October Birthstone: Complete Guide, Meaning, Uses, Properties

Introduction to October Birthstone

Opal and Tourmaline are considered the October Birthstone, with a variety of colors and charming beauty. With unique properties, these stones have taken the heart over many years. Opals are available in mesmerizing colors and beauty, which highlights the shades of rainbow in the stone. At the same time, Tourmaline comes in different hues, so the gemstone offers unlimited options. Whether you prefer the charm of these stones or are born in October, this guide will let you explore the world of these gemstones and how they are unique.

Table of Contents

Both these stones honor the people born in October. Both October 31 birthstones come in different colors. The modern October Birthstone is opal, while the ancient birthstone is Tourmaline. Due to the variety of colors, the jewelry of these stones stands out from other gemstones. You may choose the best color as per your style. These stones can be used in earrings, rings, pendants and more, so you may buy your preferred jewelry item. You can easily find these birthstones on the market, which have unique and different properties. Let’s read further to know about both of these stones in detail!

October Birthstone: Opal

History of Opal

According to one author, the opal has a color similar to galaxies, volcanoes and fireworks. However, one author considered this gemstone as unlucky. In the book Anne of Geierstein, Anne wears the golden hook with opal, which changes its color during the energetic and disturbing phase. According to some people, this stone is not unlucky; it is a lucky and mystical gemstone.

Among different opals, the Olympic Australis is the most costly and was discovered in the Melbourne Summer Olympics in 1956. Also, this stone got the Guinness world record for the largest opal. This stone can be given on the 14th wedding anniversary. As per the research, it is concluded that opal have a unique appearance and qualities among the list of other gemstones available in the market. So, keep reading further to learn more about these unique gemstones.

Where is Opal Found?

Opal is the primary October Birthstone month, and the major sources of this stone are Australia, Brazil, Mexico and Ethiopia. Some other sources include the US, Peru, Central Europe, Honduras, Indonesia and Madagascar.

The village of Australia, known as Lightning Ridge, is famous for the production of black opal. This region is dry and rocky where rainfall is less and heat is more. With few plants and trees, this region becomes cool. Due to harsh weather, miners prefer to live underground.

Opal Meaning, Properties, and Symbolism

According to some people, this stone originated in India with the name Upala, meaning precious stone. However, according to some people, this stone has taken its name from the Greek word opallios, meaning to see a colour change due to its colourful look. In ancient Rome, the stone was famous as opalus, a precious jewel. Pliny mentioned that the different colours of the opal gemstone resemble valuable diamonds. In ancient times, people knew about these gemstones by the name of Australian fire opal, which has some unique properties.

Due to its colourful look, opals were famous for having powers and other properties for hundreds of years. According to Romans, it was the cupid stone valuable that symbolized love. Due to these properties, this stone boosts romance and passion as well as purity and honesty.

According to arab nomadic tribes, this stone fell to the ground because of thunderstorms that’s why opal has lightning. According to Greeks, opal has the capacity to predict the future. In the past few years, opal have been famous for having invisible powers. According to some people, this stone can enhance eye health.

Opal Jewelry

On the Mohs hardness scale, the hardness grade of opal is 5.5 to 6.5, which is why this stone can resist scratches and can be used for daily wear. However, this stone requires proper care and handling. It is versatile and beautiful. However, ensure to keep this stone away from other gemstones.

With warm water or mild water, a soft cloth and a soap solution, you can clean the opal stone. However, some techniques used in double and triple opals may harm the stone and the filler materials.

Care and Cleaning of Opal Birthstone

Opal can be cleaned with wax, oil, and plastic. The small opal slices are joined with the base materials, which are then covered with thin transparent quartz, which creates the opal doublets and triplets. The safe cleaning method is the use of warm water with soap solution. However, some other techniques may damage the opal. The exposure to opal doublets and triplets may affect the adhesives. Also, high pressure and heat may fracture the natural opal.

The hardness of opal is 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Better to store opal alone away from other stones to prevent scratching. The enemies of opal are emeralds, rubies, diamonds and sapphires. As we have explored, Opal birthstones require gentle care to maintain their beauty and luster; thus, you need to be gentle. To clean opals, use a soft, damp cloth or a piece of towel and avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. It’s vital for everyone to store opal jewelry carefully to prevent scratching or damage. Due to opal’s delicate nature, it’s best to avoid exposing it to higher temperatures or sudden changes in temperature. But if you want to give your opal birthstone the proper care, you can make sure that it remains stunning for years to come!

Cost of Opal

The price range of opal gemstone may vary based on the type, quality and origin of the stone. As this stone is available in different colors such as boulder, fire, black and white, each color has unique features. Moreover, color, clarity and imperfections may also affect the cost.

Typically, the average cost of low-quality opals is a few dollars per carat, while high-quality opals are available at an average cost of several hundred thousand dollars per carat. Remember, quality opals in different colors are valuable at a high price. However, it is better to consult the jeweler to get the complete details about the price of opals based on your preference and budget.

The precious opal is black opal, with an average cost of $50 to $10,000 per carat. However, the white opal is available at an average cost of $10 to $150 per carat. Red, blue, and fire opals are available at a cost of $10 to $500 per carat.

