October is unique among the calendar months, boasting not one, but two recognized birthstones: opal and tourmaline. This tradition, formalized in the 20th century, reflects the rich history and diverse appeal of both gemstones. While opal holds the distinction as the traditional October birthstone, pink tourmaline has gained prominence as the modern choice, offering a spectrum of colors and captivating beauty. Both stones are steeped in lore, possess distinct gemological properties, and continue to fascinate gemstone enthusiasts worldwide.
History and Lore
The story of opal begins in ancient India, where it was known as upala, meaning “precious stone.” From there, the gem made its way to ancient Rome, becoming opalus. Throughout history, opal has been associated with a variety of beliefs. Ancient Greeks believed it bestowed the gift of prophecy and offered protection from disease. In Europe, opal became a symbol of purity, hope, and truth. Centuries ago, it was even thought to embody the virtues and powers of all colored stones. Bedouin tribes believed opals contained lightning and originated from the sky during thunderstorms.
Tourmaline’s history is marked by centuries of misidentification. Its diverse color palette led to frequent confusion with other gemstones. A notable example is the “Caesar’s Ruby” in the Russian crown jewels, which is, in fact, a red tourmaline (rubellite). Green tourmaline crystals discovered in Brazil by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s were initially mistaken for emeralds. It wasn’t until the 19th century that tourmaline was formally recognized as a distinct mineral species.
The dual birthstone designation for October is a relatively recent development. Early formalized lists, beginning with Tiffany & Co. in 1870, initially featured only opal. The National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America) standardized the list in 1912, designating opal as the primary October birthstone and tourmaline as an alternative. This reflects the growing appreciation for tourmaline’s unique qualities and the desire to offer a wider range of choices for those born in October.
Geological Formation and Sources
The sources for opal and tourmaline differ significantly, reflecting their distinct geological origins. While specific mining locations are not extensively detailed in the provided sources, the origins of the first opals brought to the Western world are traced back to India.
Tourmaline, conversely, has been sourced from various locations throughout history. Green tourmaline was first discovered by the Spanish in Brazil during the 1500s. In the late 1800s, the Empress Dowager Tzu-Hsi of China developed a passion for pink tourmaline, purchasing nearly the entire production from a California mine. Even after her death, tourmaline remained significant, with her being buried on a pillow of the gem and the remainder of her collection transformed into carvings.
Gemological Properties
Both opal and tourmaline exhibit a wide range of properties, contributing to their individual appeal. Opal is particularly prized for its “play-of-color,” a shifting display of rainbow hues. This phenomenon is what distinguishes high-quality opals and has inspired comparisons to fireworks, galaxies, and volcanoes.
Tourmaline, described as a “stone of mixed colors,” is unmatched in its color variety. It occurs naturally in a diverse range of shades, and some crystals even exhibit multiple colors, known as watermelon tourmaline. Most tourmaline jewelry consists primarily of a mineral called elbaite, forming in distinctive prism-like crystals with long hexagonal structures.
The sources do not provide detailed chemical formulas, hardness ratings, or refractive indices for either gemstone. However, tourmaline is noted for its wide range of colors, including pinks, reds, emerald, and green-to-blue paraiba tourmaline, as well as emerald and green “chrome” tourmalines.
Here's a table summarizing the key properties as described in the sources:
| Property | Opal | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Rainbow hues, "play-of-color" | Diverse range, including pink, red, green, blue |
| Distinguishing Feature | Play-of-color | Wide color variety, watermelon tourmaline |
| Crystal Structure | Not specified | Prism-like, hexagonal |
| Historical Misidentification | N/A | Often mistaken for other gems (emerald, ruby) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, both opal and tourmaline have been attributed with symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Opal has long been associated with purity, hope, and truth. Ancient beliefs suggest it could bestow prophetic abilities and protect against disease.
Tourmaline’s symbolism varies depending on its color. Black tourmaline is believed to protect the wearer from negativity and enhance self-confidence. Pink tourmaline embodies love, compassion, and gentleness. Green tourmaline is thought to promote courage, strength, and stamina. The association of tourmaline with artistic expression stems from ancient mystics’ belief that its varied colors could inspire creativity.
Tourmaline is also linked to significant life events, serving as the traditional gift for the eighth wedding anniversary. Opal, similarly, is the stone given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care and cleaning instructions for either opal or tourmaline. However, given the lack of hardness information, it is reasonable to assume both gemstones require careful handling to avoid scratches or damage.
Conclusion
Opal and tourmaline, the dual birthstones of October, represent a captivating blend of history, lore, and gemological beauty. From their ancient origins and diverse cultural associations to their unique properties and symbolic meanings, these gemstones continue to hold a special place in the world of jewelry and gemology. Whether one favors the iridescent play-of-color of opal or the vibrant spectrum of tourmaline, October’s birthstones offer a stunning choice for those born under the autumn sky.