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October’s Birthstones: Exploring Opal & Tourmaline
十月生日石:历史、意义、象征意义等
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Those born in October have two traditional birthstones: tourmaline and opal. Both unique gemstones have a beautiful, diverse range of colors and optical effects.

Like September, the month of October was named from the Latin octo, meaning “eight,” for its original place in the 10-month early Roman calendar. Anglo-Saxons called October Winterfylleth, meaning “winter full moon,” because they believed winter began during October’s full moon.

One interesting Roman October holiday was Mundus Patet, where the realms of the living and dead were open to each other.

Today, similar holidays like Dia de Los Muertos and Halloween are celebrated in October. October symbolizes fulfillment, reaping what you’ve sown, and the life cycle.

Let’s see if that symbolism matches the October birthstones! Today, we’ll go over all the tourmaline and opal history, properties, meanings, and uses as October birthstones.

october birthstones opal and tourmalinePictured above: Precious opal ring

Historical & Cultural Significance of October Birthstones

What is the official birthstone for October? There are two official semi-precious gemstones designated as October birthstones: opal and tourmaline.

But why are there 2 birthstones for October? Well, there weren’t always two.

The first birthstone lists, created in the 1st to 5th century AD and inspired by Biblical gemstone lists, had October’s birthstone as beryl (or aquamarine specifically).

Modern formalized lists began in 1870, when Tiffany & Co published a pamphlet of “Gregorian Birthstone Poems.” October’s poem was about opal.

The first standardized list came from the National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America) in 1912, who designated opal as the primary October birthstone and tourmaline as the alternative.

In the 1950s, the Jewellery Industry Council of America amended the 1912 list, naming specifically pink tourmaline as the October alternative.

The most recent 2016 American list has opal and pink tourmaline in equal priority for October. The 2013 UK list only has opal.

Surprisingly, the two gems that honor the “dark and spooky” month of October are largely rooted in rainbow-related lore.

antique peacock corsage ornament with opals, gold, diamonds, and enamelPictured above: René Lalique (1860-1945); ‘Peacock’ corsage ornament, circa 1898-1900 with gold, opals, diamonds and enamel; Calouste Gulbenkian Museum | Image credit: © José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro / CC BY-SA 3.0

Opal’s Mythical Origins & Ancient Folklore

Ancient Greeks believed opals formed from tears of joy shed by the sky god Zeus after defeating the Titans.

Ancient Romans considered opal the queen of gems. One Roman scholar, Pliny the Elder, wrote about opals having all the best qualities of other valuable gemstones like ruby, emerald, and amethyst.

Indigenous Australian (sometimes called “Aboriginal”) opal lore dates back centuries.

One myth about opal origins is of the Rainbow Serpent, a powerful being that flew between water holes, and its iridescent scales fell to the earth as opals.

Another Australian opal origin myth says that an ancestral Creator spirit, went to earth by traveling by rainbow, and opals emerged where their feet touched the ground.

An ancient Indian myth says the Mother Goddess turned the Virgin Goddess of the Rainbow into an opal to help her escape the unwanted affections of multiple gods pursuing her.

antique owl pendant with tourmaline ruby diamond and pearlPictured above: Gold owl pendant with tourmaline, ruby, diamond, and pearl; Dated to 19th century, formerly thought to be from the 16th century;  Displayed at Walters Art Museum | Image credit: Walters Art Museum, Public domain

Tourmaline’s Diverse Historical Connections

Tourmaline has a slightly shorter history than opal, but it’s equally fascinating.

The name for this October birthstone comes from the Singalese (Sri Lankan) word turmali, meaning “mixed gems.” Dutch merchants coined the name for colorful stones in Sri Lankan gem parcels.

Dutch trading of “schorl” (black tourmaline) dates to at least the 1400s, if not earlier.

Another historical discovery of tourmaline came in 1554. Spanish conquistador Francisco Spinoza found a green tourmaline in Brazil that he dubbed “Brazilian emerald.”.

Another notable tourmaline misidentification is “Caesar’s ruby,” a red stone with history among French to Russian royalty going back to the 1500s. It was discovered to be a rubellite tourmaline in the 1920s.

