Birthstones are precious gems that correspond to the month of a person's birth. Traditionally, each gem has a different meaning and represents unique characteristics that are said to belong to the person who wears the gems. Each month's birthstone has an intriguing backstory. Some months, such as September, have only one birthstone, while others, such as October, have two.
October Birthstone
When it comes to birthstones, October is a special month. One reason is that there are two birthstones for October: opal and pink tourmaline. While tourmalines are lovely in their own right, the opal gets all the attention because it is one of the most unique and beautiful gemstones in the world. Here's a look at both of these birthstones, as well as their histories and traditions.
What is the October Birthstone? Opal or tourmaline?
October birthdays are commemorated by two spectacular birthstones: opal and pink tourmaline. October's birthstone is multicolored, as opal and tourmaline both emit a spectrum of hues. October birthstone jewelry stands out due to the wide range of colors. You can personalize any piece to suit your taste and charisma. These one-of-a-kind gemstones are available in a variety of jewelry designs, ranging from pendants to earrings.
Why are October birthstones so special?
Opal, the traditional October birthstone, is thought to have originated in India (the origin of the first opals brought to the Western world), where it was known as upala, a "precious stone" in Sanskrit. ” This was known as opalus in ancient Rome. Most opals are valued for their rainbow-colored shifting colors, a phenomenon known as "play-of-color."
Tourmaline is the newer birthstone for October. Because it often has multiple colors in one crystal, the name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means "stone with mixed colors." Few gems can compete with tourmaline's dazzling array of colors. Perhaps this is why ancient mystics thought the October birthstone could inspire artistic expression - it has a color palette to suit every mood. Pink and red rubellites, emerald green "chrome" tourmalines, and neon green and blue-to-violet "paraba" tourmalines are among the most popular.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a semi-precious stone with many different colors. It can be found in many places, including Brazil and Madagascar. It is also used to create jewelry and other items.
Tourmalines have been used for thousands of years across Asia, Africa, Europe and North America as well as Australia and New Zealand (New Zealanders claim their country was named after tourmalines). They are often used as an ornamental stone because they contain trace elements that make them beautiful but also hard wearing when it comes to durability under heat or pressure conditions such as those found in high temperatures for long periods of time or pressure applied directly onto cut surfaces during carving/fabrication processes such as drilling holes through large blocks into small ones then cutting around corners so everything fits together nicely without having any gaps between pieces' edges making everything look cheap instead feeling expensive.
Opal
Opals are the most popular October birthstone. They are incredibly diverse rocks, with varying appearances depending on how they formed. Some jewelry uses precious opals, which are known for their flashy iridescent colors. Even the less dazzling common opals have a quiet beauty that makes them popular specimens.
Opals, unlike most other gemstones, are not considered minerals in the traditional sense. They are made up of a dense lattice of tiny silica spheres. Because of the interference of light with their internal structures, these gemstones, famous for their "play of colors," flash rainbow hues when moved.
What do you think is your favorite?
If you were born in October, you have the option of selecting either Opal or Pink Tourmaline as your birthstone. But, because both stones are so diverse—one kaleidoscope and the other available in almost every color imaginable— it's quite difficult it's to choose!
Look into jewelry with the October birthstone. These captivating stones look stunning in gold earrings and necklaces, and they enchant in vintage-inspired framed rings and pendants. Shop our incredible selection of rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets to find the perfect one for you.