The individuals born in the month of October get to choose between two beautiful birthstones – tourmaline and opal. Both tourmalines and opals come in a rainbow of shades and colour combinations, bringing the wearers with endless opportunities to experiment.
Both of the October birthstones have another thing in common – these stones are believed to come to the earth through a journey involving rainbows, as per a legend. While a tourmaline’s colour depends on the trace elements in its chemical makeup, an opal diffracts light to show a play of multiple colours. The variety of colours that both of the October birthstones offer, are perfect to match the taste and personality of different people.
Opal
The name ‘opal’ has been derived from the Greek word ‘opallios’, which means ‘to see a change in colour’. This fascinating gem is known for its kaleidoscopic play of colours, which simulates the shades of an opal. In the 1960s, scientists explained this play of colours by saying that opals are composed of microscopic silica spheres that diffract light to display the colours of a rainbow.
Wearing an opal blesses you with good luck if you are born in the month of October. However, it is a delicate gem that can crack under extreme temperature, dehydration or direct light so you need to wear it with utmost care.
Tourmaline
The name ‘tourmaline’ has been derived from the Sinhalese word ‘tura mali’, which means ‘a stone of mixed colours’. Tourmaline is a fairly complex group of minerals with different chemical compositions, which cause distinct colours depending on the trace elements found in each tourmaline.
Mainly mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Madagaskar and California, tourmalines are desirable gemstones due to their sheer range of colour options and hardness. It is said that ancient magicians used to protect themselves and people from negative energy and evil forces using black tourmaline.
