You know when you take that first sip of a pumpkin spice latte, slip into the warmth of a fall sweater for the first time or watch as the leaves first change colors and the air turns crisp? October babies are kind of like that. Whether you have an October birthday or you love someone that does, we like to think of those October babies as the delightful darlings of autumn, brimming with an undeniable charm that shines as bright as their personalities.
Here’s what you should know about the October birthstones of opal and tourmaline and how their dazzling characteristics perfectly complement your favorite October people.
opals: the mesmerizing play of colors
To know them is to love them — opals, we mean. These radiant October birthstones give off a kaleidoscope of colors, a burst of universes trapped in a milky translucent stone, a disco ball of iridescent glow! As an October baby herself, singer Katy Perry has been spotted out and about sporting opal jewelry.
what is an opal?
In scientific speak, an opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica. What does that mean? Well, it’s not a crystal. Instead, opals basically form during the weathering of rocks or when fluids that contain silica get trapped in the cracks of those rocks. Real, mined opals are exceedingly rare, however. Most opals are lab grown, making opal jewelry much more accessible and affordable.
How an opal gets its colors
Leave it to a rare, mysterious birthstone to have an excellent origin story. In terms of the opal meaning, it symbolizes harmony, happiness, luck and hope, owing to its color-changing properties. Ancient Greeks believed opals were Zeus’ tears of joy after he defeated the Titans. Regardless, the stones exude light and mystical qualities.
To give off that otherworldly glow, opals diffract white light, creating a shimmery spectrum of rainbow hues. There are a variety of opal colors too, ranging from green and deep blue to orange and fire. The rarest found in nature is the black opal. Man-made processes allow you to more easily find an opal gift that fulfills your color desires.
caring for opal jewelry
Since they’re made with water, these delicate October birthstones are best cared for by cleaning them with a damp soft-bristled brush or cloth and then polishing them to dry. If you’re storing opal jewelry for a long period of time, you may consider adding a cotton ball or cloth with a few drops of water on it to keep your opals hydrated. For best long-term care, consult your jeweler to regularly inspect any opals.
tourmaline: a kaleidoscope of shades
Much like the color-changing properties of the opal, the alternative October birthstone tourmaline comes in a range of hues healing colors. Whether you like the look of a pink, multifaceted crystal or you prefer an electric blue tone, tourmaline jewelry gives you the opportunity to get a taste of the rainbow. (Kind of like Skittles.)
what is tourmaline?
Naturally occurring tourmaline forms crystals in the fractures or cracks of rocks and can vary widely in terms of chemical composition. Semantics aside, however, tourmaline gemstones may have color variations owing to the varied chemical elements in their crystal lattice formation.
In ancient times, tourmaline was believed to have magical, protective and healing properties. Some cultures believed tourmaline would ward off evil spirits. The harmonious October birthstone, however, is associated with balance, calm and creativity.
caring for tourmaline jewelry
Keep your tourmaline jewelry dazzling with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Let it air dry.
October birthstones at Helzberg
October babies have a natural charm that can light up a room, often with a wit as sharp as a freshly carved jack-o'-lantern. Discover the mesmerizing beauty of opal and tourmaline. Shop now, and embrace the allure of October birthstones!
