October Birthstone
October is the month when autumn deepens and the colours of the city begin to change. The birthstones of October suit the season well — two stones known for their shifting, varied colour.
October is represented by two birthstones: opal and tourmaline.
At L&Co, we see October's birthstones as a pairing of a stone that changes with the light and a stone known for its remarkable range of colour. Both are gemstones that reward a closer look.
The history of October's birthstones
Opal has been treasured since antiquity as a stone of good fortune. In Ancient Rome it was a symbol of hope and purity, and in Ancient Greece it was believed to grant the gift of foresight. Its name is thought to come from a Sanskrit word meaning "precious stone."
Tourmaline spent a long time being mistaken for other gemstones. Its name comes from a Sinhalese word meaning "mixed stones," and because of its wide range of colours, it was often confused with emerald and ruby. It wasn't until the late 19th century that its composition was understood and it came to be recognised as a gemstone in its own right.
Opal, which shifts with the light, and tourmaline, which comes in nearly every colour — both are stones that have long drawn people in through colour.
The character of the stones
Opal's defining feature is "play-of-color," the rainbow-like flashes that change as the stone is turned. It is created by tiny, regularly arranged silica spheres inside the stone that split the light. Types such as white opal, black opal, and fire opal each have a very different character. Opal also contains water, which means it is more sensitive to dryness and sudden changes in temperature.
Tourmaline is not the name of a single mineral but a group of related minerals. It comes in an extraordinary range of colours, including red, pink, green, blue, yellow, and black. Some stones show two or more colours in a single crystal, such as bi-colour tourmaline or the pink-and-green "watermelon" variety. Tourmaline also becomes electrically charged when heated or rubbed, which is why it is known in Japanese as "electric stone." The vivid neon-blue Paraiba tourmaline, discovered in Brazil, is counted among the world's rarest gemstones.
Meaning and symbolism
Opal is traditionally associated with hope, purity, perseverance, and good fortune. It's said to lift the spirits and help the wearer face difficult times.
Tourmaline's meaning varies by colour. Red and pink are associated with affection, green with healing, blue with calm, and black with protection.
The appeal of these gemstones in jewellery
Opal looks its best in simple designs that let its play-of-color take centre stage. Because it changes with the light, it shows a slightly different face every time it is worn.
Tourmaline's wide range of colours makes it easy to choose one that suits personal taste or wardrobe. Pink and green tones sit well with yellow gold, while blue tones pair beautifully with white gold.
Craft and intention
Opal is cut to show its play-of-color at its best, and because it is sensitive to dryness and sudden temperature changes, it also calls for care after it has been set. Tourmaline can show uneven colour within a single crystal, so choosing the orientation in which the colour looks its best is an important part of the cutting.
Opal, which changes with the light, and tourmaline, with its remarkable range of colour — together, these two stones add a touch of colour to autumn dressing.