October Birthstone – Tourmaline

Tourmaline

The October Birthstone, Tourmaline, is a beautiful gemstone that comes in many colours including pink, green, blue, and yellow. Tourmaline is a type of silicate mineral that is formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is often found in regions of the world with active volcanoes, such as the United States, Brazil, Africa, and Russia.

Tourmaline has been used in jewellry since ancient times and is one of the oldest known gemstones. Its name comes from the Sinhalese word “tura mali” which means stone of mixed colours. This gemstone was believed to bring luck and protection to its wearer. In the past, it was even thought to have magical powers that could protect people from danger and disease.

Tourmaline is known for its incredible durability and hardness. It is the 8th hardest gemstone on the Mohs scale, making it a great choice for everyday jewellry. It is also very resistant to scratches and chips, so it is a great option for rings and necklaces that are worn often. Tourmaline also has a great shine and sparkle that makes it a popular choice for jewelry.

The colours of tourmaline range from yellow to green, pink, blue, and black. The most popular color is pink, which is known as the “watermelon tourmaline”. This gemstone has a unique appearance with its two colors usually alternating in stripes or patches. The colours of tourmaline can also be altered through the use of heat treatment.

Opal

The October birthstone, opal, is a unique and multifaceted gemstone. Its milky, rainbow-hued depths have been captivating jewellery lovers for centuries, and its name has even become synonymous with the notion of luck.

Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, which means it has no crystalline structure. Its composition and structure give it the ability to refract light, creating its trademark iridescent “play of colour”. In its most prized form, called “precious opal”, the light refraction creates a rainbow effect of various colours and shades. This effect is known as “opalescence”. Precious opal is found in a variety of locations including Ethiopia, Australia, and the United States.

For centuries, people have attributed special powers to opal, believing it to be a powerful talisman that can bring good luck, health, and protection to its wearer. It’s also been known to bring out the wearer’s hidden creativity and intuition, as well as helping to protect them from negative energy.

Opal is a perfect gemstone for October birthdays, as it is said to bring the wearer balance and harmony. It’s a beautiful stone to wear in any setting, as it reflects light and its colour changes depending on the type of light and angle it is viewed from.

Opal is a relatively soft stone, ranking 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.