For those born in October, a remarkable duality exists within their birthstone heritage. Unlike many months claiming a single gem, October boasts two: opal and tourmaline. Both stones are celebrated for their vibrant color displays and rich histories, offering a spectrum of choices for those seeking a meaningful connection to their birth month. This article delves into the origins, properties, symbolism, and modern relevance of these captivating gemstones, drawing upon historical accounts and gemological insights.
History and Lore
The story of October birthstones is one of evolving traditions. The association of gemstones with specific months is not a practice rooted in ancient, unbroken custom, but rather a fascinating blend of biblical references, religious interpretations, and, ultimately, marketing initiatives. The earliest roots can be traced back to the 1st century, with the Jewish historian Josephus linking the twelve stones of Aaron’s breastplate – as described in the Book of Exodus – to the twelve months of the year and the twelve tribes of Israel. However, the specific stones assigned varied depending on translation and interpretation.
Centuries later, these stones became associated with the apostles, and the practice of owning all twelve and wearing the corresponding stone for each month gained popularity. This tradition endured for a considerable period, but the modern concept of birthstones began to take shape in the 18th century. Polish gem traders strategically marketed gemstones based on birth months, aiming to increase sales.
The standardization of birthstones occurred in 1912 when the American National Association of Jewelers convened to establish an official list. This list underwent revisions, with additions made in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, introducing secondary stone alternatives. More recently, in 2002, the American Gem Trade Association added tanzanite as a December option, and in 2016, spinel was recognized as an August birthstone alongside peridot. This demonstrates the dynamic nature of birthstone designations, influenced by both historical precedent and contemporary market trends.
Opal: A Stone of Shifting Colors
Opal, the traditional October birthstone, holds a captivating place in gemological history. Its name is believed to originate from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning “precious stone,” which was adopted into Roman as opalus. The most prized opals exhibit a phenomenon known as “play-of-color,” a mesmerizing display of shifting rainbow hues. This optical effect has inspired comparisons to fireworks, galaxies, and volcanoes, reflecting the stone’s dynamic beauty.
Throughout history, opal has been imbued with diverse meanings. Bedouins believed opals contained lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. Ancient Greeks associated the stone with prophecy and protection from disease. Europeans considered opal a symbol of purity, hope, and truth, believing it embodied the virtues of all colored stones.
Opal is also traditionally given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary, signifying enduring love and commitment. The sources do not specify the geological formation of opal, nor its chemical composition.
Tourmaline: A Spectrum of Hues
While opal holds a long-standing association with October, tourmaline was added as a secondary birthstone, offering a wider range of color options. The sources do not provide details on the history or lore of tourmaline.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer limited gemological data. Opal is noted for its play-of-color, a unique optical phenomenon. Pearls, also mentioned as a June birthstone, are described as organic materials, differing from typical minerals, and possessing a Mohs hardness of 2.5 – 4.5, making them relatively soft. Peridot, an August birthstone, falls within the 6.5 – 7 range on the Mohs scale, indicating moderate hardness. Rubies, the July birthstone, are composed of aluminum and oxygen, with chromium replacing some aluminum molecules, giving them their characteristic red color. Alexandrite, another June birthstone, exhibits a color change from reddish violet in incandescent light to orange-yellow in sunlight.
The sources do not provide information on the chemical formulas, refractive indices, or specific gravity of opal or tourmaline.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with birthstones is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and historical interpretations. Rubies, the July birthstone, symbolize love, passion, energy, and success. They were believed to protect the wearer from evil and promote harmony. Indian jewelers considered rubies symbols of power and energy, while Burmese warriors wore them into battle, believing they conferred invincibility.
Peridot is associated with harmony, good health, restful sleep, and peacefulness. When set in gold, it is thought to calm anger and protect against nightmares. It is also believed to aid in healing disorders of the heart, thymus, lungs, and immune system, as well as banishing lethargy and benefiting the skin. Pearls are not specifically linked to metaphysical beliefs in the provided sources.
Care and Cleaning
The sources offer limited guidance on gemstone care. However, the noted softness of pearls (2.5 – 4.5 on the Mohs scale) suggests they require gentle handling and protection from scratches. Peridot’s moderate hardness (6.5 – 7) indicates it is more durable but still susceptible to damage from harsh impacts or abrasive materials. The sources do not provide specific cleaning recommendations for opal or tourmaline.
Conclusion
The October birthstones, opal and tourmaline, represent a captivating blend of history, beauty, and symbolism. While the tradition of assigning gemstones to birth months has evolved over time, the enduring appeal of these stones lies in their unique properties and the meanings they have accumulated throughout the centuries. Opal, with its mesmerizing play-of-color, continues to inspire awe and wonder, while tourmaline offers a vibrant spectrum of choices for those seeking a personal connection to their birth month. These gemstones serve as a reminder of the enduring power of nature’s artistry and the rich cultural heritage embedded within the world of gemstones.