OCTOBER: OPAL

October is blessed with not one but two birthstones — the mesmerising Opal and the dazzlingly colourful Tourmaline.  While Opal is famed for its hypnotic play-of-colour, Tourmaline is celebrated for its extraordinary rainbow of hues.

October Birthstone: Opal
October’s birthstone, the outrageously opulent Opal, is quite literally nature’s fireworks display captured within a gemstone.  Renowned for its hypnotic play-of-colour, opals shimmer with flashes of red, blue, green and gold — a kaleidoscopic spectacle that has captivated collectors and royalty for centuries.  The word Opal derives from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone,” which is entirely befitting given a gemstone capable of displaying the colours of the entire rainbow all at once.  Quite simply, if gemstones were theatre, the Opal would be centre stage.

Healing Properties:
Opals have long been associated with creativity, inspiration and emotional expression.  Often called the ‘stone of hope and imagination’, the Opal is believed to enhance joy, amplify creativity and encourage spontaneity.  In short: super style Opals to sparkle and let your colours shine!!

Potted History & Magical Myths:
Opals have been treasured since ancient times. The Romans thought Opal to be the most powerful of gemstones, believing it embodied the beauty of all others. Roman scholar Pliny the Elder marvelled that within the Opal one could see the fire of Ruby, the brilliance of Amethyst and the sea-green of Emerald in “an incredible mixture of light” dancing together.  Centuries later, Opals became closely associated with European royalty.  Queen Victoria adored Opals, frequently wearing them in her jewellery and gifting them to her daughters — helping restore the gemstone’s fashionable reputation in the nineteenth century.

Today, the finest opals come predominantly from Australia, which produces around 90% of the world’s Opals, including the mesmerising Black Opals of Lightning Ridge and the luminous White Opals of Coober Pedy.  With their ever-changing flashes of colour and mesmerising beauty, Opals remain one of the most magical gemstones nature has ever produced.

Description:

NB: Opal shares October’s birthstone honour with the equally vibrant Tourmaline, another gemstone celebrated for its extraordinary range of colours.

Opal versus Tourmaline: October’s Two Birthstones

While Opal dazzles with its famous play-of-colour, Tourmaline captivates with its vast spectrum of natural colours. Both gemstones offer extraordinary beauty, making October one of the most fortunate months for birthstones.

Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Birthstone Guide.