What Is October Birthstone? It’s a question many ponder, and at WHAT.EDU.VN, we’re here to illuminate the answer: October boasts two captivating birthstones, Opal and Tourmaline, each with its unique allure and symbolism. These gemstones represent the diverse personalities of those born in October, offering a spectrum of colors and meanings to explore.
1. What are the October Birthstones?
October is unique in that it has two distinct birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline. Each stone possesses its own unique qualities, colors, and historical significance.
1.1. Opal: The Traditional October Birthstone
Opal, the traditional birthstone for October, is a mesmerizing gemstone known for its “play-of-color,” a unique phenomenon where it displays a rainbow of shifting colors. Named from the Greek word “Opallious” (meaning “to see a change of color”) and the Roman word “Opalus” (meaning “precious stone”), opals have captivated people for centuries.
Alt text: A close-up shot of an opal gemstone displaying a vibrant array of colors, highlighting its unique “play-of-color” effect.
1.2. Tourmaline: The Modern October Birthstone
Tourmaline, the modern birthstone for October, is a crystalline boron silicate mineral compounded with elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. Tourmaline is celebrated for its wide range of colors, earning its name from the Sinhalese word “toramalli,” meaning “stone with mixed colors.” Pink tourmaline is particularly associated with October.
Alt text: A pink tourmaline ring set in white gold, showcasing the gemstone’s delicate pink hue and brilliant sparkle.
2. Why Does October Have Two Birthstones?
The dual birthstones for October stem from efforts to standardize birthstone lists and cater to evolving preferences. In 1952, the National Association of Jewelers created a list of accepted birthstones. Opal, while beautiful, was considered too delicate and feminine by some. Thus, tourmaline was added as an alternative, offering a wider appeal and greater durability. More recently, pink tourmaline has been specifically emphasized alongside opal.
3. What is the Meaning of the October Birthstones?
Both Opal and Tourmaline carry rich symbolism and are associated with various positive attributes.
3.1. Opal Meaning
Opals are believed to boost:
- Spontaneity
- Creativity
- Luck
- Love
- Happiness
- Hope
- Purity
In ancient times, opals were thought to possess special powers. The Ancient Greeks believed opals could make you psychic! While in Ancient Rome, the popular gemstone was synonymous with hope and love.
3.2. Tourmaline Meaning
Tourmaline is associated with:
- Inspiration
- Artistic expression
- Friendship
- Compassion
- Emotional healing
Ancient mystics believed this October birthstone could inspire artistic expression.
4. What Color are the October Birthstones?
While often associated with specific colors, both opal and tourmaline boast a wide spectrum of hues.
4.1. Opal Colors
Opals are renowned for their “play-of-color,” displaying a kaleidoscope of colors. The varying colors you see in an opal gemstone are a result of the massive amount of diversely sized silica spheres. The spheres cause light to refract and thus create the many different colors on display. The most valuable color is Black, while the most unique and rarest color is Red.
4.2. Tourmaline Colors
Tourmaline occurs in virtually every color of the rainbow. Pink is the accepted color to represent October’s birthstone, blue, high-end reds, and greens adorn the showrooms of designer jewelers.
5. Where Do October Birthstones Come From?
Opals and tourmalines are found in various locations around the world.
5.1. Opal Origins
Opals are found all over the world in various colors. The first known Opal artifact was discovered in a cave in Kenya, which was believed to have originated from Ethiopia around 4000 B.C. Australia provides the world with over 90% of its precious Opals. They are also found in Brazil, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Mexico, Ethiopia and here in the USA.
5.2. Tourmaline Origins
Tourmaline is mined in Brazil and Africa. Some of the finest tourmalines come from Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the United States, California and Maine are known for producing tourmaline.
6. How to Care for Your October Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of your October birthstones.
6.1. Caring for Opals
Opal is a uniquely beautiful, multi-prismed, precious stone that is extremely sensitive to light, and even the slightest temperature change. Sudden temperature changes can cause a fragile Opal to break, and even EXPLODE! With a Mohs hardness scale rating of 5.5-6, Opals are best worn as jewelry as earrings or pendants.
To clean your opal jewelry:
- Use a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners.
- Store opals in a soft pouch to prevent scratches.
6.2. Caring for Tourmalines
Tourmaline is more durable than opal, but still requires care:
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Store tourmaline jewelry separately to prevent scratching softer gemstones.
7. How to Wear October Birthstone Jewelry
Both opal and tourmaline lend themselves beautifully to various jewelry styles.
7.1. Opal Jewelry
This October birthstone is not the best to be worn as an everyday ring, such as an engagement ring, but does make a stunning cocktail ring for special occasions.
7.2. Tourmaline Jewelry
Tourmaline is versatile and can be worn in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Pink tourmaline is especially popular in feminine and romantic designs.
8. The Connection Between Life on Mars and Opals
Opal is known as an Occupational Crystal and makes a great gift for water professions. The transparency and color ranges of an Opal are said to resemble water. Opals are formed by water running through our earth collecting silicon dioxide. As the silicon dioxide hardens, and the water evaporates, we are left with a gorgeous one of a kind gemstone. With water being the main component of Opals, it is interesting to know that in 2008 NASA reported deposits of Opals on Mars. This indicates that there could have been life on Mars.
9. What are Typical October Birthstone Rings?
Here are just a few October birthstone rings;
- 14K White Gold Teardrop Pink Created Zircon and Diamond Ring
- 14K White Gold Pink Created Zircon Stackable Ring
- 925 Sterling Silver Plated Pink Created Zircon and Diamond Ladies Ring
10. What are Typical October Birthstone Necklaces?
Our collection of October birthstone necklaces are just what you are looking for, take a look;
- 14K White Gold Pink Created Zircon Pendant Necklace with Diamond Accents
- 14k Yellow Gold Opal Cross Pendant Necklace
- 14K White Gold Pink Created Zircon and Diamond Halo Drop Necklace
11. October Birthstone FAQ: Your Questions Answered
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are opals fragile? | Yes, opals are relatively soft gemstones and can be prone to scratching and chipping. They are also sensitive to sudden temperature changes. |
| Is tourmaline a durable gemstone? | Yes, tourmaline is a relatively durable gemstone, making it suitable for everyday wear. |
| Can opals be worn every day? | While opals are beautiful, they are best suited for occasional wear due to their delicate nature. |
| What is the most valuable color of opal? | Black opals with vibrant play-of-color are the most valuable. |
| What are the healing properties of opal? | Opals are believed to boost spontaneity, creativity, luck, love, happiness, hope, and purity. |
| What are the healing properties of tourmaline? | Tourmaline is associated with inspiration, artistic expression, friendship, compassion, and emotional healing. |
| How do I clean my opal jewelry? | Use a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. |
| How do I clean my tourmaline jewelry? | Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals. |
| Where can I buy October birthstone jewelry? | You can find October birthstone jewelry at many reputable jewelers, including online retailers and local jewelry stores. Check out Joseph’s Jewelry for a wide selection. |
| How much do October birthstones cost? | The cost of October birthstones varies depending on the quality, size, and type of gemstone. Opals can range from a few dollars per carat to thousands of dollars per carat for high-quality black opals. Tourmalines are generally more affordable, but rare colors like Paraiba tourmaline can be quite expensive. |
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