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 have captivated people for centuries with their beauty and the lore surrounding them. This article will explore the history, origins, gemological characteristics, and symbolism of these vibrant October birthstones.
History and Lore
The history of opal, the traditional October birthstone, stretches back to ancient times. Its name is believed to originate from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning “precious stone,” which was adopted into the Roman 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 the gift of 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 was also traditionally given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary.
Tourmaline, the modern October birthstone, has a more recent history in Western lore, though its use in jewelry and ornamentation dates back centuries in other cultures. The sources do not detail a specific ancient history for tourmaline, focusing instead on its modern recognition as a birthstone.
Geological Formation and Sources
The sources provided do not detail the geological formation of either opal or tourmaline. However, they do indicate that the first opals brought to the Western world originated in India. The sources do not specify where tourmaline is found.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer limited gemological data. Opal is noted for its dramatic “play-of-color,” a shifting display of rainbow hues. This phenomenon is a key characteristic valued in opals.
Amethyst, described as a variety of crystalline quartz, has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively scratch-resistant. This information, while pertaining to amethyst, serves as a point of comparison for understanding gemstone durability. Diamonds, also mentioned, are prized for their clarity and are a popular choice for rings. Garnet, another birthstone, can be found in a variety of colors – red, purplish, green, yellow, and orange – and can form large, vibrant crystals. Aquamarine, a blue to blue-green beryl, always exhibits light color saturation. Emerald, the May birthstone, is also a beryl. Ruby, the July birthstone, is also mentioned.
A table summarizing the birthstones by month, as presented in the sources, is provided below:
| Month | Modern Birthstone | Traditional Birthstone |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | Emerald |
| June | Alexandrite | Pearl |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Peridot/Spinel | Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October | Tourmaline | Opal |
| November | Golden Topaz/Citrine | Topaz |
| December | Blue Zircon/Blue Topaz/Tanzanite | Turquoise/Lapis Lazuli |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meaning. Opal, in ancient times, was believed to bestow prophetic gifts and offer protection from illness. It was also seen as a symbol of purity, hope, and truth. Red garnets were associated with vitality, love, and light, and were popular amongst warriors and royalty, believed to be protective stones. Amethysts, due to their purple color, became associated with royalty, spirituality, mental clarity, and healing. Aquamarine, named after seawater, was thought to protect seafarers and was linked to marital happiness and intellect. Diamonds, beyond their beauty, have become symbols of status and enduring love.
Birthstone Gifts and Modern Practices
The sources highlight the popularity of birthstone jewelry as personalized gifts. Necklaces featuring birthstones are a common choice, often styled with matching bracelets or earrings. Mother’s rings and necklaces are particularly meaningful, representing family members with their respective birthstones. Some jewelers recommend using diamonds to represent birthstones in mother’s jewelry, citing their durability and brilliance, especially for stones prone to chipping or scratching. Birth flowers can also be incorporated into jewelry designs, either engraved or as relief or cutout designs.
The sources also note the existence of both modern and traditional birthstone lists, with some flexibility in choosing stones based on personal preference or availability. The modern list includes additions like spinel, citrine, and tanzanite, while traditional stones like turquoise and pearls remain popular due to their affordability and accessibility.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific care and cleaning instructions for opal or tourmaline. However, the mention of amethyst’s hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale suggests that hardness is a factor in determining a gemstone’s susceptibility to scratching. Diamonds are known for their exceptional durability. The recommendation to use diamonds in mother’s jewelry due to their durability implies that some birthstones are more fragile and require more careful handling.
Conclusion
October’s birthstones, opal and tourmaline, represent a vibrant and diverse range of color and history. Opal, with its ancient lore and captivating play-of-color, holds a special place in gemological history. Tourmaline, as a modern addition, offers a contemporary choice for those seeking a beautiful and meaningful gemstone. Both stones symbolize beauty, hope, and enduring connection, making them cherished gifts for those born in the tenth month. The practice of gifting birthstone jewelry continues to be a popular way to celebrate birthdays and honor family connections, offering a personalized and meaningful expression of affection.