October’s birthstones are tourmaline and opal. Tourmaline comes in a variety of colors like red, green, pink, blue, yellow, and more. Opal is known for its iridescent play of color. Both stones make beautiful and meaningful alternative gemstone options for October birthdays.
What is the birthstone for October?
The traditional birthstone for the month of October is opal. Opal is a stunning gemstone that exhibits flashes of rainbow colors called opalescence. It is formed from silica gel in fractures and cavities of rock. As the silica gel solidifies over thousands of years, it takes on water which allows light to refract and exhibit spectral colors. Opals can form in many different colors like white, black, fire, boulder, crystal and more. The most valued opal displays stronger flashes of color against a vivid background.
Fine opal is rare and fragile compared to most gems. It rates at 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it can scratch and chip easily. Opal needs to be handled with care and should not be exposed to heat, harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaning. Despite its delicate nature, opal is breathtaking and mystical birthstone for October.
When did opal become October’s birthstone?
Opal has been associated with October since the 15th century. Ancient Romans called opal “ophthalmios” meaning eye stone, believing it helped vision. Arab traders brought opal to Europe around 300 A.D. where it gained popularity. In the Middle Ages it was thought to hold powers of foresight, prophesy and protection. Opal was officially declared October’s birthstone in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers. This cemented opal’s status as the primary gem for Libra and Scorpio zodiac signs that fall in October.
What is tourmaline?
Tourmaline is considered an alternate birthstone for October. Tourmaline is a complex gemstone that comes in virtually every color of the rainbow. The name “tourmaline” comes from the Sinhalese word “turmali” meaning mixed. Colors of tourmaline range from deep red rubellite to vibrant green verdelite, to rareParaiba blue-green, pink morganite and more.
Tourmaline is a cyclosilicate mineral. Its composition includes aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium and potassium. Trace elements produce tourmaline’s full spectrum of colors. These gemstones form in granite and metamorphic rocks under intense heat and pressure conditions. Major tourmaline deposits have been found in Brazil, Afghanistan, East Africa, Sri Lanka and Maine.
Properties of tourmaline
Tourmaline rates 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable for jewelry use. It has a vitreous luster and prismatic crystal structure. Some tourmaline can display cat’s eye chatoyancy or change color based on lighting conditions. Red/pink rubellite and green verdelite tourmaline are the most common, while blue indicolite and violet-red Paraiba tourmaline are exceptionally rare.
The striking colors, durability and affordability of tourmaline make it an excellent gem for October birthdays. Tourmaline engagement rings and jewelry are also becoming popular alternatives to emerald and ruby. A rainbow tourmaline can represent love of all colors and origins.
History of tourmaline
Like opal, tourmaline has been prized since ancient times but was formally declared a birthstone much later. Egyptian rulers from the 3rd dynasty used red tourmaline gems over 5,000 years ago. In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors mistook green tourmaline crystals in Brazil for emerald and shipped them back to Europe. However, tourmaline did not gain acclaim until the 1800s when mineralogists understood its unique properties.
In 1952 the Jewelry Industry Council added tourmaline alongside opal as an October birthstone option. This gave people born in October more choices for their birthstone jewelry. The American Gem Trade Association and other international organizations also officially recognized tourmaline as an October birthstone in the latter 20th century.
Why add tourmaline as a birthstone?
There were several reasons tourmaline was added as an alternate birthstone for October:
- Opal’s delicate nature – Opal is prone to cracking, chipping and scratching due to its low hardness. Many jewelers wanted a more durable option for October jewelry.
- New tourmaline sources – In the early 1900s, extensive tourmaline deposits were discovered in California and Africa, increasing supply and availability.
- Tourmaline colors – Vibrant pink, green and multicolored tourmaline provided new October birthstone choices.
- Affordability – Tourmaline was more affordable than opal, making birthstone jewelry accessible to more people.
- Zodiac connection – Colorful tourmaline suits the character of Libra and Scorpio signs of October.
Offering tourmaline provided greater variety for October’s birthstone. Both opal and tourmaline remain official October gems today.
How to choose between opal and tourmaline
Opal and tourmaline offer unique beauty as October’s birthstones. Some factors to consider when choosing between them include:
| Factors | Opal | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | White, black, fire | Red, green, pink, blue, yellow, multi |
| Durability | 5.5-6.5 (low) | 7-7.5 (good) |
| Rarity | Rare | Common to rare |
| Cost | Expensive | Affordable to expensive |
Opal displays mesmerizing flashes of spectral color but is quite fragile. Tourmaline offers a rainbow of hues in a very durable gem. Costs ranges depend on the quality and type of each stone. The best choice comes down to personal preference for October individuals’ birthstone jewelry.
How to care for opal
Opal requires gentle care because it is prone to damage. Recommended opal care includes:
- Store opals separately from other gems to avoid scratching.
- Avoid pressure on opal that could cause fracturing.
- Clean with warm water and mild soap only.
- Avoid exposing opal to chemicals, heat or ultrasonic cleaning.
- Take off opal jewelry before physical activities to prevent blows or knocks.
- Examine opal regularly for cracks and repolish nicks immediately.
