October is unique among the birthstone months, boasting not one, but two recognized gemstones: opal and tourmaline. Both stones offer a dazzling array of colors and possess distinct histories and symbolic meanings, making them cherished choices for jewelry and gifts. This article will explore the origins, properties, and significance of these captivating October birthstones.
History and Lore
Opal, the traditional October birthstone, has a rich and storied past. Its name is believed to originate from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning “precious stone,” which was adopted into Roman as opalus. Ancient civilizations attributed various powers to opal. Bedouins believed the stone held lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms, while ancient Greeks associated it with prophecy and protection from disease. Europeans once considered opal a symbol of purity, hope, and truth, believing it embodied the virtues of all colored stones. It is also the traditional gemstone given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary.
Tourmaline’s history, while less extensively detailed in the provided sources, is nonetheless significant. The sources indicate its later addition as an October birthstone, alongside opal, likely due to its diverse and vibrant color range.
Geological Formation and Sources
Opal’s formation is a fascinating geological process. It originates from seasonal rains that seeped into ancient underground rock formations, particularly in arid regions like Australia’s outback. The water carried dissolved silica downwards, and during dry periods, evaporation left solid deposits of silica in cracks and layers within sedimentary rock. This process, taking approximately five million years, resulted in the formation of opal. The play-of-color, a defining characteristic of precious opals, is created when silica spheres fuse together, creating gaps that diffract light into numerous color combinations.
The sources do not specify the origins of tourmaline, but do mention that opal is found in Australia.
Gemological Properties
Both opal and tourmaline exhibit unique gemological properties. Tourmaline boasts a Mohs hardness of 7-7.5, making it more durable than opal, which ranges from 5-6.5 on the Mohs scale. This difference in hardness makes tourmaline more suitable for everyday wear.
Opal’s defining characteristic is its “play-of-color,” a shifting display of rainbow hues caused by the diffraction of light within its structure. This phenomenon is influenced by the size and arrangement of silica spheres within the stone. Precious opals are characterized by both a background color, caused by impurities, and this play-of-color.
The provided sources detail a specific pink tourmaline necklace featuring nine natural pink tourmalines, approximately 2.3-2.6 carats total weight (ctw), each measuring 4mm. The necklace is set in 18-karat gold and features a lobster clasp.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both October birthstones carry profound symbolic meanings. Tourmaline is said to represent love, prosperity, and harmony. Opal, on the other hand, symbolizes luck, hope, and spiritual awakening.
Beyond general symbolism, specific types of opal are believed to possess healing properties. Pink opal, for example, is thought to offer relief from ailments related to the eyes, spleen, throat, pancreas, and bone marrow. It is also believed to foster a sense of peace and devotion within families. Similarly, tourmalines of different colors are associated with diverse healing properties, including balancing hormones and combating genetic disorders, as well as calming nerves and enhancing creativity.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its lower hardness, opal requires more careful handling than tourmaline. The sources do not provide specific cleaning instructions, but given its susceptibility to scratching, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap is recommended. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Tourmaline, being more durable, can withstand slightly more rigorous cleaning, but it is still advisable to avoid abrasive materials.
Why Two Birthstones?
The presence of two birthstones for October stems from historical traditions and the distinct qualities of each gem. Opal has long been associated with the month, while tourmaline was added later to provide a wider range of color options and appeal to diverse preferences. This dual designation reflects the autumnal vibe of October and offers jewelry enthusiasts a greater selection of beautiful gemstones.
October Birthstone Jewelry
The sources showcase a variety of jewelry featuring both opal and tourmaline. Examples include pink tourmaline station necklaces in 18-karat gold, silver star-set pendants with tourmaline, and diamond-accented opal studs in 14-karat gold. These pieces demonstrate the versatility of both stones and their suitability for various jewelry styles.