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The history of birthstones

By

John and Mary

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The history of birthstones

The tradition of birthstones dates back to ancient times, with roots in various cultures and religions. One of the earliest references to birthstones can be found in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Exodus, which describes the breastplate of Aaron, the High Priest of the Israelites. The breastplate was adorned with twelve gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Over time, the concept of birthstones evolved, with different cultures assigning specific gemstones to particular months or astrological signs. In the 18th century, the modern list of birthstones began to take shape, with jewelers and gemologists working to standardize the stones associated with each month. Today, birthstones are widely recognized and celebrated, with many people choosing to wear jewelry featuring their birthstone as a personal talisman or symbol of identity.

Interesting Anecdotes and Legends

Opal Legends and Superstitions

Opals have been surrounded by numerous legends and superstitions throughout history. One of the most famous stories involves the opal’s supposed ability to render the wearer invisible. According to legend, a thief who stole an opal from a statue in a temple became invisible, allowing him to escape undetected. However, when the opal was later recovered and returned to the statue, the thief regained his visibility.

Another well-known superstition is the belief that opals bring bad luck. This notion gained popularity in the 19th century after the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel « Anne of Geierstein, » in which an opal talisman brings misfortune to its wearer. The story led to a decline in the popularity of opals, with many people refusing to wear or own them. However, this superstition has largely faded, and opals are once again celebrated for their beauty and unique properties.

Tourmaline Legends and Beliefs

Tourmaline has also been the subject of various legends and beliefs. In ancient Egypt, it was believed that tourmaline passed through a rainbow on its journey from the Earth’s center, acquiring all the colors of the rainbow. This legend reflects the gemstone’s remarkable range of colors, which can vary from stone to stone and even within a single crystal.

In some cultures, tourmaline was thought to possess protective properties, shielding the wearer from harm and negative energies. It was also believed to promote healing and well-being, with different colors of tourmaline associated with specific health benefits. For example, pink tourmaline was thought to aid in emotional healing, while green tourmaline was believed to promote physical vitality and strength.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect October Birthstone

Whether you’re purchasing an opal or tourmaline for yourself or as a gift, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select a high-quality stone. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Choosing an Opal

  1. Play-of-Color: The most valuable opals exhibit a vibrant play-of-color, with bright, distinct flashes of color that shift and change with the angle of observation. Look for stones with a strong play-of-color and a wide range of hues.
  2. Body Color: Opals come in a variety of body colors, from milky white to dark black. Black opals, with their dark body color that enhances the play-of-color, are the most valuable and sought after.
  3. Pattern: The pattern of the play-of-color can also affect the value of an opal. Some of the most desirable patterns include harlequin (a mosaic-like pattern of color patches), pinfire (small, closely spaced flashes of color), and rolling flash (a sweeping, wave-like pattern of color).
  4. Clarity and Transparency: Opals can range from opaque to transparent. While some opals, such as fire opals, are valued for their transparency, most opals are appreciated for their play-of-color, regardless of their transparency.
  5. Cut and Shape: Opals are often cut into cabochons (domed, polished stones) to best display their play-of-color. However, they can also be found in faceted cuts, beads, and freeform shapes.
  6. Treatment: Some opals are treated to enhance their appearance or stability. For example, opals with a low water content may be treated with oil or resin to improve their durability. Be sure to ask about any treatments when purchasing an opal, as this can affect its value and care requirements.

Choosing a Tourmaline

  1. Color: Tourmaline is available in a wide range of colors, from vibrant pinks and reds to deep greens and blues. The most valuable tourmalines exhibit intense, vivid colors with high saturation. Some of the most sought-after varieties include Paraiba tourmaline (neon blue or green), rubellite (pink to red), and indicolite (blue to green).
  2. Clarity: Tourmaline can range from transparent to opaque, with transparent stones generally being more valuable. Look for stones with minimal inclusions (internal flaws) and good transparency.
  3. Cut and Shape: Tourmaline is often cut into faceted shapes, such as ovals, cushions, and emerald cuts, to maximize its brilliance and color. However, it can also be found in cabochons, beads, and freeform shapes. The cut should be proportional and symmetrical, with a good polish.
  4. Size: Tourmaline is available in a wide range of sizes, from small accent stones to large statement pieces. While larger stones are generally more valuable, the color and quality of the stone are more important factors in determining its worth.
  5. Treatment: Some tourmalines are treated to enhance their color or clarity. For example, heat treatment can be used to improve the color of certain varieties, while irradiation can be used to create unique color effects. Be sure to ask about any treatments when purchasing a tourmaline, as this can affect its value and care requirements.

Where to Buy

When purchasing an opal or tourmaline, it’s essential to buy from a reputable dealer who can provide information about the stone’s origin, quality, and any treatments it may have undergone. Look for dealers who are members of professional organizations, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS), as they are held to high ethical and professional standards.

You can find opals and tourmalines at jewelry stores, gemstone dealers, and online marketplaces. However, be cautious when buying online, as it can be challenging to assess the quality and authenticity of a stone without seeing it in person. Always ask for certificates of authenticity and return policies before making a purchase.

