YOUR STORY - Opal & Tourmaline: birthstone October

Those born in October enjoy two beautiful stones to commemorate their birthdays – opal and tourmaline. As opal is the traditional birthstone for October, tourmaline the more modern one. 

Opal

The name of the more traditional October stone originates in India, where in Sanskrit they call it 'upala', which means 'precious stone'. In ancient Rome, this became opalus. People usually know opals because of their fascinating colour play. 

The October birthstone’s dramatic play-of-colour has inspired writers to compare it to galaxies, aurora borealis, fireworks, and volcanoes. Nomads even once believed opal fell from the sky during thunderstorms as a product of lightning. Ancient Greeks thought opals bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. Europeans long saw opal as a symbol of purity, hope and truth. Hundreds of years ago, people even believed that opal embodied the powers and virtues of all stones' colours. Opal is also the gemstone given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is the newer October stone. The name derives from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colours”. Very few gems match tourmaline’s radiant array of colours. Perhaps that is why ancient mystics believed tourmaline, with its colour palette for every mood, could inspire artistic expression. Quite popular are the pink and red rubellites, the emerald green, and the neon green and blue to violet tourmalines.

Colours tourmaline

Because of its vast range of colours, people often mistake tourmaline with other gemstones. One of the “rubies” in the Russian crown jewellery for example, is actually a red rubellite tourmaline. This and other cases of mistaken identity continued for centuries until scientists discovered tourmaline as a different mineral species in the 1800s.

People often believe that the different colours of tourmaline have their own healing properties. Black tourmaline, for example, protects the wearer and gives a sense of confidence. Pink tourmaline embodies love and is linked to compassion and gentleness. Green tourmaline on the other hand, promotes courage, strength and stamina. Tourmaline is traditionally gifted to celebrate the eighth wedding anniversary. Check out the different colors on our website! 

Now that you know a little bit more about these two October stones you might have the desire to add them to your collection! Both birthstones have endless colour combinations and beautiful colourful characteristics.

A perfect gift (not only) for those born in the tenth month.