Opal and tourmaline are the two traditional birthstones for the month of October. Birthstones are gemstones that represent each month and are thought to bring good luck, health, and prosperity to people born in that month. The opal is known for its play of color and tourmaline comes in a rainbow of shades. These gemstones have unique meanings and symbolism rooted in their colorful properties and ancient folklore. Understanding what opals and tourmalines signify can help those born in October appreciate the rich history behind their birthstones.
Meaning and Symbolism of Opal
The opal is known for its shimmering play of color that flashes shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, red and purple. This unique display is caused by the gemstone’s internal structure that diffracts light into its different spectral colors. Here are some of the key symbolic meanings associated with opal:
– Creativity and Inspiration – The colorful flashes of opal are thought to stimulate imagination and increase creativity. Ancient Roman philosopher Pliny described opal as having a playful nature that could inspire artistry.
– Luck and Prosperity – Opal is considered a lucky stone, especially for love and passion. It was once thought that the opal could amplify characteristics of the astrological signs of Cancer, Libra, Pisces and Scorpio. The gem was also ground into a powder to make magic potions for good fortune.
– Emotional Healing – Opal is believed to help process and express emotions, heal the past, and bring inner peace. Flashing shades of opal are said to reflect one’s inner emotional state. The gem provides clarity to understand and release feelings.
– Protection – In Medieval Europe, opal was thought to provide protection and ward off evil spirits. It was set in jewelry to keep people safe on journeys during turbulent times. Opal was also commonly gifted as a protective amulet for children.
– Hope – The flashy play of colors emitted by opal symbolizes hope, optimism and positive thinking. Its vibrancy inspires an uplifting outlook even in difficult circumstances.
– Femininity – Opal is associated with femininity, gentleness and grace. In ancient Arabia it was known as the “Queen of Gems” and was coveted by women of nobility.
– Birthstone – Opal is the traditional birthstone for the month of October along with tourmaline. The opal represents hope, innocence and purity associated with the autumn season.
Meaning and Symbolism of Tourmaline
Tourmaline has an incredible range of colors including pink, red, green, blue, yellow, brown, black and clear. Here are some of the key symbolic meanings of this October birthstone:
– Healing Properties – Green, pink and watermelon tourmaline stones are believed to have powerful healing abilities, especially for physical ailments. The vivid colors were thought to energize the body and promote wellbeing.
– Protection – Black tourmaline is considered very protective and believed to shield against negative energy and bad vibes. It was used as a talisman for deflecting danger.
– Balance and Harmony – Tourmaline represents a balance of yin and yang energies as well as physical and spiritual realms. It promotes inner harmony between mind, body and spirit.
– Transformation – The dramatic color variations in tourmaline symbolize self transformation. It encourages positive change, growth and shifting perspectives.
– Spirituality – Some believed tourmaline could bring enlightenment and offer a path to the highest spiritual realms when used as a meditation tool. It was thought to link to the spiritual needs of the person using it.
– Diplomacy – Green and pink tourmaline represented tolerance, compassion and empathy. It was gifted in antiquity to promote understanding between enemies and create peace.
– Reconciliation – Two or more colors of tourmaline in one stone symbolize reconciliation between divided factions or ideas. It integrates disparate elements within a person or situation.
– Clarity – Crystal clear tourmaline represents clarity of mind, vision and wisdom. It cuts through confusion and brings lucidity to thought processes.
– Creativity – Multicolored tourmaline is believed to boost creativity and new ideas. The combination of shades inspired innovative thinking.
– Calmness – Light pink tourmaline cultivates sympathy, patience and calmness. It soothes frazzled nerves and reduces anxiety.
Physical Properties and Origins of October Birthstones
Opal and tourmaline have some similar physical properties in addition to their shared status as October birthstones. Here is a comparison:
| Property | Opal | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Hydrated silica | Complex borosilicate |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 – 6.5 | 7 – 7.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.44 – 1.46 | 1.62 – 1.67 |
| Sources | Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, Honduras | Brazil, Afghanistan, USA, Africa |
Key differences are opal’s lower hardness that makes it more delicate compared to tourmaline. Opal also has a lower refractive index that results in its unique play of color.
In terms of origins, opal is mined in various parts of the world often in desert conditions. The name comes from the Roman term ‘opalus’ meaning precious jewel. Precious opal displays play of color while common opal does not.
Tourmaline gets its name from the Sinhalese word ‘turmali’ which means mixed colored stones. It is found on every continent and comes in virtually every color. Some key tourmaline varieties include rubellite (pink to red), indicolite (blue), verdelite (green), achroite (colorless) and schorl (black).
October Birthstone Jewelry and Gifts
Opal and tourmaline make beautiful, meaningful birthstone jewelry and gifts for those born in October. Here are some ideas:
– Opal necklace – Showcase the mesmerizing play of color with an opal pendant on a gold or silver chain. Choose fiery oranges, cool blues and greens, or a flash of all colors.
– Tourmaline earrings – October babies would love a pair of pink, green or rainbow tourmaline stud earrings. These colorful gems complement every skin tone.
– Opal ring – An oval or round opal cocktail ring with a precious white or black opal center stone makes a stunning statement.
– Tourmaline bracelet – A tennis bracelet or bangle set with a mix of round, oval and trillion cut tourmalines looks amazing on the wrist.
– Opal cufflinks – For stylish men born in October, a pair of rectangular opal cufflinks mounted in polished sterling silver is sophisticated.
– Tourmaline money clip – An engraved sterling silver money clip with inlaid round green tourmalines adds discreet luxury.
– Opal hair clip or barrette – An art deco inspired opal hair accent adds a pop of color and style. Use as a hair clip or slide into an up-do.
– Mixed birthstone jewelry – Blend opal and tourmaline together like this birthstone pendant that combines round pink tourmaline with an emerald cut opal.
Conclusion
Opal and tourmaline reflect the exquisite beauty of autumn. Their meanings relate to creativity and color, healing and spirituality, luck and protection. Those born in October are exceptionally unique with birthstones harnessing the rainbow. Opal represents hopefulness and tourmaline brings balance and calm. Gifting opal and tourmaline jewelry embraces the magical symbolism contained in these mesmerizing gems of prosperity, imagination and reconciliation.