What Is the Birthstone for October?
October birthdays have two options for birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline. The color for October’s birthstone is multi-colored, as both opal and tourmaline usually radiate a spectrum of colors. The array of colors helps October birthstone jewelry stand out. You can customize any piece to your style and personality. These unique gemstones offer a wide range of jewelry options, from pendants to earrings.
Opal is also typically given as a gift to celebrate the fourteenth anniversary of marriage.
Opal Birthstone
Opal is a gemstone made of hydrated amorphous silica, and either carries a primary color of white or black usually along with a spectrum of colors. Besides the silica elements, opals are generally comprised of 6% to 10% water. Their Mohs scale rating is 5.5 to 6, making them less durable than other stones like rubies and diamonds. However, with extra care, such as avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, opals are exquisite gems that can be worn somewhat regularly or for special events.
Opal Symbolism and Meaning
The meaning of the opal birthstone is good luck and fortune. Opal symbolizes power and is thought to bring good luck to those who wear it.
Arabic legend attests that opals fell from the sky during lightning storms, while Australian aborigines thought the creator visited the earth in a rainbow and imparted opals as a colorful gift.
Nearly 100 B.C., a Roman scholar by the name of Pliny compared opal gemstones to volcanoes and colorful artwork, realizing that opals have the ability to reflect the hues of any gem. Because of these colorful reflective qualities, during the Middle Ages, it was thought that opals harnessed immense power and luck.
Throughout time, opals have been regarded as a gem full of good luck and fortune, especially for those with October birth months.
Opal Color
The color of the opal birthstone is white or black, and often displays a rainbow of colors as well. The opal’s most defining quality is this kaleidoscope character that radiates a spectrum of colors. Microscopic silica, a crucial component to opal composition, diffracts light in a way that displays this colorful array. Opals that contain microscopic silica are referred to as “precious opals,” and are usually found in Australia. Opals that don’t maintain this particular characteristic are considered “common opals.”
Opal: Origins
Some records indicate that opal may have been discovered in parts of Northern Africa in 4000 B.C. Modern record shows that around 1850, a large deposit was uncovered in Australia. It remains the largest source of opal in the world.
This major opal deposit was formed by intense seasonal rains in Australia which soaked the ground, forcing silica deposits through the earth and down to the crevices in rock layers. After the water evaporated, the deposits formed opal.
Since the discovery in Australia, other opal deposits have been found in Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, Honduras, the Czech Republic, Nevada and Idaho. Natural, untreated opal is becoming more rare, as Australia’s deposit diminishes. Australia has accounted for over 90% of the precious opal supply in the world. The October birthstone has even been found on Mars.
How to Choose Opal Birthstone Jewelry
When it comes to purchasing this October birthstone, you’ll find that no two are exactly the same in color, pattern, or other defining characteristics. Opals are all unique and because of this make a very thoughtful gift.
When it comes to purchasing opals, you will find that no two are exactly the same in color, pattern, or other defining characteristics. They are all unique and because of this make a very thoughtful gift.
For black opals, you may find more of a floral pattern where the colors will multiply through the surface of the gemstone more erratically. The black opal is, by far, one of the rarest opals you can find, and they also boast of some of the most intricate and unique patterns.
When determining the value of a diamond, it is a pretty straightforward process. You check the color, clarity, and faults and you can get to an average value of the stone. With opal, however, the luminosity of the stone is what you will find to be the most important aspect to consider before purchasing opal birthstone jewelry.
The more color that the stone contains, the more valuable the stone may end up being. The pattern is also another determinant of its value.
Caring for Your Opal
Opal, like many other gemstones, will last a long time if it is properly cared for and maintained. To prevent any scratches or other damage to the opal, you will want to handle the stone with care and never keep it around any oils or other chemicals.
Opals also contain water (sometimes almost as much as twenty percent), and because of this, they should never be kept in small and confined spaces such as a vault at the bank for long amounts of time because most vaults employ dehumidifiers, and this can seriously damage the opal.
You will find that if an opal begins to get too dry, it will start to crack. This cracking is also referred to as crazing and will seriously deteriorate the value of the stone. One tip to keep the opal hydrated is to immerse it into water for a couple of hours at a time every once in a while.
The best way to clean opal jewelry is with warm, soapy water. Avoid putting it in an ultrasonic cleaner, as the vibrations could cause cracks. You can also repolish your opal from time to time.
Tourmaline: Secondary Birthstone
Tourmaline is a colorful alternative birthstone for those born in October, due to its complex composition of a multitude of minerals. Trace amounts of certain elements dictate the color of a tourmaline stone—and the selection is quite wide.
