Birthstone: October

Tourmaline and Opal: Those born in October enjoy two spectacular birthstones to commemorate their birthdays. Both October birthstones have endless color combinations and beautiful coloring characteristics. 

Opal's name originated in Sanskrit and was called upala, a “precious stone." .” In ancient Rome, this became opalus. Most opals are valued for their shifting colors in rainbow hues – a phenomenon known as “play-of-color.” This inspired writers to compare it to fireworks, galaxies and volcanoes. Ancient Greeks thought opals bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. Europeans long maintained opal to be a symbol of purity, hope and truth. 

Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colors,” because it often has multiple colors in one crystal. Few gems match tourmaline’s dazzling array of colors. Among the most popular colors are the pink/red rubellites, the emerald green “chrome” tourmalines, and the neon green and blue-to-violet “paraíba” tourmalines. Different colors of tourmaline are thought to have their own healing properties: Black tourmaline is believed to protect the wearer and give a sense of self-confidence. Pink tourmaline embodies love and is associated with compassion and gentleness. Green tourmaline promotes courage, strength and stamina.