Mining and Sources of October Birthstones

Opal Mining and Sources

Opals are found in various locations around the world, with Australia being the most significant source. In fact, Australia produces around 95% of the world’s precious opals, with the majority coming from the outback regions of New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia.

Some of the most famous opal fields in Australia include:

  • Lightning Ridge (New South Wales): Known for producing some of the world’s finest black opals.
  • Coober Pedy (South Australia): Famous for its white and crystal opals, as well as its underground homes and opal mines.
  • Andamooka (South Australia): A historic opal mining town that has produced some of the most valuable opals in the world.

Other notable sources of opal include:

  • Ethiopia: A relatively new source of opal, Ethiopia has gained recognition for its unique play-of-color and honeycomb patterns. The most famous Ethiopian opal is the Welo opal, known for its bright, vivid colors.
  • Mexico: Known for its fire opals, which exhibit a bright orange to red body color.
  • Brazil: Produces a variety of opals, including white, crystal, and fire opals.
  • United States: Opals can be found in several states, including Nevada, Idaho, and Oregon. The most famous American opal is the Virgin Valley opal from Nevada, known for its unique play-of-color and black body color.

Tourmaline Mining and Sources

Tourmaline is found in various locations around the world, with some of the most significant sources being Brazil, Africa, and the United States. The gemstone is often found in granite and metamorphic rocks, as well as in alluvial deposits.

Some of the most famous tourmaline sources include:

  • Brazil: One of the world’s leading producers of tourmaline, Brazil is known for its vibrant Paraiba tourmalines, discovered in the state of Paraiba in the late 1980s. These neon blue and green stones are highly valued for their intense color and rarity.
  • Africa: Several African countries, including Mozambique, Nigeria, and Namibia, are significant sources of tourmaline. Mozambique, in particular, has gained recognition for its high-quality Paraiba-like tourmalines, which exhibit a similar neon blue and green color to those found in Brazil.
  • United States: The United States is home to several notable tourmaline deposits, with California and Maine being the most significant sources. California is known for its pink and green tourmalines, while Maine is famous for its watermelon tourmalines, which display a pink center surrounded by a green outer layer.
  • Afghanistan: A relatively new source of tourmaline, Afghanistan has gained recognition for its high-quality stones, particularly its vibrant green and blue varieties.

Other notable sources of tourmaline include:

  • Madagascar: Known for its colorful tourmalines, including pink, green, and blue varieties.
  • Pakistan: Produces a range of tourmaline colors, including rare and valuable Paraiba-like stones.
  • Russia: A historic source of tourmaline, Russia is known for its vibrant green and pink varieties.

Famous October Birthstone Jewelry Pieces

Throughout history, opals and tourmalines have been featured in some of the world’s most famous and valuable jewelry pieces. Here are a few notable examples:

Famous Opal Jewelry Pieces

  1. The Olympic Australis Opal: Discovered in Coober Pedy, Australia, in 1956, the Olympic Australis is one of the world’s largest and most valuable opals. Weighing in at 17,000 carats, this stunning stone exhibits a vibrant play-of-color against a dark body color. It was named in honor of the Olympic Games held in Melbourne that year and is currently on display at the Altmann & Cherny Opal Specialists in Sydney, Australia.
  2. The Burning of Troy Opal: This legendary opal, said to have been owned by the Roman Emperor Nero, was believed to be as large as a hazelnut and exhibited a fiery play-of-color reminiscent of the burning city of Troy. According to legend, Nero prized the opal above all other gemstones and was willing to pay any price to acquire it. However, the stone’s whereabouts remain unknown, and it is thought to have been lost or destroyed over time.
  3. The Andamooka Opal: Also known as the « Queen’s Opal, » this stunning stone was presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Australia in 1954. The opal was set into a necklace by Australian jeweler Altmann & Cherny and featured 203 brilliant-cut diamonds surrounding the central opal. The Queen was so taken with the gift that she wore the necklace on numerous occasions, helping to popularize opals among the British public.

Famous Tourmaline Jewelry Pieces

  1. The Empress Dowager Cixi’s Tourmaline Jewelry Collection: The Empress Dowager Cixi, one of the most powerful figures in Chinese history, was known for her love of tourmaline jewelry. Her collection included numerous pieces set with vibrant pink and green tourmalines, many of which were gifts from foreign dignitaries and admirers.
  2. The Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline Necklace: This stunning necklace, created by renowned jewelry designer JAR (Joel Arthur Rosenthal), features a breathtaking array of Paraiba tourmalines set in a delicate gold lattice. The necklace is valued at over $1 million and is considered one of the finest examples of tourmaline jewelry in the world.
  3. The Smithsonian Institution’s Tourmaline Collection: The Smithsonian Institution’s National Gem Collection features several notable tourmaline specimens, including a 267.47-carat green tourmaline from Brazil and a 255.50-carat pink tourmaline from California. These stunning stones showcase the remarkable range of colors and sizes found in tourmaline.

