October is uniquely blessed with not one, but two captivating birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Both gemstones offer a stunning array of colors and a rich history, making them cherished choices for jewelry and symbolic gifts. This article delves into the fascinating world of these October birthstones, exploring their origins, gemological properties, historical significance, and enduring appeal.
History and Lore
The story of opal stretches back to ancient times. Its name is believed to originate from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning “precious stone,” brought to the Western world from India. The Romans referred to it as opalus. Throughout history, opal has been imbued with diverse meanings. Ancient Greeks associated it with prophecy and protection from disease, while Europeans considered it a symbol of purity, hope, and truth. For centuries, opal was believed to embody the virtues of all colored stones. It is also traditionally given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary.
Tourmaline’s history is equally intriguing. Vivid pink-to-red tourmaline, known as Rubellite, has long been the traditional gift for October birthdays. The last empress of the Chi’ing Dynasty in China was a devoted collector of tourmaline, particularly in shades of pink and magenta, and was even laid to rest with a tourmaline pillow.
Geological Formation and Sources
While the sources detail limited information on opal formation, they highlight its origins in India as the source of the first opals brought to the Western world. Further details on specific mining locations are not provided within the given sources.
Tourmaline, however, is described as a gemstone that can occur in almost any color. The most prized and rarest variety is Paraíba tourmaline, a copper-bearing gem originally found in Brazil, exhibiting intense violet-blue and blue-green hues. The sources do not provide details on the formation process of tourmaline. Black Hills Gold jewelry, featuring opal, is specifically mined, designed, and manufactured in the Black Hills area of South Dakota. Any jewelry sold as Black Hills Gold must originate from this region, which has yielded approximately 4 million ounces of gold and 3 million ounces of silver annually since the 1880s.
Gemological Properties
Opal is celebrated for its “play-of-color,” a shifting display of rainbow hues. This phenomenon is a key characteristic that distinguishes opal from other gemstones. The sources do not provide details on its chemical composition, hardness, or other gemological properties.
Tourmaline is notable for its diverse color range, encompassing pinks, reds, greens, blues, and even black. Watermelon tourmaline displays both pink and green hues within a single stone. Some tourmaline exhibits piezoelectricity, meaning it becomes electrically charged when pressure is applied – a property utilized in pressure gauges for submarines. The sources do not provide details on its chemical composition, hardness, or other gemological properties.
The following table summarizes the limited gemological information available from the sources:
| Gemstone | Key Property | Color Range | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opal | Play-of-Color | Rainbow hues | Dramatic shifting colors |
| Tourmaline | Piezoelectricity | Almost any color | Can become electrically charged with pressure |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Opal has historically been associated with hope, purity, and truth. Bedouins believed opal contained lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms.
Tourmaline is believed to increase understanding and empathy, while also warding off negative energy and emotion. The sources do not elaborate on other metaphysical beliefs associated with either gemstone.
Jewelry and Modern Applications
The provided sources showcase both opal and tourmaline in contemporary jewelry designs. Ella Creations Jewelry features a minimalist 18K rose gold ring set with a natural watermelon tourmaline. Black Hills Gold rings incorporate natural white opal with distinctive gold leaf detailing. Luceir offers a stackable 18K gold vermeil ring set with moonstone, representing the October birthstone.
The piezoelectric property of tourmaline has found practical application beyond jewelry, being used in the construction of pressure gauges for submarines.
Care and Cleaning
The sources advise avoiding wearing gemstone jewelry during activities that could cause damage, such as working with heavy machinery or handling abrasive chemicals. Specific cleaning instructions for opal and tourmaline are not provided. However, given their potential sensitivity, gentle cleaning with mild soap and warm water is generally recommended.
October Birthstone Variations
The sources highlight the existence of both modern and traditional birthstone lists. While tourmaline and opal are the recognized birthstones for October, other gems like spinel, citrine, and tanzanite have been added to the modern birthstone chart. In the United States, individuals often choose from both lists based on personal preference. Traditional stones like turquoise may also remain popular due to their lower cost or greater availability.
Gold and Opal in Black Hills Jewelry
Black Hills Gold jewelry is a unique American craft. The distinctive design incorporates colored gold trim shaped like leaves, enhancing the beauty of the natural white opal. Rings are stamped with the metal purity (10K in the example provided) and the manufacturer’s trademark. The natural white opal featured in these rings exhibits a beautiful flash of color, displaying red, yellow, blue, and green hues.
Conclusion
Opal and tourmaline stand as captivating symbols of October, each possessing a unique history, beauty, and significance. From the ancient beliefs surrounding opal’s mystical properties to the diverse color palette and practical applications of tourmaline, these gemstones continue to enchant and inspire. Whether chosen for their aesthetic appeal, symbolic meaning, or as a celebration of an October birthday, opal and tourmaline remain treasured gems for generations to come.