Opal and Tourmaline – The two birthstones of October
Opal and Tourmaline The two birthstones of October
The gemstones Opal and Tourmaline are the two birthstones for the month October. These two gemstones are an interesting combination for one occurs in the most interesting combination of colors while the other occurs in just about every color that one can possible imagine.
Opal
The gemstone opal is like a painter's canvas, it has a beautiful combination all the stunning colors, fire and a lot of life. The deserts of Australia are believed to be the place where these gems were originally found.
There are numerous legends that are associated with this gemstone. According to one, on his way to the Earth, the creator came on a rainbow and as his foot touched the ground, the gemstone came into being with all the splendid colors of a rainbow.
The gemstone Opal also suffers from the reputation of a gem that brings bad omen. The evil reputation is probably the result of a poem Anne of Geierstein' by Sir Walter Scott where the ill fated heroine receives an Opal that leads to her untimely death.
To the ancients the gem was a symbol of sincerity and loyalty. Opals are also said to have therapeutic value as a cure to many diseases.
Opal comes in many exotic varieties, but all of them share its signature characteristics of changing play of colors. The gemstone Opal gained a lot of popularity in Art Deco Jewelry, these gemstones with their subtle charm were mostly seen in combination with Enamel; another popular material used in jewelry at that time.
It is mostly cut in form of cabochons as adding facets does not contribute to its brilliance or fire.
Tourmaline
Very few gemstones can offer such an astounding selection of colors as Tourmaline can. These gemstones inherit their name from a Sinhalese word tura mali' that means mixed colors'. Many of these gems occur in two or more than two colors and many varieties changes their color in different lights.
As a tribute to its wide array of hues the gemstone tourmaline is still referred to as gemstone of the rainbow'. The gem is believed to bring friendship and long lasting relationships on its wearer.
Tourmalines also exhibit a rare electrical property. They tend to get electrically charged and for the reason the Dutch used to use this gem as ash collectors for their pipes.
Dichroism and the huge spectral of colors are the signature characteristics of this gem for which it has also become a favorite among modern jewelry designers.
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