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What Is the Birthstone for October?
Opal and tourmaline are the official birthstones for October. Each of the two October birthstones showcase extraordinary color characteristics, making them among the most visually captivating within the gemstone world. While opal is recognized as the traditional birthstone for October, tourmaline was later added as an alternative option.
Popular October Birthstone Jewelry
Opal Birthstone
History & Meaning
Opals have been cherished since ancient times, with early civilizations attributing magical properties to them. The Romans admired opals, believing they brought good luck. In the Middle Ages, opals were considered a symbol of purity and hope. The lore surrounding opals is rich and varied, contributing to their enduring allure.
For those born in October, opal symbolizes creativity and inspiration. The gem is thought to enhance imagination and creativity, reflecting the multifaceted personality traits often associated with October-born individuals.
Color
Opals are renowned for their captivating play-of-color, which can exhibit every color of the rainbow. This phenomenon, known as opalescence, occurs due to the diffraction of light within the silica spheres of the stone. Common colors seen in opals include white, black, blue, green, and red, with black opals being the rarest and most valuable.
Durability
Opals are relatively soft, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes them more susceptible to scratches compared to harder gemstones. Opals also have high water content and can crack if they dry out or are exposed to sudden temperature changes.
Due to their relatively soft nature, opals are best suited for occasional wear in protected settings, such as pendants and earrings, rather than everyday rings that might experience frequent impacts.
Origin
Opal can commonly be found in Australia, the western USA, Mexico and Brazil.
Care & Maintenance
Opals require special care due to their delicate nature. It’s recommended to clean opal jewelry with a soft, damp cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Store opals in a cool, moist environment, such as a fabric pouch with a damp cotton ball, to prevent drying out.
Tourmaline Birthstone
History & Meaning
Tourmaline is the newer October birthstone. Tourmaline’s history is equally fascinating, though it was not identified as a distinct mineral until the 19th century. Before that, many colorful tourmalines were often mistaken for other gemstones. In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors in Brazil discovered green tourmalines, which they initially thought were emeralds. The name “tourmaline” comes from the Sinhalese word “toramalli,” meaning mixed gems, reflecting its diverse color range.
Tourmaline is said to promote balance and protection. It is thought to calm the mind, foster self-confidence, and reduce fear. Different colors of tourmaline are believed to have specific properties — for instance, pink tourmaline is associated with love and compassion, while green tourmaline is linked to courage and strength.
Color
Tourmaline is prized for its incredible color variety. It can be found in almost every hue, from pastel pinks and blues to vibrant greens and reds. Some tourmalines even exhibit multiple colors in a single stone, often referred to as bi-color or tri-color tourmalines, with watermelon tourmalines being a popular example as they showcase both pink and green hues.
Durability
Tourmalines are harder than opals, with a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5. This makes them more durable and suitable for everyday wear. However, they can still be damaged by hard knocks and should be treated with care.
Origin
Tourmaline can commonly be found in Mozambique and Brazil.
Care & Maintenance
Tourmaline jewelry can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid exposure to high heat or sudden temperature changes, as tourmalines can fracture under extreme conditions. It is also advisable to keep tourmaline jewelry away from harsh chemicals.
