October Birthstones Opal Tourmaline
What are the birthstones for October and what do they mean?
If you were born in October, you are lucky to have two beautiful birthstones to choose from: opal and tourmaline. Both gemstones come in a variety of colours and have fascinating histories and meanings. In this blog post, we will explore the origins, properties and symbolism of these October birthstones and how you can wear them to celebrate your birthday.
Opal: The Rainbow Stone
Opal is a unique gemstone that displays a dazzling play of colours, ranging from fiery reds and oranges to cool blues and greens. The word opal comes from the Latin opelus, meaning “precious stone”, and the Greek opallios, meaning “to see a change of colour”. Opals are formed when silica-rich water seeps into cracks in the earth and evaporates, leaving behind tiny spheres of silica that diffract light and create the rainbow effect.
Opals have been admired for centuries for their beauty and mystery. Ancient Greeks believed that opals were the tears of Zeus, the king of the gods and that they could bestow prophetic powers and protect from evil. Ancient Romans considered opals to be a symbol of hope and purity and wore them as talismans. In the Middle Ages, opals were thought to bring good luck and enhance vision. However, in the 19th century, opals gained a negative reputation after Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein, in which an opal worn by the heroine changes colour according to her mood and eventually causes her death. This superstition was soon dispelled by the discovery of new opal deposits in Australia, which became the world’s leading source of opals and revived their popularity.
Opals are associated with creativity, imagination, passion and loyalty. They are said to enhance self-confidence, expressiveness and spontaneity. Opals are also believed to have healing properties, especially for the eyes, skin, hair and nails. Opals are the traditional gift for the 14th wedding anniversary.
Tourmaline: The Stone of Many Colours
Tourmaline is another gemstone that comes in a wide spectrum of colours, from black to pink to green to blue. The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning “mixed gems”, as tourmalines were often confused with other stones due to their diversity. Tourmalines are composed of boron, aluminium and various other elements that create different colours and varieties. Some tourmalines even display two or more colours in one stone, such as watermelon tourmaline, which has a green rind and a pink core.
Tourmalines have been valued for their beauty and versatility for centuries. Ancient Egyptians believed that tourmalines travelled from the centre of the earth to the surface along a rainbow, acquiring all its colours along the way. Ancient Indians used tourmalines as a tool for enlightenment and spiritual awakening. In China, tourmalines were carved into intricate sculptures and ornaments for the imperial court. In Europe, tourmalines were favoured by artists and writers for their inspiration and creativity.
Tourmalines are associated with balance, harmony, compassion and understanding. They are said to promote self-awareness, communication, tolerance and friendship. Tourmalines are also believed to have healing properties, especially for the heart, nervous system, blood and lymphatic system. Tourmalines are the traditional gift for the 8th wedding anniversary.
How to Wear October Birthstones
October birthstones are versatile and can be worn in many ways to suit your personal style and preference. Here are some tips on how to wear opals and tourmalines:
– Choose a colour that complements your skin tone, hair colour and eye colour. For example, if you have warm undertones, you might prefer opals with orange or yellow flashes or tourmalines in pink or red hues. If you have cool undertones, you might prefer opals with blue or green flashes or tourmalines in green or blue hues.
– Mix and match different colours and shapes of opals and tourmalines for a fun and eclectic look. You can also layer different pieces of jewellery, such as necklaces, bracelets or rings, for a more dramatic effect.
– opt for simple settings that showcase the natural beauty and brilliance of opals and tourmalines. Avoid metal prongs that might scratch or damage the stones. Instead, choose bezel settings that encircle the stones with metal or halo settings that surround them with smaller diamonds or gemstones.
– Protect your opals and tourmalines from heat, moisture, chemicals and abrasion. Opals are relatively soft and porous stones that can crack or lose their colour if exposed to high temperatures or dryness. Tourmalines are harder but still prone to chipping or breaking if hit or scratched. Store your opal and tourmaline jewellery in separate pouches or boxes and clean them gently with a soft cloth and mild soap.
October birthstones are a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday and express your personality. Whether you choose opals, tourmalines or both, you can enjoy their beauty and meaning for years to come.
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