From exploding rays of firework like colours to rainbow traveling gemstones, October has two of the most dazzling and colourful birthstones; opal and tourmaline. Both of these gorgeous gemstones display a multitude of colours, making them the perfect symbols for the start of autumn.
Opals are known for their rainbow like hues with writers comparing the stone to fireworks, galaxies and volcanoes. This captivating stone with its explosive display of colours symbolises loyalty, faithfulness, purity, hope and confidence, making it the perfect gift for someone special. Opal is also the gemstone given to celebrate the 14th Wedding Anniversary.
Tourmaline is the more modern choice of birthstone for the month of October, with its name originating from the Sinhalese word ‘toramali’, which means “stone with mixed colours”. This gemstone has a varied colour palette and was said to inspire artistic expression by ancient mystics, as it has a colour for every mood.
According to Egyptian legend, tourmaline passed over a rainbow as it made its journey from the earth’s centre, which is why it is said it embodies the seven colours of the rainbow.
Tourmalines vary in colour some of which include a mix of pink/ red, emerald/ neon green and blue/ violet. As a result of its vast range of colour ways, tourmaline has had many cases of mistaken identity - until the 19th century when it was recognised as a gemstone.
Different coloured tourmaline are thought to have their own healing properties; black is for protection and to give a sense of self-confidence, pink embodies love and compassion, whilst green is for courage, strength and gentleness.
