October is a particularly colourful month when it comes to birthstones. Rather than having just one gemstone associated with it, those born in October can choose between two very different stones: tourmaline and opal.
Tourmaline is celebrated for one of the widest colour ranges of any gemstone, appearing in everything from delicate pink and vivid green to blue, red and striking multi-coloured combinations. Opal offers something entirely different, with flashes of colour that appear to move and change as the stone catches the light.
For an October birthday, both make beautifully personal gifts. Yet there is no need to have an October birthday to appreciate either gemstone. Their individuality, colour and variety make tourmaline and opal jewellery appealing throughout the year.
At Avanti Jewellers, our October birthstone collection currently includes a particularly varied selection of tourmaline jewellery alongside opal rings, earrings and necklaces, with new and pre-owned pieces available across different precious metals.
Tourmaline: One Gemstone, an Extraordinary Range of Colours
Few gemstones offer as much natural variety as tourmaline.
The tourmaline family occurs in shades spanning virtually the entire colour spectrum, from soft pinks and rich reds to greens, blues, yellows and combinations of more than one colour within a single stone.
Pink and green tourmalines are particularly popular in jewellery and are both well represented within our current October birthstone collection.
Pink tourmaline can range from delicate blush tones to much deeper raspberry and red-pink colours. Some richer red or purplish-red tourmalines are known in the trade as rubellite.
Green tourmaline can be equally varied, moving from fresh, pale greens through to deeper forest and blue-green shades. The colour can create a very different appearance depending on the depth of tone and the way the stone has been cut.
There is no single colour that defines tourmaline, and that is a large part of its appeal.
From Rubellite to Watermelon Tourmaline
Certain tourmaline colours and patterns have become so distinctive that they have acquired their own names.
Rubellite generally describes red, pinkish-red or purplish-red tourmaline, while indicolite refers to blue or greenish-blue varieties. Chrome tourmaline is known for its intense green appearance.
One of the most recognisable varieties is watermelon tourmaline. These crystals display pink towards the centre and green towards the outer edge, creating a natural colour combination reminiscent of a slice of watermelon.
There are also parti-coloured tourmalines, where more than one colour appears within the same gemstone.
At the rarer end of the spectrum is Paraíba tourmaline, famous for exceptionally vivid blue, greenish-blue and blue-green colours caused principally by copper.
These different varieties show just how much diversity exists within one gemstone family.
What Makes a Tourmaline Valuable?
Colour is usually one of the most important considerations when evaluating tourmaline.
Bright, highly saturated reds, blues and greens are generally among the most highly valued, while vivid copper-bearing Paraíba-type tourmalines occupy a particularly desirable category of their own.
That does not mean the most valuable colour will necessarily be the one you prefer.
Softer pinks, pale greens and more unusual earthy shades can be just as appealing when choosing jewellery for yourself or as a gift. As with many coloured gemstones, the stone that immediately catches your eye is often the right place to start.
Clarity and cut matter too. Tourmalines can naturally contain inclusions, particularly because many crystals form in environments rich in liquids. A skilful cut helps make the most of the gemstone's colour, brilliance and natural characteristics.
Opal: A Gemstone That Changes with the Light
Where tourmaline is celebrated for its range of distinct colours, opal is famous for displaying several colours within the same stone.
Precious opal can show a phenomenon known as play-of-colour, where flashes of different hues appear as the gemstone, light or viewing angle changes. The effect is caused by the interaction of light with microscopic silica spheres within the opal.
One moment an opal might appear predominantly creamy white or pale blue, then a slight movement reveals flashes of green, orange, yellow or red.
It is this constantly changing appearance that makes opal so distinctive.
No two opals have exactly the same arrangement of colour and pattern, which gives opal jewellery a naturally individual character.
For an October birthday gift, that uniqueness feels particularly appropriate. The recipient is not simply receiving a gemstone associated with their birth month, but a stone with its own individual pattern.
What Is Play-of-Colour?
Play-of-colour is one of the most important features used when assessing precious opal.
As light moves through the ordered structure within the gemstone, different wavelengths of light are diffracted, producing flashes and patches of spectral colour.