In fact, merchants likely called colored tourmalines other gemstones until the first species (schorl) was analyzed in 1785. The species wasn’t fully recognized until after the discovery of boron in 1808.

After tourmaline was discovered in California in 1892, much of the state’s pink tourmaline was sold to Chinese Dowager Empress Tz’u Hsi, who favored the gem.

polished matrix opal gemstonePictured above: Polished matrix opal

Geological Marvel: The Formation of Opals and Tourmalines

Starting with opals, these gems are amorphous mineraloids, lacking crystalline structure. They’re composed of silica and varied water content.

An opal forms when water containing dissolved silica settles into an area like an ironstone crevice, or rhyolitic geode (“thunderegg”). When the water evaporates, the gel solidifies into opal.

The gem can also form around fossils like ancient sea creatures (e.g. opal belemnite) or wood.

But opal is also a space stone! Opals have been found on Mars in both 2015 and 2023, proving the planet holds water.

The October birthstone tourmaline forms somewhat similarly.

In very deep, high-temperature hydrothermal deposits, tourmaline forms when water containing dissolved boron and silica settles into magma cracks. The magma gradually hardens into rock, the water evaporates, and the elements crystallize.

Mining Locations

Around 95 percent of the world’s precious opal comes from Australia.

Most tourmaline gems come from Brazil or countries in Africa. California, USA, is famous for its pink tourmaline.

orange colored fire opal common opal without play of colorPictured above: Common orange fire opal, faceted

precious opal with play of colorPictured above: Precious opal from Lightning Ridge, Australia exhibiting vivid play of color

Opal's Playful Colors: Unveiling the Magic Within

The broadest opal categories are common opal vs. precious opal.

The opal October birthstone’s composition is made up of silica spheres surrounded by water. If the spheres are disorganized with uneven sizes, you get common opal. Uniformly sized and arranged spheres (like a Buckyball) results in precious opal.

Only “precious opal” displays play-of-color, where iridescent-like colors flash from its surface.

NOTE: Some gemologists use “play-of-color” synonymously with “opalescence.” Others define opalescence as the milky or near-pearly look of some common opals.

Different types of opals are mostly categorized by their body tone (background color), transparency, and play-of-color.

The main types of opal body tones are white opal, gray opal, and black opal. These are distinguished using a body tone chart.

Opals with other body colors include:

Colorless opal varieties include crystal opal, contraluz opal, and jelly opal. Hyalite opal can be colorless. Hydrophane opal turns transparent and colorless in water.

faceted colored tourmaline october birthstone varietiesPictured above: Various colors and varieties of faceted tourmalines

The Many Faces of Tourmaline

“Tourmaline” is actually a complex, varied group of over 30 minerals. The most common species are:

  1. Schorl: Most common species, around 95 percent of all natural tourmalines; Brown to black

  2. Dravite: Relatively common; Nicknamed “brown tourmaline” but can be other colors

  3. Elbaite: Most common gem-quality species, best-known, and most valuable; Can be virtually any color or multi-colored

Each species can produce varieties with different colors. The most commonly sold tourmaline varieties:

  • Black Tourmaline: Only schorl variety; Most common tourmaline; Always opaque

  • Chrome Tourmaline: Dravite; Rare vivid-green

  • Indicolite: Elbaite; Predominantly blue

  • Paraiba Tourmaline: Elbaite; Intensely saturated neon-blue to blue-green or violet

  • Rubellite: Usually elbaite; Saturated pink to ruby-red variety, possible purple, brown, or orange undertones

  • Verdelite: Elbaite; Green variety often called “Brazilian emerald” or “Ceylonese peridot

  • Watermelon Tourmaline: Elbaite; Bi-colored pink and green, typically with a pink center and green border, sometimes separated by a colorless layer

  • Siberite: Elbaite, sometimes considered rubellite sub-type; Nicknamed “purple tourmaline” though it’s usually reddish-violet or violet-red

The pink tourmaline birthstone is an elbaite variety, often falling under rubellite or siberite. Multi-colored options include pink and green watermelon tourmaline and pink and orange “sunset tourmaline.”

