Just as fall is known to be the season of changing colors, October is well known for its rainbow of birthstone colors. One of the few months represented by two gemstones, Tourmaline and Opal, October boasts a kaleidoscope of color. Admirers of fine jewelry are especially lucky if they’re born during this month!

 

Tourmaline

Tourmaline means “mixed stone” and is easily suited to most people’s tastes because it’s available in a wide spectrum of colors, most often seen as bi-color or tri-color varieties. Just like a rainbow, Tourmalines are available in red, magenta, pink, peach/orange, yellow, mint, green, blue and violet. One special variety is called the Watermelon Tourmaline. This multi-color variety features bands of green, pink and white. This gemstone draws its name because its cut into thin slices with pink at the center encircled by white, and green along the outermost edge.

 

Opal

While the glory and color of the opal is more subtle than the Tourmaline, it is undeniably striking. Opals range in color from white to black, with glints of yellow, orange, green, red and blue. They derive their name from the Greek word Opallos, which means “to see a change (of color).” Opals were formed by non-crystalline silica gel that seeped into crevices within sedimentary strata. Over time the gel hardened to form opals. They’re essentially composed of particles closely packed together in delicate arrangements. When these particles are packed together in a regular pattern, they create a three-dimensional array of spaces – which create the opal’s unique radiance.

 

Are you celebrating a birthday in October? Now you have TWO great reasons to splurge on something special for yourself or someone you love.