October’s birthstone is the exotic and alluring opal. Opals are unique among gemstones with their dazzling play of color and rainbow-like flashes of light. The name opal comes from the Ancient Greek word “opallios” meaning “to see a change in color.” Opals were formed many millions of years ago, when a solution of silicon dioxide deposited in the cracks and spaces of rocks. As this solution solidified, it formed into the gemstone opal. There are many varieties of opal, but the opal birthstone of October is most commonly the precious opal found in Australia. Precious opal displays an incredible array of flashing multicolored light unlike any other gem. Let’s take a closer look at October’s colorful birthstone, the captivating opal.
What is a Birthstone?
Birthstones are gemstones that represent each month of the year. Wearing or gifting a birthstone is thought to bring good luck and health. The idea of birthstones originated in early civilizations such as the Hebrews, Romans, Greeks and Hindus. These cultures believed that certain gemstones held mystical powers. Over time, specific gems became associated with calendar months. The modern list of birthstones was established in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers. This list associated a specific gemstone with each month based on folklore and tradition. Let’s explore the opal, the eye-catching birthstone for the month of October.
What is Opal?
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, meaning it contains water. Precious opal displays an incredible play-of-color with flashes of rainbow colors. This phenomenon is caused by the internal structure of the opal. Small silica spheres diffract light and create the colorful flashes for which opals are treasured. Opals are the birthstone for the month of October.
There are several varieties of opal, including:
- Precious opal – Displays play-of-color and found in Australia.
- Fire opal – Ranges from yellow to orange to red colors, found in Mexico.
- Black opal – Dark body tone, found in Australia.
- White opal – Milky white body color, found in Australia.
- Boulder opal – Opal within its host rock, found in Australia.
The most prized and valuable type of opal is the precious opal from Australia. This opal displays an incredible array of flashing multicolored light. The name opal comes from the Greek word opallios, meaning “to see a change in color.” Precious opal is truly a fitting gem for this origin.
Where is Opal Found?
While opal can be found in many regions of the world, over 90% of the global supply comes from Australia. Opal mining began in Australia in the 1840s, just a few decades after the continent was colonized by the British. Rich opal deposits were discovered in South Australia in 1861 at the Stuart Creek opal fields. Opal rush fever grew as miners learned South Australia held enormous opal wealth. Coober Pedy is a famous Australian opal-mining town that emerged from the harsh desert landscape in 1915. Lightning Ridge in New South Wales is another major source of Australian opal. The rare and dazzling black opal comes from Lightning Ridge. These two towns remain important opal mining centers today.
Other opal sources include Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico, the United States, and Indonesia. However, Australia remains the premier source for precious opal used in jewelry with unrivaled play-of-color.
| Location | Type of Opal |
|---|---|
| Australia | Precious opal, black opal, white opal, boulder opal |
| Ethiopia | Precious black and white opal |
| Brazil | Fire opal, precious opal |
| Mexico | Fire opal |
| United States | Precious opal |
| Indonesia | Precious opal |
October Birthstone Lore and Legends
Opals have a rich history with intriguing myths, legends, and lore. Greek mythology links opal to Zeus, who was so enamored by the beauty of opals that he kept them as his own gemstone to gift to his wife. The Arabs believed opals fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning. Australian aborigines tied opals to the creator spirit who brought all creatures and plants to Earth. Due to their dazzling rainbow colors, opals have been associated with love and passion throughout history. They were also considered to hold protective powers and the ability to ward off disease. During the 14th century Black Plague, people wore opals to fend off infection.
Queen Victoria adored opals and gifted them throughout Europe, sparking an opal craze in the 1800s. She had opals set into the crown jewels and wore opals in a ring for good luck. The Art Nouveau movement at the turn of the century embraced opals for their organic feel. Famous opals such as the “Burning of Troy” and Andamooka Opal were discovered in the late 1800s. However, by the early 20th century, opals fell out of fashion as Art Deco sleek designs gained popularity. A novel damaged opals’ reputation by linking them to bad luck, a myth that still lingers today despite no evidence. In the 1950s glamorous Hollywood starlets brought opals back into the spotlight. The discovery of rich Australian opal fields again made opals widely desired gemstones.
October Birthstone Jewelry
Opals make exceptionally beautiful birthstone jewelry with their dazzling play-of-color. The water content in opals means they have relatively low hardness and require protective settings. Precious opals are best showcased in jewelry designs that allow light to enter the stone from all angles to maximize the play-of-color. Opal doublets join a thin layer of precious opal to a black backing for stability. Triplets provide further protection by adding a clear quartz or glass top layer.
Popular opal jewelry settings that enhance opals’ unique display include:
- Pendants – Allow light exposure from all sides
- Earrings – Showcase the opal’s play-of-color
- Rings – Protect the opal in bezels or partial bezels
- Bracelets – Display opals in links or charms
- Brooches – Ideal for oval, marquise, trillion and pear shaped opals
Black opals are exceptionally striking in jewelry. These dark-toned opals showcase bright pops of color. Fire opals live up to their name, displaying vibrant oranges and reds. White opals have a delicate appearance with soft play-of-color against their light background. Any opal makes an exceptional October birthstone jewelry gift.
How to Care for Opal Jewelry
Opals have a relatively soft hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. They require gentle care to avoid scratching or chipping the stone. Follow these tips to care for opal jewelry:
- Store opals separately from harder gems to avoid scratching.
- Clean with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Avoid exposing opals to sudden temperature changes.
- Keep opals away from ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners.
- Take care during physical activities to avoid impacts.
- Consider an opal triplets for added protection.
With proper care, October’s birthstone opal will dazzle for years to come. An opal’s mesmerizing play-of-color shifts with every movement, captivating the eye.
Conclusion
October’s colorful birthstone opal lives up to its name as the “Eye Stone” with its spellbinding flashes of rainbow light. Formed millions of years ago in rock fractures, this exotic gem comes primarily from Australia’s rich opal fields. Opal has a rich history tied to love, passion and luck that makes it an appealing talisman. From black opals to white opals, October’s birthstone makes unique jewelry that displays its signature play-of-color. The opal perfectly embodies the vibrant spirit of October.