The rarest tourmaline variety is Paraíba tourmaline. Pure yellow, orange, blue, purple, or color-changing tourmalines are also rare.

Another factor is pleochroism, which tourmaline is prized for. Specimens that display strong pleochroism are higher-value.

Speaking of value, how are the October birthstones graded?

faceted watermelon tourmaline october birthstonePictured above: Faceted watermelon tourmaline

Evaluating Quality: Opal and Tourmaline Characteristics

Tourmaline grading is much more straightforward than opal. Below, we’ll focus on the standard gemstone value factors — color, cut, clarity, carat weight, and treatments — for both opal and tourmaline. You can learn more about how opal value is graded here.

Color

Opal: The main value factors for these birthstones are the opal’s color (body tone) and the presence of play-of-color. The most common opal color by body tone is white, followed by gray and green. The rarest is black or red. Overall, precious opals are much more valuable than common opals.

The best play-of-color has flashes of red (or every color), displays unique patterns, and covers the stone’s entire surface. Darker specimens like precious black opals display brighter play-of-color, adding to their value.

Tourmaline: The rarest and most valuable tourmaline October birthstone color is Paraiba tourmaline. Black, red, and pink tourmalines are more common. Bright green and blue pleochroism, parti-coloring, or color-changing properties can boost the birthstone’s value.

Cut

Opal: Opals aren’t faceted as commonly as other gems — the one commonly faceted variety is fire opal. Most often, you’ll see opals cut into cabochons or beads. Play-of-color is best in translucent to opaque opal cabochons or fully transparent faceted opals. Many opal cabochons are composites, like opal doublets or triplets.

Tourmaline: Tourmaline gems are often faceted, often with long rectangular shapes. Brilliant cuts may be chosen for more valuable varieties like Paraiba tourmaline. Heavily-included tourmalines are often made into cabochons or carvings, while bi-colored stones may be sliced.

faceted green chrome tourmaline ringPictured above: Faceted chrome tourmaline ring

Clarity & Transparency

Clarity describes the degree of visible inclusions in a stone, which lowers its transparency and value.

Opal: Inclusions generally lower opal’s value. Some inclusions and additional material around an opal leads to distinct varieties like dendritic opal, matrix opal, and boulder opal.

Full transparency is rare and valuable in opals, though black opals are better opaque. Cloudiness will usually lower value.

Tourmaline: Most tourmalines have Type II clarity, meaning minor visible inclusions are expected. Chrome and green tourmalines are Type I (usually inclusion-free), while Paraiba, rubellite, and watermelon tourmaline are Type III (always visibly included).

More visible inclusions and lower transparency mean lower-value tourmaline. The only value-boosting inclusion is the presence of aligned tubes causing chatoyancy (“cat’s eye” effect).

Tourmaline itself is an inclusion in tourmalated quartz.

Carat Weight

Opal: Rarer opals like black or crystal opal may have price-per-carat jumps at intervals like 1-5 cts, 5-10 cts, and 10+ cts.

Tourmaline: Tourmaline birthstones range in size, but gems above 5 cts are pricier. The variety also matters — chrome tourmaline is commonly found up to 5 carats, but Paraiba tourmaline is rarely larger than 1 carat.

Treatments

Opal: Untreated opals are significantly more valuable than treated ones, especially rare varieties like black opal. You can learn how to test for opal treatments here or take your October birthstone to a lab to confirm.

Tourmaline: Treatments will also lower tourmaline’s value, but they’re common in this October birthstone. Common treatments (often to improve coloring or clarity) include irradiation, heat, and/or fracture-filling.

gold pendant with black opal birthstonePictured above: Australian black opal pendant

October Birthstones Meanings & Cultural Beliefs

What is the spiritual meaning of the October birthstones? Besides both gems’ association with rainbows, each one has their own unique symbolism and mystical properties.

Opal Meanings

According to ancient interpretations, opals symbolize purity, hope, and perspective. Romans called opals cupid paederos, or “child as beautiful as love.”

Despite opals being temporarily stained in the 1800s with superstition about being cursed, many ancient societies like China believed opals were lucky. One common superstition that persists is that it’s unlucky for anyone not born in October to wear opal.

