For those born on October 19th, the birthstone is not one but two: Opal and Tourmaline. These gemstones are not only cherished for their aesthetic appeal but also for their deep historical significance and symbolic meanings. While Opal has been the traditional October birthstone for centuries, Tourmaline was introduced as an alternative in the 20th century. Together, they represent hope, creativity, and transformation, making them powerful symbols for those born under this date.
This article explores the rich history, geological properties, and cultural significance of Opal and Tourmaline, drawing from authoritative sources in gemology, jewelry trade, and historical archives. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or simply curious about the meaning behind your birthstone, this article offers a comprehensive look at the October 19th birthstone.
History and Lore
Opal: The Stone of the Rainbow
The history of Opal dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was believed to possess magical and protective properties. The name "Opal" is derived from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning "precious stone," and was later Latinized to opalus. Opal was revered in India as early as 2000 BCE, where it was considered a symbol of purity and truth. The Romans adopted the name and embraced the stone for its mesmerizing play-of-color — a phenomenon where the gemstone displays a shifting spectrum of colors when viewed from different angles.
In medieval Europe, Opal was regarded as a symbol of hope and fidelity. It was believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil. However, by the 19th century, superstitions emerged, particularly in England, where some believed that wearing Opal could bring misfortune unless it was the wearer’s birthstone. This superstition may have originated from Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein (1831), in which the protagonist’s Opal reflects her emotional state. While the novel may have fueled the belief, it is worth noting that Opal is indeed a delicate gemstone prone to dehydration and cracking if not cared for properly.
Tourmaline: The Stone of Protection
Tourmaline, while not as ancient in history as Opal, has a rich and diverse legacy. The name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning "mixed gems," due to the wide variety of colors it can display. While black Tourmaline (Schorl) is the most common, the pink variety became the official alternative birthstone for October in 1952, as proposed by the Jewelry Industry Council and later accepted by the American Gem Society and the National Retail Jewelers Council.
Tourmaline has long been associated with protection and balance. Native American tribes, for instance, used black Tourmaline as a talisman to absorb negative energy and promote healing. In modern metaphysical practices, Tourmaline is believed to ground the wearer and provide a sense of stability. For those born on October 19th, Tourmaline is thought to enhance spiritual connection, attract love, and foster harmony in relationships.
Together, Opal and Tourmaline form a powerful duo that reflects the duality of transformation and stability — a fitting symbol for October birthdays.
Geological Formation and Sources
Opal: A Unique Silica-Based Gemstone
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica (SiO₂·nH₂O), meaning it lacks a crystalline structure and contains water within its matrix. This unique composition gives Opal its characteristic play-of-color, an optical phenomenon caused by the diffraction of light through microscopic silica spheres. The size and arrangement of these spheres determine the colors visible in the stone.
Opal forms in the cavities of sedimentary rocks and volcanic ash deposits, where silica-rich water seeps through cracks and evaporates, leaving behind layers of silica gel. Over time, these deposits solidify into Opal. The most famous Opal deposits are found in Australia, which produces over 90% of the world’s Opal. Other notable sources include Mexico, Brazil, and Ethiopia.
Australia’s Lightning Ridge is particularly renowned for producing the rare and valuable Black Opal, which has a dark body color that enhances the visibility of its play-of-color. In contrast, White Opal has a lighter body color and is more commonly found in the United States, particularly in Nevada.
Tourmaline: A Diverse Silicate Mineral
Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral with a wide range of chemical compositions, which accounts for its incredible variety of colors. The most common type is Schorl, a black Tourmaline rich in iron. Pink Tourmaline, also known as Rubellite, is the most popular variety as an alternative October birthstone and is typically found in Brazil, Mozambique, and Nigeria.
Tourmaline forms in pegmatite deposits — igneous rocks that cool slowly, allowing large mineral crystals to develop. The presence of trace elements such as manganese (which gives Rubellite its pink color) or iron (responsible for black Tourmaline) determines the final color of the stone.
Brazil is the leading source of high-quality Tourmaline, especially in the Minas Gerais region. Other significant deposits include those in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States. Tourmaline’s durability and brilliance make it a popular choice for jewelry, and its availability in a broad spectrum of colors allows for creative and versatile designs.
