OCTOBER BIRTHSTONES - Opal & Tourmaline

OPAL

Opal was named from the Latin Opalus, meaning precious stone. It was once called the Cupid stone, and was the symbol of hope and purity.

Some people believed the Opals fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning, and thus acquired their marvelous colors.  According to legend, Cleopatra is said to have worn a magnificent set of opals to attract Mark Anthony, ruler of Rome. Queen Victoria was a passionate collector of the gemstones, one of the many rulers who wore crowns encrusted with the gems to protect them against evil and enemies. 

Not all opals have a play of color. Many Mexican Opals are transparent to translucent orange, with little or no play of color. There are also translucent to semi-opaque Opals with a green, blue, or pink body color (Peruvian Opals), and no play of color.

TOURMALINE

The name Tourmaline was derived from the ancient Singhalese word Turmali – meaning mixed precious stones. Tourmaline is often called the "Rainbow Gem", as it occurs in just about every color, including bi- and tricolored stones.

Tourmaline is considered the gemstone that evokes joy, lightness and happiness. The specific colors enhance the qualities; yellow - self esteem, green - health, pink - love, and blue - serenity. The black stone is said to have a protective quality since the color black symbolizes unlimited power.    

Tourmalines can act as a magnet when heated or rubbed. Eighteenth century Dutchmen called the crystals “ashentreckers” – or ash drawers – and used them to draw stray ashes out or their pipes.