October
Birthstone : Opal
Birthstone Color: Multi-colored
October's birthstone treats the eye to an explosion
of shimmering colors, not unlike those of a magnificent
rainbow following a summer rain. The Opal derives
its name from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious
jewel. Prized for its unique ability to refract
and reflect specific wavelengths of light, the Opal
was called "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans, meaning
a child beautiful as love. One legendary explanation
for this gemstone's origin is that it fell from heaven
in a flash of fiery lightning.
Ancient
monarchs treasured Opals, both for their beauty and
for their presumed protective powers. They were
set into crowns and worn in necklaces to ward off
evil and to protect the eyesight. These gemstones
were also ground and ingested for their healing properties
and to ward off nightmares.
The
Opal dates back to prehistoric times. It is
a non-crystallized silica, which is a mineral found
near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal
hot springs once existed. As the hot springs
dried up, layers of the silica, combined with water,
were deposited into the cracks and cavities of the
bedrock, forming Opal. This gemstone actually
contains up to 30% water, so it must be protected
from heat or harsh chemicals, both of which will cause
drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence.
Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is
relatively soft and breaks easily.
Most
of the world's Opal deposits are found in Southern
Australia. Other sources of this gemstone are
Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Nevada. Quality
Opal is very expensive, made more so by the caution
that must be exercised in cutting, polishing and setting
it into jewelry.
A
gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence.
And the powerful energy radiating from this fiery
gemstone will surely illuminate any occasion!
Alternate
Birthstone
An alternate birthstone for October, Pink Tourmaline
has the seemingly magical property of pyroelectricity.
Scientifically speaking, this means that when heated,
the gem takes on a static electric charge, making
it capable of attracting lightweight objects. No wonder
this gemstone was revered for its mystical properties
centuries ago! Considered the "stone of the
muse," it was believed to stimulate the creative process
of its wearer. Pink varieties of Tourmaline range
in color from pastel pink to ruby red and are mined
in Brazil, Afghanistan, Burma, and India. A
gift of this stone is symbolic of hope.
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