive feminine colors, evokes your charming and pleasant personality, softening your presence. In addition, pink encourages the flow of positive energies and you are a happy creature.
Wear light pink to help you stay positive when closing a deal, asking for a promotion, or applying for a job.
Additionally, consider including pink as a primary or accent hue in your interior color scheme for your home design.
You might use lovely pink accents to embellish it, such as a pink backsplash, flowers, sofas, home decor, bedsheets, rugs, flooring, or artwork.
Neutral shades like beige, cream, and white are included in your zodiac color scheme; these tones are appropriate for the sign of Libra.
What color is lucky for a Libra?
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 kind of stone is a tourmaline?
There are numerous colors in tourmaline. While lithium-rich tourmalines can be practically any color, including blue, green, red, yellow, and pink, magnesium-rich variants are typically black to bluish-black to deep brown. It is rarely colorless. Crystals that are frequently bicolored or multicolored as a result of differences in the fluid chemistry during crystallization. This sort of crystal is known as watermelon tourmaline and is highly valued in jewelry. Crystals can also be green on the outside and pink on the interior. A brooch piece (1969, gold, watermelon tourmaline, diamonds) by Andrew Grima (British, b. Italy, 19212007), which is part of Kimberly Klosterman’s collection and is on exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum, is a superb example of watermelon tourmaline jewelry. Dichroic tourmaline is a type of mineral that changes color when viewed from various angles.
Long-term natural irradiation is the cause of the pink hue of tourmalines from several locations. These tourmaline crystals were initially quite pale and incorporated Mn2+ throughout their growth. The progressive production of Mn3+ ions due to natural gamma ray exposure from radioactive decay of 40K in their granitic environment causes the pink to red color to intensify.