The birthstone for the month of October is the opal. Opal is a unique and beautiful gemstone that has a lot of meaning and symbolism. In this article we will look at what opal is, where it comes from, the history and lore around it, and what it signifies as a birthstone for October.
What is Opal?
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, meaning it contains water. It has a unique “play-of-color” caused by the diffraction of light through the closely stacked silica spheres that make up its structure. This results in flashes of spectral colors across the surface and inner depths of opal gemstones.
There are different varieties of opal based on their color and origin:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| White or Light Opal | Translucent to opaque with play-of-color, found in many locations globally |
| Black Opal | Translucent to opaque with play-of-color, found in Lightning Ridge, Australia |
| Fire Opal | Transparent to translucent, single color background, found in Mexico |
| Boulder Opal | Opal naturally embedded in ironstone boulders, found in Queensland, Australia |
The most prized and valuable variant is black opal from Australia.
Where Does Opal Come From?
While opal can be found in many locations around the world, there are a few regions that produce the finest quality gemstone opal:
– Australia – Produces around 97% of the world’s precious opal. Famous opal fields include Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge which produce black opal.
– Mexico – An important source of fire opal, a transparent to translucent orange/red variety. The Mexican state of Querétaro is the main source.
– Brazil – Produces colorless, white, and crystal opal. Other South American countries like Peru also mine opal.
– United States – Nevada is the main producer of opal in the US, known for its black “Royal Peacock” opal. Idaho produces precious pink and green varieties.
– Ethiopia – A more recent source of fine opal, mainly black opal and also unique honey-colored opals called Wegel Tena.
– Indonesia – Mines colorful common opal, not known for precious gemstone quality.
So for the most valuable, brilliantly colored opal gemstones, Australia is the place to find them. The dry, desert conditions there are ideal for opal formation over millions of years.
The History and Lore of Opal
Opal has been prized for its stunning play-of-color since ancient times:
– Believed to be luck-enhancing and protective in Ancient Rome
– Mined in Eastern Europe since the Middle Ages
– Gifted to Queen Victoria by the Explorer John McDouall Stuart in Australia in 1870
However opal has also suffered from stigma and superstitions:
– Considered a token of bad luck in the 19th century due to Sir Walter Scott’s 1829 novel “Anne of Geierstein”
– Belief that opal loses its color if touched by those lacking integrity
– Thought to bring misfortune to those not born in October
Thankfully today opal is recognized positively as a beautiful, unique gem that reflects all the colors of the rainbow. The opal market owes thanks to Queen Victoria for embracing it and changing public perception after the novel-based stigma.
Opal as the October Birthstone
In the ancient Roman, Polish, Arabic, and Old Russian calendar traditions, opal was designated as the birthstone for the month of October.
Today opal is still officially the modern birthstone for October, along with pink tourmaline.
The key symbolic meanings associated with opal as an October birthstone include:
– Hope – The flashes of color inspire optimism
– Purity – The opaque white base color signifies innocence
– Confidence – Believed to help overcome harmful superstitions
– Creativity – Linked to the imaginative, artistic mind
– Loyalty – Reputed to lose luster if owner is unfaithful
So for those born in October, the opal is thought to have protective powers and represent their strength of character. It channels hope, innocence, and conviction while enhancing their creative side.
Conclusion
In summary, the enigmatic opal is the traditional and modern birthstone for the month of October. Formed from silica spheres mixed with water, it displays shimmering play-of-color unlike any other gem. Mined predominantly in Australia but found across the world, opal has a rich history marred by superstition but was eventually embraced as a stunning stone. With its unique rainbow hues symbolizing optimism, purity, confidence, creativity, and loyalty, the October birthstone makes a meaningful gift for those born in this month or anyone attracted to its natural splendor.