October Focus: Opal and Tourmaline

Opal and tourmaline are October’s birthstones. Both come in endless color combinations. Opal is the traditional stone and tourmaline is the modern version.

Opals are usually found in many varied places but Australia, Mexico, and Brazil are the main locations. Recently, a new deposit was found in Ethiopia. Australia is supposedly where 90% of the world’s supply comes from.

Superstition state that unless opals are your birthstone, it is unlucky to wear one. However, this is because it was written into a novel by Sir Walter Scott back in the 1800’s. Throughout history, opals were actually considered lucky and magical because of all the colors within it. The shifting color changes are regarded as “play-of-color”. This occurs when light enters the stone and passes thru the silica and bends the light. As you rotate the stone, the light shifts and refracts and you see the colors changing.

The rarest colors are reds and oranges. Blues and greens are the most common. Boulder opals which come only from Queensland, Australia are darker in appearance due to the ironstone backing. These opals come second in value to the black opal. Black opals have carbon and iron oxide in it which causes it to be very dark so that the colors pop out. These also come from Australia, in the New South Wales region.

Opals are connected to higher communications. Various opals have separate healing properties related to the chakra. It’s high vibrational energy makes it perfect for good karma, balance, and creativity. Physically, it can help treat fevers and help in general healing after an illness. As a supportive stone, opals can help bring harmony and balance into your life. It can help in leading you towards hope and positive change. Wear it daily for chakra healing and amplifying spiritual healing.

Be gentle in your cleaning of the opal. Warm water and mild soap is all you need. Don’t expose your opal to extreme temperatures as it may fracture. Keep it separate to your other jewels as they may scratch the opal.

Tourmaline is the modern iteration of October’s gemstone. Tourmaline was originally found in Sri Lanka by the Dutch East Indies Company. Currently, they are mined in Brazil, Africa, and parts of Asia. Tourmaline can be found in many different colors and each can be named differently. Pink tourmaline is one of least common. The rarest tourmaline is the Paraiba. It has neon blue and green coloring with traces of copper.

Tourmaline is supposedly good to aid in digestion and for strong teeth and bones. It can alleviate stress and worn by those who have panic attacks or are fearful. It is used as a healer of anxiety and can help with chaos and negativity. Protection and confidence is key to the wearing of tourmaline.

This is a durable stone and can be worn every day. Clean your tourmaline with warm water and mild soap. Do not use high heat or steam cleaners.