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OCTOBER Birthstone |
OPAL |
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Opal is the October birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gemstone
for the 14th year of marriage.
The well-known Roman naturalist Pliny described opal as "made up of the
glories of the most precious gems... the gentler fire of the ruby, the rich
purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, glittering
together..."
White opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many colors.
Black opal has a black, dark blue, dark green or gray body color with vivid
flashes of color such as red, pink and bright green.
Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. In the
Middle Ages, young, fair-haired girls wore opals in their hair to protect
its lovely blond color. Medieval writers believed opal could render its
wearer invisible when the need arose. It was also said to have a beneficial
effect on eyesight. It was thought to banish evil spirits and favor
children, the theater, amusements, friendships and feelings.
Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household
chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. To maintain the brilliance of
opal, it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not use a home
ultrasonic machine or jewelry cleaner.
Opal sources are Australia, Mexico and the U.S.
Sometimes tourmaline is used as a birthstone for October as it comes in many
colors such as blue, yellow, pink, red, black, green and clear - but
primarily in pink and green. It also occurs in color combinations within
single stones which accounts for its popularity. Having a hardness of 7.5
and not being as fragile as opal Tourmaline is often selected by those who
prefer faceted stones.
As with all gems, care should be taken to protect tourmaline from scratches
and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it be
a heater vent or in a hot car). Do not clean tourmaline in a home ultrasonic
cleaner.
Tourmaline is found in Africa, Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri
Lanka, and USA (California, Connecticut, Maine, New York and Texas).
Natural Gemstones
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