The strength, range and pattern of this colour can vary dramatically between opals. Some show tiny pinpoints of colour, while others display broader flashes that move across the stone.
Colour intensity is particularly important when assessing quality. Bright, vivid play-of-colour is generally prized more highly than weaker colour effects, while opals displaying a broad range of colours can be especially desirable.
This also means that opal is one of those gemstones particularly worth viewing from different angles.
Different Types of Opal
Not all opals look alike. Several recognised types are distinguished by their background colour, transparency and formation.
White opal has a white or pale background and can display flashes of different colours across its surface.
Black opal has a dark body colour, which can create dramatic contrast and make its play-of-colour appear especially vivid.
Fire opal generally has a transparent to translucent yellow, orange or red body colour. Some examples show play-of-colour, while others are prized primarily for their warm body colour.
Boulder opal forms in thin layers within a host rock. The natural rock is retained as part of the finished gemstone, giving each piece an especially individual appearance.
Crystal opal is transparent to semi-transparent, allowing its play-of-colour to appear against a relatively clear background.
Each has its own character, so someone who thinks opal is always a milky white gemstone may be surprised by just how varied it can be.
What Makes an Opal Valuable?
Evaluating opal is different from assessing a gemstone such as diamond.
Three particularly important considerations are colour, pattern and clarity, with the strength and extent of the play-of-colour playing a major role.
The gemstone's background colour also affects its appearance. Bright flashes can look particularly dramatic against a darker body colour, which is one reason fine black opal is so highly regarded.
Pattern is another factor. Because every opal forms differently, the arrangement and movement of colour can vary considerably from one stone to another.
Ultimately, opal is a gemstone where visual appeal matters enormously. Two stones of similar size can look completely different, making personal preference especially important.
Which Is More Durable: Tourmaline or Opal?
Tourmaline measures around 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is generally suitable for regular jewellery wear, although it can still be damaged by impact or sudden temperature changes.
Opal is softer, measuring approximately 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and its toughness ranges from poor to fair. It therefore requires more thoughtful wear to avoid scratches, knocks and fractures.
That does not mean opal should be avoided. It simply means it benefits from a little more care.
For someone who wants a gemstone to wear frequently, tourmaline may be the easier choice. Opal earrings and necklaces can also be excellent options because they are generally less exposed to knocks than rings.
Caring for Tourmaline and Opal Jewellery
Tourmaline is best cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Steam and ultrasonic cleaning are not recommended because heat and thermal shock can potentially damage the gemstone.
Opal needs particularly gentle treatment.
Warm soapy water is considered the safest method, but prolonged soaking should be avoided with opal doublets or triplets because moisture can weaken the adhesive between their layers. High heat and sudden temperature changes should also be avoided because they can cause cracking.
Store opal separately from harder gemstones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires to help protect it from scratching.
If you are unsure whether your gemstone is suitable for a particular cleaning method, professional jewellery cleaning is always the safer choice.
The Meaning Behind October's Birthstones
Both gemstones have gathered symbolism over centuries.
Opal has historically been associated with hope, creativity and inspiration, with its constantly changing colours contributing to a long history of myths and legends. The Romans particularly admired the stone because they believed it contained the colours of other precious gems.
Tourmaline has also been linked with creativity and emotional wellbeing, while different colours have accumulated their own symbolism over time.
For a birthday gift, however, the most meaningful connection may simply be the birthstone itself. Choosing a colour or design that suits the individual makes that connection much more personal.
Discover October Birthstone Jewellery at Avanti Jewellers
October offers something rather special when it comes to birthstone jewellery.
Tourmaline provides almost endless colour, whether you are drawn to soft pink, vibrant green or more unusual varieties. Opal offers something entirely different, with flashes of colour and patterns that make every gemstone individual.
At Avanti Jewellers, our October birthstone collection includes tourmaline and opal rings, necklaces and earrings.
Whether you are choosing a meaningful October birthday gift or have simply fallen for the colour of a tourmaline or the changing light within an opal, there is no requirement to be October-born to enjoy either.
Explore our October birthstone jewellery collection online and discover tourmaline and opal pieces chosen for their colour, character and individuality.