October Birthstones in Pop Culture

October birthstones have also made their mark in popular culture, appearing in films, literature, and music. Here are a few notable examples:

Opals in Pop Culture

  1. « The Opal Deception » by Eoin Colfer: This popular young adult novel, part of the Artemis Fowl series, features an opal as a central plot device. The story revolves around the mischievous fairy Opal Koboi, who uses her namesake gemstone to manipulate and deceive her enemies.
  2. « The Opal Crown » by Jenny Lundquist: This middle-grade fantasy novel tells the story of a young girl named Elara, who discovers that she is the rightful heir to the throne of her kingdom. The key to her destiny lies in the Opal Crown, a magical artifact that bestows great power upon its wearer.
  3. « Opal » by Jennifer L. Armentrout: This young adult romance novel is the third book in the Lux series and features a protagonist named Katy, who discovers that her boyfriend, Daemon, is an alien from the planet Lux. The story’s title refers to the opal-like quality of Daemon’s eyes, which change color depending on his emotions.

Tourmalines in Pop Culture

  1. « The Tourmaline » by Dara Marks: This award-winning play explores the complex relationships between a group of women who come together to mine tourmaline in the mountains of California. The story delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the healing power of nature.
  2. « Tourmaline » by Fleetwood Mac: This classic rock song, featured on the band’s 1975 self-titled album, is said to have been inspired by the vibrant colors of tourmaline gemstones. The lyrics, written by Stevie Nicks, describe a relationship that is as multifaceted and ever-changing as the colors of a tourmaline crystal.
  3. « The Tourmaline Key » by Peg Kehret: This children’s mystery novel follows a young girl named Annie as she tries to solve the puzzle of a missing tourmaline key, which is said to unlock a hidden treasure. Along the way, Annie learns about the history and properties of tourmaline gemstones and the importance of perseverance and determination.

October Birthstones and Astrology

In addition to their status as birthstones, opals and tourmalines are also associated with astrological signs and beliefs. Here’s a closer look at the connection between these gemstones and the zodiac:

Opal and Astrology

Opal is primarily associated with the astrological sign of Libra, which falls between September 23 and October 22. Libra is ruled by the planet Venus, which is also associated with love, beauty, and harmony. As such, opals are believed to enhance the positive qualities of Libra, such as diplomacy, charm, and creativity.

In astrological beliefs, opals are thought to bring balance and harmony to the wearer, helping them to navigate the challenges and opportunities of life with grace and ease. They are also said to amplify the wearer’s emotions and intuitions, making them more attuned to the subtleties of their environment and the people around them.

Tourmaline and Astrology

Tourmaline is associated with two astrological signs: Libra (September 23 – October 22) and Scorpio (October 23 – November 21). As such, it is believed to embody the qualities of both signs, including balance, harmony, and transformation.

In astrological beliefs, tourmaline is thought to enhance the positive qualities of both Libra and Scorpio, helping the wearer to achieve a greater sense of inner peace and self-awareness. It is also said to promote emotional healing and spiritual growth, making it a powerful tool for personal transformation.

Different colors of tourmaline are associated with specific astrological signs and planets:

  • Pink Tourmaline: Associated with the planet Venus and the astrological sign of Libra. It is believed to promote love, compassion, and emotional healing.
  • Green Tourmaline: Associated with the planet Mercury and the astrological sign of Gemini. It is believed to promote communication, creativity, and mental clarity.
  • Black Tourmaline: Associated with the planet Saturn and the astrological sign of Capricorn. It is believed to promote grounding, protection, and stability.

October Birthstones in Healing and Metaphysical Practices

Opals and tourmalines are also highly valued in healing and metaphysical practices, where they are believed to possess powerful energies and properties that can promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Here’s a closer look at the spiritual and metaphysical properties of opal and tourmaline:

Opal in Spirituality and Metaphysical Practices

Opal is often referred to as the « stone of inspiration » due to its ability to stimulate creativity, enhance imagination, and promote emotional expression. In spiritual and metaphysical practices, opal is believed to possess the following properties and benefits:

  1. Emotional Healing and Balance: Opal is thought to amplify and release emotions, helping the wearer to process and heal from past traumas and emotional wounds. It is also said to promote emotional balance and stability, making it an excellent stone for those struggling with anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
  2. Spiritual Growth and Transformation: Opal is believed to facilitate spiritual growth and transformation, helping the wearer to connect with their higher self and the divine. It is also said to enhance intuition and psychic abilities, making it a popular stone among mediums and energy workers.
  3. Creativity and Inspiration: Opal is thought to stimulate the imagination and enhance creative expression. It is often used by artists, writers, and musicians to overcome creative blocks and tap into their inner muse.
  4. Protection and Luck: In some spiritual traditions, opal is believed to possess protective qualities, shielding the wearer from negative energies and promoting good fortune and luck.

To harness the spiritual and metaphysical properties of opal, it is recommended to wear the stone as jewelry, carry it in your pocket, or place it in your home or workspace. You can also meditate with opal by holding it in your hand or placing it

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