With proper precautions, fragile opal can remain stunning for years to come. Opals over 100 years old still dazzle when cared for properly.
How to care for tourmaline
Tourmaline has excellent durability and requires minimal maintenance:
- Clean tourmaline in warm water with mild detergent.
- Protect tourmaline from sharp blows that could chip the gem.
- Store tourmaline separately to prevent scratches from other gems.
- Avoid exposing tourmaline to prolonged heat or acid chemicals.
- Consider removing tourmaline rings and bracelets during physical activities.
- Examine regularly for loose prongs or cracks.
Simple care allows tourmaline’s resplendent colors to endure. Most tourmaline has excellent stability and can last a lifetime.
Interesting facts about October’s birthstones
- The Romans used engraved opals as talismans for good luck.
- Queen Victoria loved opals and wore them throughout her reign.
- A rare black opal called the Aurora Australis was valued at over $1 million.
- The largest vivid blue Paraiba tourmaline found was 191 carats.
- Green tourmaline was once mistaken for emerald by Spanish conquistadors.
- Pink tourmaline can fade in sunlight while blue tourmaline never fades.
- Watermelon tourmaline displays green, white and pink reminiscent of the fruit.
- The Smithsonian has a world-class collection of rare opal and tourmaline gems.
Famous people who love October’s birthstones
Many celebrities born in October favor opal and tourmaline birthstone jewelry:
- Oprah Winfrey – Wears an opal ring encircled with diamonds.
- Simon Cowell – Gave girlfriend an opal and diamond engagement ring.
- Matt Damon – Bought wife a black opal pendant from Australia.
- Suzanne Somers – Received a flashy fire opal ring for her birthday.
- Zac Efron – Gave Michelle Rodriguez opal earrings when they dated.
- Kate Winslet – Has an art deco style opal cocktail ring she wears often.
- Julie Andrews – Inherited vintage opal earrings she only wears on occasion.
- Catherine Zeta-Jones – Has an impressive bracelet adorned with opals and emeralds.
- Rita Hayworth – The actress loved opal jewelry and amassed an extensive collection.
- Alicia Silverstone – Seen wearing colorful tourmaline cocktail rings.
October’s luminous birthstones have adorned celebrities on the red carpet throughout history.
Where to buy October birthstone jewelry
Both opal and tourmaline birthstone jewelry for October can be found at:
- Local jewelers – Custom or vintage opal and tourmaline pieces.
- Online jewelry stores – Large selection of birthstone rings, pendants, earrings.
- Estate sales – Previously owned antique opal and tourmaline jewelry.
- Australian opal dealers – Offer unique white, black, boulder, crystal opals.
- Gem shows – Buy directly from gemstone dealers and cutters.
- Ethical sellers – Ensure opal and tourmaline sources are conflict-free.
- Museum gift shops – Carry birthstone jewelry related to exhibits.
When purchasing, ask about gem treatments and enhancements for full disclosure. Reputable jewelers provide certification documents from grading labs like GIA.
How to wear October birthstones
Opal and tourmaline lend themselves beautifully to:
- Statement rings – Showcase large gems for maximum impact.
- Pendants – Display colorful stones against the skin.
- Earrings – Dangle opals and tourmaline to catch the light.
- Bracelets – Link smaller gems together for a glittering line.
- Cocktail rings – Surround center stones with halos for sparkle.
- Necklaces – Add raw, uncut crystals for organic style.
Set in white or yellow gold, these birthstones radiate with festive fall hues. Match tourmaline colors to favorite outfits for stylish flair.
October birthstone engagement rings
While diamonds remain the top choice for engagement rings, opals and tourmalines create unique options:
- Opal – Stunning for art deco rings, but select solid stones and protective settings.
- Pink tourmaline – Romantic pink stones set in rose gold or engraved bands.
- Paraiba tourmaline – Vivid blueish-green Paraiba tourmalines as the centerpiece.
- Multi-color tourmaline – Display rainbow gems to represent the relationship’s brilliance.
October birthstones make wonderful keepsakes for lifelong unions. An opal or tourmaline engagement ring carries personal meaning for Libra and Scorpio brides-to-be. The lucky couple can enjoy their colorful gems through all the moments they share.
October birthstone gifts
Birthstone jewelry makes perfect gifts for October birthday babies:
- Opal – Opal bracelet, pendant or earrings to match their unique personality.
- Tourmaline – A ring with their tourmaline birthstone color.
- Flower motif – Opal or tourmaline flower necklaces, earrings or pins.
- Zodiac sign – Libra or Scorpio charms decorated with birthstones.
- Birthstone beads – Necklaces or bracelets with opal, tourmaline and other gems.
- Raw stones – Uncut tourmaline crystals for New age October babies.
Birthstone keepsakes in their signature colors remind October-born friends how special they are.
Conclusion
October is fortunate to claim not just one, but two exquisite birthstones – the mesmerizing opal and the varied tourmaline. Opal flaunts flashing colors while durable tourmaline dazzles in all shades of the rainbow. These luminous gems perfectly represent fall’s kaleidoscopic foliage in October. Whether set in rings, pendants or bracelets, opal and tourmaline birthstones will delight Libras and Scorpios born in the beautiful month of October.
