October Birthstones

Opal is one of October’s birth stones
Queen among Gems

Achievement and hope are among the positive values attributed to Opal which is also known as an Eve of the Gods. Water is among its principal elements as it is scientifically recognized as hydrated silica. What makes it special are the three-dimensional silica spheres formed when water percolate amid sediments of volcanic ash. This process in effect fossilizes the dissolved silica of bones, shells and woods, eventually leading to the opal formation. Because of its structural formation, opal is a delicate gemstone that needs careful handling so that its innate beauty could be preserved and enjoyed.

Lore

While it is quite delicate, opal is regarded as a bringer of robust energy and psychic power, as well as a gem of romance and love, serving likewise as a talisman empowering the pursuit of personal wishes and happiness. Perhaps wearing opal jewelry will help you smile more. The citizens of ancient Rome were the first to recognize this gem’s as a tiding of good fortune, calling the stone opalus. Before the 16th century opal was exclusively sourced from Czechoslovakia (now split into Czech Republic and Slovakia). Spanish conquistadors later discovered opal in the Aztec civilization of South America, which resulted in the appearance of this gem stone in royal crowns in Europe.

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Tourmaline is the other birthstone for October

Jewelry boxes of many noted artists and writers, for instance, hold the gemstone tourmaline, which is widely regarded as a charm that enhances creativity. Tourmaline jewelry is also used for Leo in the Zodiac sign and a keepsake for those marking their eighth wedding anniversary.

Colors

Its name was derived from the Sri Lankan phrase “tura mali,” which means a stone of mixed colors. Prized tourmalines are those that are dichroic, which at different angles display different colors. Combinations of colors that only Nature could possibly conceive make tourmaline truly an inspiring stone; it could be pink in one end and green at the other, while some may be pink inside and green outside. This stone offers a riot of colors ranging from yellow, lime, dark brown to red. The most highly priced are the pink rubellite, green verdelite and the blue indicolite.

The chrome tourmaline is often mistaken for an emerald because its chromium content produces an exquisite green hue that is also similar to tsavorite garnet. In addition to Sri Lanka where it traces its name, tourmaline also comes from mines in several other countries such as Australia, USA, Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Kenya, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Pakistan, where gem aficionados likewise regard it as an elixir to both body and soul; not a pot of gold, but nonetheless priceless treasures.

Whichever birthstone you choose to wear to celebrate October, we know you will be happy with your choice!

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