As a healing stone, many of opals’ purported properties revolve around vision and the mind. The October birthstone’s healing powers are believed to include treating eyesight problems, boosting cognitive abilities, and letting you see the future.

Tourmaline Meanings

Overall, the tourmaline October birthstone symbolizes compassion, open-mindedness, and forgiveness. It’s sometimes called the “Stone of Reconciliation.”

Each tourmaline color has its own meaning and healing powers. Focusing on pink tourmaline, this October gem is said to boost energy, encourage love, and help smooth relationship troubles.

red coral earrings alternative october birthstonePictured above: Red coral earrings

Alternative October Birthstones

What is the most popular birthstone for October? Opal is usually the “classic,” more popular choice over tourmaline, but there are other October birthstones and crystals!

Popular October birthstone alternatives are beryl and coral.

Astrologically, what is the Libra birthstone? September-born Libras (after the 23rd) can benefit from peridot, rose quartz, and morganite.

What about Scorpio birthstones? September-born Scorpios (before the 23rd) can take advantage of black tourmaline, malachite, and coral.

Personalized October Birthstone Gifts

You have the gem, now what do you do with it? A great October birthstone gift comes from the heart and celebrates your October-born loved one.

Since October is among the most common wedding months, an October birthstone ring is a great way to celebrate too!

You could even get customized jewelry, like an October birthstone necklace with a calendula design, the month’s birth flower.

white precious opal october birthstone necklacePictured above: White precious opal pendant necklace

Overjoyed by October Birthstones?

Both tourmaline and opal are beloved for their range of colors and unique appearances. Do you prefer the recently formalized pink tourmaline, the older traditional opal, or another October birthstone? Follow your heart to which gem feels like you!

Find traditional and alternative October birthstones from our hundreds of gemstones available, or browse our extensive opal selection at Opal Auctions.

十月生日石十月是变化的季节。秋天正式开始,自然世界转变为充满活力的橙色、黄色和金色色调,为新的开始做准备。与这种丰富多彩的过渡相呼应的是两种生动的十月生日石:蛋白石和碧玺。

十月的生日石是什么颜色,为什么十月有两种生日石?得益于种类繁多的蛋白石和碧玺,您将有无限的颜色选择来为您的生日石首饰造型。

什么是十月生日石?

十月的两种生日石是蛋白石电气石。让我们来看看每一种十月生日石、它们的历史、意义和象征意义。公平警告:了解这些光芒四射的宝石后,您将通过彩色镜片看世界!

蛋白石诞生石

让我们从拥有一千种颜色的迷人宝石开始吧:蛋白石。蛋白石因其独特的虹彩效果而成为最古老和最受欢迎的宝石之一。当您凝视蛋白石珠宝时,火热的颜色会在引人注目的绿色、蓝色、橙色、红色、绿色、白色和黄色阴影中舞动。

几十年来,蛋白石一直是唯一的十月生日石,直到 1952 年美国宝石协会和国家零售珠宝商委员会将碧玺作为替代品。

蛋白石是唯一表现出这种被称为“色彩变化”的标志性特征的宝石。那么,蛋白石是什么意思?

历史和意义

这种令人着迷的石头的最古老记录来自印度,那里的梵文术语“Upala”恰如其分地表示“宝石”。古希腊术语“Opallos”的意思是“看到变化”。

我们认为这是对宝石颜色惊人转变的最准确描述,它在每种颜色中都会发生变化和舞动。多年来,该术语在拉丁语中适用于“Opalus”,最终在英语中适用于“Opal”。


其含义已经演变为用术语“乳光”来描述任何炽热的颜色显示。作家和现代思想家经常将色彩的运用比作其他自然现象,如天体星系、流星雨和火山。

十月生日石蛋白石

产地和采矿地点

主要来源是澳大利亚,因为该国的许多蛋白石矿区主导着全球供应。埃塞俄比亚、巴西和墨西哥也有蛋白石矿场。原因是,每个产地和领域都有自己的蛋白石种类。

例如,Lightning Ridge 是澳大利亚新南威尔士州著名的蛋白石产地。在这里,您会发现世界上最大的著名黑蛋白石供应。我们要感谢干燥、干旱的气候烘烤了这些华丽的宝石!

