October boasts not one, but two captivating birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Both gems offer a dazzling array of colors and a rich history, making them meaningful choices for those born in the tenth month. While opal holds the distinction as the traditional October birthstone, tourmaline was officially added in 1912, providing a diverse and vibrant selection for jewelry and collectors alike. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of these remarkable gemstones.
History and Lore
The story of opal stretches back to ancient times. Its name is believed to originate from the Sanskrit word “upala,” meaning “precious stone,” which evolved into “opalus” in Latin. Ancient Greeks associated opal with prophecy and protection from disease, while Bedouins believed the gem contained lightning and descended from the sky during thunderstorms. Europeans long considered opal a symbol of purity, hope, and truth, and for centuries, it was thought to embody the virtues of all colored stones.
Tourmaline’s history is less extensively detailed in the provided sources, but its inclusion as an official October birthstone dates to 1912, when the National Association of Jewellers formally recognized it alongside opal. The standardization of birthstone lists began in 1870 with Tiffany & Co.’s publication of “Gregorian Birthstone Poems,” initially featuring only opal for October.
Geological Formation and Sources
Opal is a unique mineraloid, formed through the gradual natural heating of silica gel found within cracks in rocks. It exists in two primary varieties: precious opal, exhibiting the characteristic “play-of-color,” and common opal, lacking this iridescent effect. The most significant source of opal globally is Australia, producing approximately 95% of the world’s supply and earning it the title of the country’s unofficial national stone. Other notable opal sources include Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil, yielding opals in a range of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, and brown, some displaying the coveted play-of-color. Specific regions within Australia, such as Lightning Ridge, are renowned for black opals with vivid flashes of green, blue, and red against a dark background, while Queensland produces boulder opals revealing rainbow hues.
The sources do not provide detailed information on the geological formation of tourmaline or its primary mining locations.
Gemological Properties
Opal is distinguished by its “play-of-color,” a phenomenon caused by the diffraction of light within its internal structure. This creates a shimmering, rainbow-like effect, ensuring that no two opals are exactly alike. Opal’s hardness ranges from 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively softer than many other gemstones and requiring careful handling. It is composed of hydrated silica, meaning water is a component of its chemical structure.
The provided sources do not offer specific gemological properties for tourmaline, such as its chemical composition, refractive index, or hardness.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, opal has been imbued with various symbolic meanings. Ancient cultures associated it with hope, purity, and truth. Modern interpretations suggest opal brings confidence and encourages the wearer to embrace their individuality. It is also the traditional gemstone given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary.
The sources indicate that tourmaline’s diverse colors have been linked to artistic inspiration, but do not elaborate on specific metaphysical beliefs associated with the gem.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its relatively soft nature, opal requires gentle care. It should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and avoided exposure to harsh heat or chemicals, which could cause cracking. When storing opal jewelry, it’s advisable to keep it separate from harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires to prevent scratching. The sources do not provide specific care instructions for tourmaline.
October and its Symbolism
The month of October itself carries historical and cultural significance. Rooted in the Latin “octo” meaning “eight,” it originally held a place in the early Roman calendar of ten months. Anglo-Saxons referred to October as Winterfylleth, signifying the beginning of winter with the full moon. Ancient Roman celebrations like Mundus Patet, where the realms of the living and dead were believed to intersect, were observed during this time. Today, October is associated with themes of fulfillment, reaping the rewards of labor, and the cyclical nature of life, themes that resonate with the beauty and symbolism of its birthstones.
A Note on Opal “Trauma”
An interesting anecdote is shared regarding a jeweler’s early career experience with opals. A newly apprenticed jeweler experienced significant distress when a valuable cabochon opal shattered after accidentally dropping it, leading to a period of fear and apprehension when handling the gemstone. This story, while personal, highlights the importance of careful handling due to opal’s relative fragility.
The Two Stones in Comparison
| Feature | Opal | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional/Modern | Traditional | Modern (added 1912) |
| Composition | Hydrated Silica | (Information not provided in sources) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5-6.5 | (Information not provided in sources) |
| Play-of-Color | Characteristic | (Information not provided in sources) |
| Primary Source | Australia (95% of world production) | (Information not provided in sources) |
| Symbolism | Hope, purity, truth, confidence | Artistic inspiration |
Conclusion
Opal and tourmaline, the captivating birthstones of October, each possess a unique allure and a rich history. Opal, with its mesmerizing play-of-color and ancient symbolism, remains a cherished gemstone, while tourmaline adds a vibrant diversity to the month’s offerings. Whether chosen for their beauty, historical significance, or perceived metaphysical properties, these gems continue to inspire and delight those born under the autumn sky.