October Birthstone: Tourmaline

History of Tourmaline

Do you know that most people who live in certain foreign areas don’t know that Tourmaline is the second birthstone of October? Because of the limited exposure and knowledge, some people don’t have any idea that those who were born in October could even wear this stone. Due to the variety of color options, Tourmaline may be confused with other stones. In the past years, this stone was considered as other until it was distinguished from others. Under pressure and heat, this stone becomes charged, oscillates and gathers the dust particles.

In the 20th century, the major market for this stone was China. However, in 1912, the trade of this stone was stopped in China because of the collapse of the government. This stone can be given at the 8th wedding anniversary.

Where is Tourmaline found?

The October birthstone called Tourmaline is present in Brazil, but its sources also include Afghanistan, Africa, Pakistan, Mozambique, Kenya and Madagascar. However, this stone is produced on a large scale in Maine and California. No matter where you live, you can get these gemstones, but in some regions, because of the rarity of these stones, they are not available for everyone. But if you order them through online stores, you can get them anywhere around the globe.

In the past years, most of the production of this stone was in Brazil. However, due to magma interruptions, gem minerals were produced. In the 1980s, the famous blue, violet, and green gemstones reached the gemstone market in the state of Paraba, Brazil. However, copper was not considered as the coloring factor in Tourmaline. However, research revealed that this material is used in intense coloring. Tourmaline with copper was present in Nigeria and Mozambique in the 2000s as the para ba tourmaline is rare with vibrant colors and color saturation. These are costly.

Tourmaline Meaning, Properties, and Symbolism

The name tourmaline was derived from Sinhalese word toramalli meaning stone with different colors. As this stone is available in different colors, this boosts creativity. According to ancient Egyptians, the stone travelled from earth’s centre to the rainbow which became the cause of different colors. You can even find Maine Tourmaline in the market that have different appearance in terms of color.

The long standing association of these stones with the Russian alexandrite and ancient times say that this stone can boost enduring friendship. The pink and green colors highlight courage, while black and green colors highlight confidence. Those who wear this stone share their thoughts that they become more positive in their life. Some of them claim that they get more connections and pure relationships in their business and private life.

Care and Cleaning of Tourmaline Birthstone

On the Mohs hardness scale ratio, as compared to the opal birthstone month, these gemstones have the hardness grade of Tourmaline is 7 and 7.5, so it is ideal for daily use. As heat is a harmful factor, it can survive chemicals and light. For the cleaning of this gemstone, the use of warm water with mild soap is preferred. However the use of steam and ultrasonic is not allowed. Tourmaline can be used in rings, earrings and bracelets.

Cleaning this tourmaline birthstone requires careful planning. All you need to do is get the right solution and warm water with a mild soaping nature to clean it properly. However, avoid using a hard bristles brush or any harmful chemicals that might damage the appearance and shine of these stones.

Tourmaline Jewelry

Tourmaline is an alternative for daily wear in jewelry, such as rings, earrings, and bracelets, with a Mohs Hardness value of 7.0 to 7.5. Use lukewarm, soapy water and a delicate brush to clean since the heat might harm the stones.

Cost of Tourmaline

The average cost of tourmaline can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the stone’s color, clarity, size, cut, and origin. Tourmalines come in multiple colors, from pink and green to blue and multicolored varieties, each with unique appeal and value—generally, the more vibrant and intense the color, the higher the price of the tourmaline.

Regarding price range, tourmalines can vary from a few dollars per carat for lower-quality and more common specimens to several hundred or even thousand for high-quality, rare tourmalines. More significant, high-quality tourmaline gemstones with exceptional color saturation and clarity will command higher prices.

It’s worth noting that certain types of tourmalines, such as Paraiba tourmaline or Watermelon tourmaline, known for their rare colors and unique color zoning, tend to be more expensive than other varieties. Factors like gemstone treatments, such as heat treatment or irradiation, can also impact the price of tourmalines. Tourmalines typically cost less than $500 per carat, although, in the case of Paraiba, prices can reach $50000 per carat.

We recommend you consult with a reputable jeweler or gemologist who can assess the stone’s quality and provide you with a more precise valuation based on your preferences and requirements to get an accurate estimate of the cost of a specific tourmaline.

What other varieties can you find out?

In the US, there are different pegmatite districts present in Maine and Southern California. These districts, Tourmaline is produced on a large scale. In 1820, two young boys were exploring the area of Maine and discovered the tourmaline deposits. The Mount Mica continuously produces Tourmaline in different colors. The common tourmaline source is the Dunton mine near the Plumbago mountain.

The mesa grande is famous for the production of rubellite. In the Himalayan pegmatite in 1898, the first commercial Tourmaline mine was discovered. From 1902 to 1910, almost 120 tons of rubellite gems were traded to China by San Diego mines for Dowager’s satisfaction with vibrant colors. In 1908, Dowager died, and with it, the era of tourmaline mine ended. Now quality tourmaline gemstones are present in a few mines in San Diego.

Conclusion

As we have concluded, opal and Tourmaline are the birthstones of October, and they have a unique charm and a unique place in the gemstone industry. Due to the variety of colours in Tourmaline and the lustrous look of opal, both these stones attract the hearts of gem collectors and gemstone users. The mystical charm and beauty of these stones continuously inspire people with elegance and individuality.

Whether you add these stones to the jewelry or use them alone in the raw form, these will provide an excellent celebration of colors and nature wonders. No matter whether both of these stones have unique appearances and qualities, they have different output benefits in your life. So wear according to the birth date scale. You can even ask the gemologist who can guide you about wearing the right gemstone!