这个十月生日石的颜色是很多讨论和灵感的话题,但更深刻的象征意义呢?

象征主义

蛋白石神秘而迷人,这已经不是什么秘密了。几个世纪以来,围绕蛋白石发展了许多信仰和意义,包括:

  • 古希腊人相信蛋白石具有直觉的特性,可以赋予人们远见和预言。

  • 在欧洲,蛋白石代表希望、信仰、真理和纯洁。

  • 蛋白石纪念结婚 14 周年。

  • 在古代,蛋白石的绰号是“宝石皇后”,因为人们相信每一种宝石都有无数种颜色。

我们已经介绍了最初的十月生日石,但如果蛋白石不是您的风格呢?不要担心!我们还有另一种美丽的宝石可供 10 月生日使用:碧玺。

碧玺诞生石

继续以变化和过渡为主题,十月二号诞生石是碧玺!虽然蛋白石在每块石头上都呈现出多种颜色,但碧玺几乎有所有颜色,包括洋红色、蓝色、黄色、橙色和粉红色!

由于其独特的化学成分,一些碧玺具有多种颜色。电气石是一种结晶硅酸盐矿物,微量元素会改变其颜色。对电气石颜色影响最大的是铜的存在,铜是一种天然着色剂。

毫不奇怪,这种十月生日石的名字与其独特的颜色有关。僧伽罗语“toramalli”的意思是“混合颜色的石头”,精美地描绘了碧玺宝石中生动的色彩展示。就像 蓝宝石,九月的生日石,

碧玺有彩虹的各种颜色。对于热衷于个性化礼物的十月宝宝来说,这是个好消息!

十月生日石碧玺

历史和意义

1500 年代,一位西班牙征服者在巴西首次发现了碧玺。最初将石头误认为是祖母绿,直到 1800 年代矿物学家最终确定电气石实际上是一种完全独立的矿物物种时,他的错误才得以延续。

像蛋白石一样,碧玺有多种含义和解释;以下是一些最引人注目的:

  • 在古代,神秘主义者和通灵者相信碧玺激发了创造力和表达力。

  • 碧玺的多种颜色与多种情绪相匹配,其中一些最受欢迎的颜色包括红色、翠绿色和蓝紫色。

  • 这款十月生日石是结婚 8 周年的纪念石。

产地和采矿地点

大多数碧玺宝石来自巴西、东非、阿富汗和美国的矿床。该宝石也可以在巴基斯坦、印度、斯里兰卡和印度尼西亚找到。

象征主义

这个答案取决于我们谈论的是什么颜色。例如,黑碧玺因其保护性愈合特性而成为最受欢迎的选择之一。绿色碧玺可增强耐力、勇气和力量。粉红色碧玺象征着爱、善良、同情和温柔的心。

我们看到各种颜色的碧玺,但让这颗宝石脱颖而出的是其丰富的饱和度。大多数碧玺色彩鲜艳,颜色深,是诞生石首饰的美丽资产!

十月生日石 — 宝石和珠宝

没有什么比个性化的礼物更能让人感到特别的了。这就是为什么十月宝宝会喜欢生日石首饰的原因!这些珠宝中的每一种都足够坚固,适合日常佩戴,但您需要定期清洁它们,以使其长期保持抛光和闪亮。

您是否正在寻找生活中十月生日的完美礼物?为什么不用十月生日石首饰给他们一个惊喜呢!注意他们最喜欢的颜色。他们喜欢粉红色吗?然后考虑送他们一个粉红色电气石项链吊坠。也许蛋白石更适合他们的速度?蛋白石戒指不会出错!

多亏了 10 月的两种生日石,您可以定制适合它们的精美礼物。现在剩下要做的就是找到完美的宝石。立即浏览蛋白石碧玺宝石

购买碧玺和蛋白石

在蛋白石拍卖会上购买蛋白石


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评论

Myprecious757

Great info didn’t even know the US had Tourmaline
Thanks

16th May 2022
Resonance

Very thorough.

23rd Oct 2021
Gladiator

I did learn something today! Thanks for the information.

4th Jul 2020

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