Gemological Properties
Opal: A Delicate and Colorful Gemstone
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂·nH₂O |
| Crystal System | Amorphous |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 5–6.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.34–1.36 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.9–2.4 |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Common Colors | Multicolored (play-of-color); White, Black, Yellow |
| Luster | Vitreous to waxy |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Uneven |
| Special Properties | Play-of-color, sensitivity to heat and chemicals |
Opal is unique among gemstones for its lack of a crystalline structure and its water content. This makes it more fragile than most other gemstones and sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Opal is typically cut into cabochons to showcase its play-of-color, as faceting would not enhance its optical properties.
Tourmaline: A Hard and Durable Gemstone
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Complex; e.g., Na(LiAl)Si₂O₆ (Schorl) |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 7–7.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.62–1.64 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.9–3.3 |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Common Colors | Black (Schorl), Pink (Rubellite), Green, Blue, Yellow |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Cleavage | Perfect in one direction |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Special Properties | Piezoelectric, pyroelectric |
Tourmaline is significantly harder and more durable than Opal, making it more suitable for everyday wear. It is often faceted to enhance its brilliance and refractive qualities. The gemstone’s piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties — its ability to generate electricity when heated or pressed — were first discovered in the 19th century and have been studied in scientific and technological applications.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Opal: The Stone of Hope and Transformation
Opal is widely regarded as a symbol of hope, purity, and truth. In ancient Greece, it was believed that Opal granted the power of prophecy and protection from disease. During the Victorian era, Opal was associated with innocence and was often given as a token of affection.
Modern metaphysical practices attribute Opal with the ability to enhance creativity, self-expression, and emotional balance. It is believed to help individuals embrace change and adapt to new circumstances with grace and optimism. Opal is also thought to promote spiritual connection, making it a popular choice for meditation and spiritual practices.
For those born on October 19th, Opal is said to amplify their natural faith and trust, helping them navigate life with confidence and purpose. Wearing Opal as jewelry or keeping it close is believed to bring positive energy and protection.
Tourmaline: The Stone of Grounding and Protection
Tourmaline, especially pink Tourmaline, is associated with love, harmony, and emotional balance. It is believed to attract and strengthen romantic connections while fostering inner peace and stability. Black Tourmaline, on the other hand, is known for its grounding properties and is used to absorb negative energy and promote healing.
Tourmaline is often used in healing practices to support the chakras, particularly the heart chakra for pink Tourmaline and the root chakra for black Tourmaline. It is also believed to enhance focus, clarity, and decision-making, making it a valuable tool for those seeking personal growth and transformation.
For October 19th birthdays, Tourmaline is thought to bring balance to relationships and environments, helping individuals maintain harmony and trust in their interactions with others.
Care and Cleaning
Caring for Opal
Due to its low hardness and sensitivity to heat and chemicals, Opal requires special care to maintain its luster and prevent damage.
- Avoid exposure to heat and direct sunlight, as these can cause Opal to dry out and crack.
- Store Opal separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
- Clean gently using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can cause damage.
- Avoid chemical cleaners, including ammonia and bleach.
- Keep Opal hydrated by storing it in a sealed container with a damp cloth or in a humid environment to prevent dehydration.
Caring for Tourmaline
Tourmaline is more durable and requires less intensive care than Opal.
- Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for Tourmaline.
- Store Tourmaline separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
- Avoid exposure to extreme heat, as high temperatures can affect the gemstone's color.
Because Tourmaline is piezoelectric, it can sometimes generate static electricity. This is not harmful but is an interesting property that distinguishes it from other gemstones.
Conclusion
The October 19th birthstone — Opal and Tourmaline — is a fascinating combination of two gemstones with rich histories, diverse properties, and deep symbolic meanings. Opal, with its mesmerizing play-of-color and connection to hope and transformation, represents the beauty of change and the power of faith. Tourmaline, with its wide range of colors and grounding properties, symbolizes balance, protection, and emotional harmony.
Together, these gemstones form a powerful and meaningful birthstone for those born on October 19th. Whether worn as jewelry or used in spiritual practices, Opal and Tourmaline offer a unique blend of beauty, symbolism, and practical value.
For gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and jewelry lovers, understanding the properties and significance of these stones enriches their appreciation and deepens their connection to the world of gemology.