Tourmaline: Symbolism and Meaning
The meaning of the tourmaline birthstone is power and protection. Tourmaline symbolizes power and is thought to ward off pollutants, toxins, and negative thoughts.
In ancient Egypt, it was believed that tourmaline passed through a rainbow as it emerged through the earth to the surface. The Sinhalese, or Sri Lankan, words “tura mali” are the root of the gemstone’s name, literally meaning the “stone of mixed colors.”
This October birthstone rates a 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it a durable gem, fit for everyday wear.
Tourmaline: Color
The color of the tourmaline birthstone is multi-colored ranging from pink (the most common one) and green to blue and purple, or a combination. Tourmaline can be found in a variety of colors to match your style and taste. The October birthstone is a versatile gemstone with many options for jewelry, from pendants to rings.
Tourmaline: Origins
Though tourmaline left traces throughout history, the earliest records confirm that tourmaline was discovered in the 16th century in Brazil, though this wasn’t confirmed until the 19th century. Tourmaline deposits can now be found worldwide in countries like Australia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Pakistan, and the United States.
How to Choose a Tourmaline Birthstone Jewelry
A tourmaline’s most common method of treatment or enhancement is via heat. The heat will allow the color of the stone to shine through brilliantly and will be a lot more vivid and have a much deeper hue than if it were left untreated.
When the stone is heated, the overall value and durability of the stone are not hindered in any way. It is simply to enhance the colors already present within the stone.
The most preferred cut for a tourmaline stone would be a rectangular cut because it is a longer cut and captures more of the stone’s brilliance and beauty. However, for better color depth, you may want to examine the angle of the cuts as well.
This October birthstone is also a stone known widely for its small inclusions, otherwise known as imperfections. When you are looking for characteristics that negatively affect the price, however, you will not be looking to the inclusions. Rather, you will look closely at the tourmaline gemstone’s hue. If you find that it encompasses a white hue, then you will know immediately that the price will be greatly reduced.
The clearer a tourmaline gemstone is, the higher the value of the stone. The most crucial element to consider when purchasing tourmaline is the color because each color will carry its own price tag and this factor can hinder your budget.
Red tourmaline is a popular choice, and if you are looking for a sophisticated alternative to emeralds, the green tourmaline is perfect. The most expensive tourmaline you can find will be the Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline because it is clear with a neon blue or green color. The rarer the color of the stone, the higher that price tag will climb.
Caring for Your Tourmaline
Clean your tourmaline jewelry every few months with warm, soapy water. Dry it off with a soft cloth and let it dry completely before storing it. Place your tourmaline jewelry in a soft cloth or container to keep it safe and scratch-free.
Fun Facts
- In 1956, the world’s largest and most valuable opal was found in Coober Pedy, Australia. It is named “Olympic Australis” in honor of the Melbourne Games that were occurring at the time. The 17,000 Carat gemstone is valued at over $2.5 million.
- Opal deposits have been found on the planet Mars, as it was uncovered by NASA in 2008 that a fallen meteorite from nearly a century before contained opal.
- Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was an avid lover of opals. Among all of the royal gemstones, opal was her favorite.
- The Chinese found great value in tourmaline, so much that when the Chinese government suffered a collapse in 1912, tourmaline trade was affected worldwide.
Gift Ideas
Due to the colorful spectrum of opals, the October birthstone works well in collaboration with many varieties of jewelry and settings. Those born in October are lucky to have a birthstone that has a universal look along with an interesting history. Opals and tourmaline make stunning gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and other special celebrations.
For necklaces, consider a solitaire pendant like this from Blue Nile or a charm pendant like this one also from Blue Nile.
For earrings, choose a simple stud in 14K white gold or the more elaborate drop earring design.
For rings, opals can be placed in a simple setting like this Cushion Cut from Blue Nile or one that’s surrounded by diamonds like this from Blue Nile.
If you’re hoping for the tourmaline alternative, there are pink gemstone options like the one in these earrings from Blue Nile or the light turquoise one in this design.
Choosing and designing an October birthstone piece will be a cherished gift this year, and all the years to come.
Here are more other birthstone guides to browse:
- January Birthstone – Garnet
- February Birthstone – Amethyst
- March Birthstone – Aquamarine
- April Birthstone – Diamond
- May Birthstone – Emerald
- June Birthstone – Pearl
- July Birthstone – Ruby
- August Birthstone – Peridot
- September Birthstone – Sapphire
- November Birthstone – Topaz
- December Birthstone – Tanzanite
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- Lifetime Warranty
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What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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