October babies are lucky to have double the birthstone options to choose from. Let's learn about the history and fun facts for both opal and tourmaline!
Source: GIA
Opal - History
Derived from Sanskrit Upala meaning "a precious stone", Opal's iconic play-of-color has been adored by many for centuries. While opal can actually be found in dozens of locations throughout the world (including in the United States), it's most common locations include Ethiopia and Australia, the latter being the largest deposits found. Another important location is Mexico, which produces the iconic "Mexican Fire Opal".
Ethiopia historically produces mostly white, yellow and orange shaded opals that absorb water, called hydrophane. In fact, Ethiopia opals will often be about 20% water weight! Hydrophane opals typically produce a more light flowy play-of-color and are usually more affordable to their other counterparts. However, these types of opal are most sensitive to liquids and temperature changes, requiring more care.
Australia produces the most coveted opals in the world, in ranges of color from white, black and even bolder. Opals from Australia will have a shifting rainbow play-of-color and will be mostly hydrophobic, which means while they tend to be more expensive they can be better for everyday wear.
Source: GIA
Pink Tourmaline - History
From the Sinhalese word toramalli, meaning “stone with mixed colors,” Tourmaline is the second October birthstone that actually comes in almost every color of the rainbow, though usually pink is associated with this months birthstone.
Tourmaline has a centuries-long tradition of being mistaken for other gemstones, from red Rubellite being confused for rubies, to it's green "Chrome" variety being mistaken for emeralds. In fact, it wasn't until the 1800s when Tourmaline was categorized as it's own species. Each color was also believed to have it's own healing properties, with the pink variety representing love, compassion and gentleness.
Like many other gemstones, Tourmaline is found all over the world (including in the United States) but mostly in Brazil. This stone also has a higher hardness, meaning this is a better option if you tend to be tougher on your jewelry versus Opal!
Source: GIA
Aspects / Quality of Tourmaline and Opal
Unlike other precious birthstones from other months, Tourmalines and Opals are semi-precious. This means there will usually be less strenuous guidelines for quality and color and unless it is a highly prized variety (like Paraiba Tourmaline) you often wont see certificates for the stone.
Opals can range in color, clarity and weight dramatically between stones so it is best to study the stone in person to understand it best. The driving factor between stones will often be it's provenance and color (base color and play-of-color) which drives pricing and rarity. While there are ways to tell between stones of different locations, it's best to be working with a trusted supplier to cover all your bases.
Tourmalines quality will revolve around it's color, clarity and transparency. Even pink tourmalines can vary in color, so a more bubblegum pink with be priced slightly higher than the traditional brown-pink associated with the stone. It's all based on rarity!
Source: GIA
Opal or Tourmaline - Which Do I Choose?
When deciding which birthstone you should go off of, the easiest choice is whichever stone you think is prettier! The play-of-color of Opals can be hit or miss with many, and it's also important to keep in mind that Australian Opal is your best bet if you tend to be rough on your jewelry, and even then you'll want to keep an eye on it!
You may want tourmaline but don't like the color pink! In that case, go for any color tourmaline you like! It is still your birthstone, and this allows you to wrap your piece around the color you're drawn to the most. Tourmaline is also harder (less scratch resistant) so it's a better option if you know you'll wear it daily. You'll also find tourmalines in various shapes and sizes versus the usual freeform shapes of Opal.
Shahla Karimi Pink Tourmaline Crawler Earring
Birthstones with Shahla Karimi
Whichever birthstone you choose, we're here to help. Have a look at our bespoke page below to see some of our previously made pieces, and reach out if you have any questions or need any assistance. We're always happy to help create the most special piece to represent you or your loved ones!
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