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Opal
Is October Birthstone Opal or Tourmaline?
Those born in October enjoy two spectacular birthstones to commemorate their birthdays, opal and pink tourmaline. Both October’s birthstone is multi-colored, as both opal and tourmaline usually radiate a spectrum of colors. The array of colors helps October birthstone jewelry stand out. You can customize any piece to your style and personality. These unique gemstones offer a wide range of jewelry options, from pendants to earrings.
Is October Birthstone Opal or Pink?
October’s birthstones are pink tourmaline and opal. Tourmaline, the primary birthstone, is rare because it is one of the few gems that can be found in almost every color. Some pink tourmalines have clarity as transparent as diamonds! Opals, on the other hand, are in a class by themselves. Opal is so unique its patterns have their own descriptive vocabulary. More than any other gem, each opal is distinctly individual. Opals are also the most delicate gemstones commonly worn and require special care.
Why Does October have two Birthstones?
In an effort to standardize the birthstones, the National Association of Jewelers decided to create a list of accepted birthstones for each month in 1952. That last has since been tweaked over the years to reflect changes in styles and availability of stones on the market. In October’s case, the opal was seen by many to be too feminine in appearance and there were questions about its durability. So the association decided to add tourmaline to the mix. More recently, it was decided that the October birthstones would be opal and pink tourmaline, specifically.
What is the October Birthstone Meaning?
Opal, the traditional October birthstone, is believed to have originated in India (the source of the first opals brought to the Western world), wherein Sanskrit it was called Upala, a “precious stone.” .” In ancient Rome, this became opalus. Most opals are valued for their shifting colors in rainbow hues – a phenomenon known as “play-of-color.”
Tourmaline is the newer October birthstone. The name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colors,” because it often has multiple colors in one crystal. Very few gems match the tourmaline’s dazzling array of colors. Perhaps this is why ancient mystics believed this October birthstone could inspire artistic expression – it has a color palette for every mood. Among the most popular are the pink and red rubellites, the emerald green “chrome” tourmalines, and the neon green and blue-to-violet “paraíba” tourmalines.
What Color is the October Birthstone?
Opal & Tourmaline have become the staple birthstones of October. Opal and Tourmaline are both some of the most beautiful and untraditional of all gemstones.
Opal’s shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem. Fine opal’s beauty is elusive and challenging to capture in words. It has been compared to fireworks, jellyfish, galaxies, lightning, and volcanoes.
Traditionally represented as pink, the tourmaline can come in a rainbow of hues, pink (the accepted color to represent October’s birthstone), blue, high-end reds, and greens adorn the showrooms of designer jewelers.
Conclusion
Birthstones endure through history. They link us to important parts of society, such as religion or custom. Modern times match these ideas too. Over the years, these special stones have come to reflect current tastes, thoughts, and trends. Join us as we look at the October birthstone, opal, and pink tourmaline, the alternate.
Opal, as an October birthstone, dates to at least the 15th century. Tourmaline, however, was selected as an October birthstone in the early 1900s. Before this, aquamarine was the birthstone for the month. Today, aquamarine is the modern March birthstone.
TOURMALINE - A MILION STONES IN ONE
Tourmaline is a high-value precious gem that’s found in a variety of equally wondrous and vivid colors. Said to inspire artistic expression, this October birthstone can be found in vibrant shades of pink, purple, orange, green, blue, and even black.
Derived from the Sinhalese word touramalli – which means “stone with mixed colors” – very few gemstone types can match the broad variety of colors that tourmaline possesses.
Over the years, many people have mistaken the warm, blushing tones of red and pink tourmaline (now referred to as rubellites) for rubies. Indeed, one of the “rubies” in the Russian Crown Jewels was unmasked in the 1800s as a misidentified tourmaline rubellite.
The different tones of tourmaline are said to inspire different attributes and properties, giving October babies many choices for a single October birthstone. The pink shades of watermelon tourmaline most often get associated with love and romance. While the vivid green and black tourmaline stones are a source of compassion and self-confidence. Whichever variation of the October birthstone you pick, they can all give you a little boost in life.
The tourmaline birthstone is most easy to find in places such as Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Kenya.
What Color Is The October Birthstone?
Due to the extravagant array of colors supplied by both opal and tourmaline, it’s difficult to determine just one birthstone color for October.
It is perhaps fair to say that there is no one color for an October birthstone, but rather a multitude of colors. A stunning rainbow variety of intensely different pigments and reflections are attributed to the October birthstone duo.
Is The October Birthstone Opal Or Tourmaline?
Opal is the traditional October birthstone, but tourmaline is now considered the second official birthstone for October and also the modern birthstone for October. While many months of the year have only one assigned birthstone, several others are attributed to two or more.
The reason for multiple birthstones per month is practical – over enough time, precious gems go in and out of fashion or become so rare and expensive that regular people cannot afford them for birthstone jewelry.
When big changes hit the gemstone industry, often the birthstone structure is adapted to accommodate those changes. That too has happened for the October birthstone.
Why Are There 2 Birthstones For October?
The reason for there being two birthstones for October instead of one is due to the simple fact that variety makes for a more accessible and flexible approach to purchasing birthstone jewelry.
Around the world and throughout many different cultures, birthstone jewelry is taken very seriously. The allowance for multiple birthstones per calendar month promotes accessibility and provides people everywhere with an increased number of options.
Two is better than one – having multiple options for an October birthstone means that people can both grow their October birthstone collection even further or simply be given the luxury of choice when it comes to choosing a birthstone that best reflects their individual personality.
Care And Storage Tips For October Birthstones
Purchasing and owning a precious October birthstone requires some knowledge and experience in the proper care of stones and how to store them safely. There are special ways to care for opal and tourmaline.
- Opal – the best way to clean this October birthstone is with soapy lukewarm water. Do not leave your opal in the water for too long, as over-exposure to moisture may cause damage. Opal can be scratched by other, harder gemstones so it is safest stored alone.
- Tourmaline – this hardy October birthstone is able to tolerate most chemicals and bright lights, but should be kept away from high temperatures. While ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended, tourmaline can be cleaned with sudsy warm water and a soft brush.
When it comes to caring for a precious October birthstone, a gentle hand and cautious usage is advised. Whether your birthday is in October or not, anyone can enjoy the supreme beauty of these rainbow-colored gems.
And that is a wrap for this week's Newsletter. I hope you found it of value. Grateful acknowledgement is made to Google for providing us will all this fascinating information at our fingertips. LOL
Dean Glosup