October is one of the lucky months which has been associated with more than one gemstone.
The traditional October birthstone is the Opal, and a new addition is the Tourmaline.
The word “opal” comes from the Sanskrit word “úpala”, meaning “valuable stone”.
Opals are believed to bring luck, health and love to its wearer.
They symbolise sincerity and purity. Opals are the precious stone for the sign of Libra and for October
It exhibits many shimmering colors and flashes, and exists in many colours like bright orange : the fire opal, light pink, blue andean opal, green, white and "black" opal.
Andean Blue opal Talisman Necklace
Opal is a mineraloid gel which is deposited at a relatively low temperature and may occur in the fissures of almost any kind of rock, being most commonly found with limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, marl and basalt.
The Opal derives its name from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel. Prized for its unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light, the Opal was called "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love. One legendary explanation for this gemstone's origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning.
One of the many legends that surround the opal is an ancient Australian aboriginal story about the creator of the universe.
According to the tale, the deity descended to Earth on a rainbow. Where he touched the ground, the stones began to shine in every imaginable colour and that’s how opals were born.
Traditionally people gift opals on 14th wedding anniversaries, but today some also consider it the alternative gem for 12th anniversaries.
Fire opals
Photography credit: © Catherine Marche
White opal You and Me YOUMI ring
Care and Cleaning
Opals fracture easily. Avoid exposing opal to sudden, extreme temperature changes.
The only safe way to clean opals is with warm water and soap, scrubbing gently with a very soft toothbrush. Afterwards, rinse with clear water and pat dry with a clean cloth.
When wearing and storing opal jewellery, take great care not to knock or scratch it, as opal is not very tough and can damage easily.