October boasts a unique distinction among birthstone months: it is represented by not one, but two gemstones – opal and tourmaline. This pairing offers a remarkable spectrum of color and a rich tapestry of history, lore, and symbolism. While opal holds the longer-established claim as the traditional October birthstone, tourmaline gained prominence in the early 20th century, ultimately sharing the spotlight. This article will delve into the origins, properties, and significance of both opal and tourmaline, exploring their individual stories and their combined representation of the October-born.
History and Lore
The story of October’s birthstones is one of evolving tradition. Initially, opal reigned supreme as the sole birthstone for the month, a position it held for centuries. The name “opal” is believed to originate from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning “precious stone,” reflecting its early origins in India as a source for these gems brought westward. Ancient Romans referred to opal as opalus, further cementing its place in historical records.
Ancient cultures attributed various powers and meanings to opal. Greeks believed it bestowed the gift of prophecy and offered protection from disease. Bedouins held the belief that opal contained lightning and descended from the sky during thunderstorms. Europeans considered it a symbol of purity, hope, and truth, believing it embodied the virtues of all colored stones. Indigenous Australian lore features prominent myths surrounding opal’s creation, with stories of the Rainbow Serpent’s scales falling to earth as opals, and ancestral Creator spirits leaving their iridescent footprints where opals emerged.
Tourmaline’s journey to becoming an October birthstone is more recent. While appreciated for its diverse colors for some time, it wasn’t until 1912 that the National Association of Jewelers officially designated it as an alternative to opal. This revision allowed for the inclusion of gems that were either rare or subject to misunderstanding. In the 1950s, the Jewellery Industry Council of America further refined this designation, specifically naming pink tourmaline as the preferred alternative. The 2016 American list recognizes both opal and pink tourmaline equally as October birthstones, while the UK’s 2013 list still recognizes only opal.
Geological Formation and Sources
Both opal and tourmaline have distinct geological origins. Opal is unique in that it is not a crystalline mineral like many gemstones. Instead, it is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, meaning it lacks a regular atomic structure. It forms in cracks and voids in rocks, where silica-rich water deposits silica gel. Over time, this gel hardens and dries, creating the opal’s characteristic play-of-color. Australia is the world’s primary source of opal, particularly the rare black opal found in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. Other significant sources include Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil.
Tourmaline, on the other hand, is a crystalline borosilicate mineral. It forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, often in pegmatites – coarse-grained igneous rocks. The diverse colors of tourmaline are attributed to the presence of different trace elements within its crystal structure. Tourmaline is found in numerous locations worldwide, though specific sources are not detailed in the provided materials.
Gemological Properties
Opal is renowned for its “play-of-color,” a mesmerizing display of shifting rainbow hues caused by the diffraction of light within its internal structure. This phenomenon is what makes opal so highly valued. While opal’s hardness is relatively low, around 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, its unique optical properties overshadow this concern.
Tourmaline exhibits a wide range of colors, including pink, red, green, blue, and black. This variety is due to the presence of different elements like iron, manganese, and lithium. Pink tourmaline, specifically, gained prominence as the alternative October birthstone. The provided materials do not detail the specific hardness or chemical composition of tourmaline.
A comparison of the two stones’ properties can be summarized as follows:
| Property | Opal | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Hydrated amorphous silica | Borosilicate |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5.5 - 6.5 | Not specified |
| Key Characteristic | Play-of-color | Diverse color range |
| Formation | Silica-rich deposits | Igneous/Metamorphic rocks |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, both opal and tourmaline have been imbued with symbolic meaning. Opal has long been associated with purity, hope, and perspective. Romans called it cupid paederos, or “child as beautiful as love.” Despite a period of superstition in the 19th century where it was considered unlucky for those not born in October to wear it, many ancient cultures, including the Chinese, believed opal brought good fortune. Metaphysically, opal is believed to enhance vision, boost cognitive abilities, and even offer glimpses into the future.
Tourmaline, often called the “Stone of Reconciliation,” symbolizes compassion, open-mindedness, and forgiveness. Pink tourmaline, in particular, is believed to promote energy, encourage love, and smooth relationship difficulties. Each color of tourmaline is thought to possess unique healing properties.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its relatively lower hardness, opal requires careful handling. It is susceptible to scratching and should be protected from impacts. Cleaning opal involves gentle washing with mild soap and warm water, avoiding harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
The provided materials do not offer specific care instructions for tourmaline, but its generally higher hardness suggests it is more durable than opal and can withstand more rigorous cleaning methods.
Alternative Birthstones
The provided materials also briefly mention alternative birthstones based on zodiac signs. For Libra (September 23 - October 23), chrysolite is listed as an alternative. For Scorpio (October 24 - November 22), beryl is suggested. It is important to note that the term “chrysolite” historically encompassed several different gemstones, including peridot and chrysoberyl, and is no longer used as a specific gem name.
Conclusion
Opal and tourmaline, the dual birthstones of October, represent a captivating blend of history, beauty, and symbolism. Opal, with its ancient origins and mesmerizing play-of-color, embodies hope and purity. Tourmaline, a more recent addition to the October birthstone family, symbolizes compassion and reconciliation. Together, they offer a vibrant and diverse representation of the month, providing October-born individuals with a choice of gemstones that resonate with their personal style and beliefs. The evolution of these stones’ recognition as birthstones reflects a fascinating interplay of cultural traditions, gemological discoveries, and the enduring allure of these captivating gems.