From the desk of our Gemologist

October is an amazing month. You never know whether it’s going to be sunny and warm or snowy and blistering cold. No matter what the weather, we know one thing will stay consistent, the birthstones! Just like June, October has two birthstones, opal and pink tourmaline.

Tourmaline is one of October’s birthstone with an unusual characteristic. Tourmaline is a pyroelectric and piezoelectric stone, which means it can create an electrical charge when heated or squeezed hard! It comes in many different vivid colors, but pink tourmaline is specified to the month of October.

Opal is one of the most magical birthstones. It is known as the stone that contains all stones. Opals are formed deep in the outback of Australia. During the rainy season, the rain soaks into the silica-rich rock underground and mixes together. When the water underground evaporates in the dry months, it leaves behind deposits of silica and water that have solidified. The solid mixture left behind is opal!

Opal has been thought to have magical and lucky features. It was even known to preserve the color of blonde hair. In 1829, Sir Walter Scott’s book, “Anne of Geierstein”, started the superstition that it was unlucky to wear an opal if you were not born in the month of October. We completely disagree with that! Opal is beautiful no matter what month you are born in!

Opal is a very porous and soft stone. It is not recommended for everyday wear. Take care when wearing it. Bring your jewelry into Swierenga’s every 6-12 months to ensure it lasts a lifetime!

Pictures via gia.edu gem encyclopedia