October boasts the unique distinction of having two recognized birthstones: the opal and the tourmaline. Both gemstones are celebrated for their vibrant displays of color and rich histories, though they differ significantly in their geological origins and symbolic meanings. This article will explore the characteristics of both the opal and tourmaline, their association with the month of October, and their presence in contemporary jewelry, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The association of opal with October is a relatively modern development, though the stone itself has a long and storied past. Sources focus primarily on the cultural significance attributed to these stones rather than detailing a specific historical progression of their use as birthstones. Opals are described as embodying “fire, lightning all the colors of the rainbow and the soft shine of far seas,” evoking a sense of dynamic beauty and natural power. This imagery suggests a long-held fascination with the stone’s unique play of color, referred to as “opalising.”
Tourmaline, on the other hand, is linked to an ancient Egyptian legend. The tale recounts that tourmalines, during their ascent from the Earth’s core, traversed a rainbow, absorbing all its hues. This origin story explains the gemstone’s remarkable color variety and its enduring nickname, “the gemstone of the rainbow.” The legend highlights the cultural perception of tourmaline as a stone of multifaceted beauty and vibrant energy.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources offer limited detail regarding the geological formation of either opal or tourmaline. However, specific information is given regarding the origin of Black Hills Gold opal. Jewelry featuring this opal is “mined, designed, and made in the Black Hills area in South Dakota,” a mountainous region in western South Dakota. This region is considered the source of “South Dakota State Jewelry,” and any jewelry marketed as Black Hills Gold must originate from this area. The Black Hills gold mines have historically yielded approximately 4 million ounces of gold annually, alongside 3 million ounces of silver.
The sources do not specify the geological processes involved in opal formation or the typical locations for tourmaline mining beyond the implication of a journey “from the centre of the Earth” for tourmaline.
Gemological Properties
The sources provide a limited overview of the gemological properties of opal and tourmaline. Opal is described as a “natural white opal” exhibiting “beautiful flash” and displaying flashes of red, yellow, blue, and green. This refers to the play-of-color, a defining characteristic of opal, caused by the diffraction of light within its internal structure.
Tourmaline is noted for its “incomparable variety of colors,” stemming from its complex chemical composition. A specific variety, Paraiba Tourmaline, is highlighted for its vibrant blueish to blue-green coloration. The sources do not provide details on hardness, refractive index, or chemical formulas for either gemstone.
A table summarizing the limited gemological information available is presented below:
| Gemstone | Key Properties |
|---|---|
| Opal | Play-of-color (red, yellow, blue, green flashes), natural white variety |
| Tourmaline | Wide range of colors, including vibrant blueish-green (Paraiba Tourmaline) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with opal centers around its representation of fire, lightning, and the colors of the natural world. This suggests a connection to passion, energy, and the dynamic forces of nature. The description of opal as embodying the “soft shine of far seas” adds a layer of mystery and tranquility to its symbolic meaning.
Tourmaline’s symbolism is deeply rooted in its legendary origin. The association with the rainbow imbues the stone with connotations of hope, promise, and the full spectrum of human emotion. The “gemstone of the rainbow” title suggests a stone capable of reflecting and amplifying inner feelings.
Contemporary Jewelry and Market Value
The sources primarily focus on the availability of opal and tourmaline in contemporary jewelry. WeilJewelry and Ben Garelick Jewelers both offer collections of October birthstone jewelry featuring both opal and tourmaline. These collections include rings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets set in white and yellow gold, as well as platinum.
A specific Black Hills Gold opal ring is detailed, featuring a 10K gold setting with leaf-shaped trim designed to enhance the opal’s beauty. The ring is size 7.0 US and weighs 2.50g, with a price of $385.00. The sources indicate a willingness to accommodate requests for jewelry featuring all-natural gemstones, acknowledging that such pieces will be more expensive due to the higher cost of natural stones compared to lab-created alternatives. The availability of both natural and lab-created gemstones is presented as a means of balancing beauty, quality, price, and accessibility.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific guidance on the care and cleaning of opal or tourmaline. However, given the general properties of gemstones, it can be inferred that both should be treated with care to avoid scratches and damage. Gentle cleaning with mild soap and warm water is generally recommended for most gemstones. Further research would be needed to provide detailed care instructions specific to opal and tourmaline.
Conclusion
Opal and tourmaline, as the birthstones of October, represent a captivating duality of fire and rainbow. Opal, with its mesmerizing play-of-color, embodies the energy and beauty of the natural world, while tourmaline, the “gemstone of the rainbow,” symbolizes hope, promise, and the full spectrum of human emotion. The availability of both natural and lab-created options in contemporary jewelry ensures that these vibrant gemstones remain accessible to a wide range of consumers. While the provided sources offer a limited overview of their geological origins and gemological properties, they effectively convey the historical significance and enduring appeal of these October birthstones.