- What is the October Birthstone? - Opal and Tourmaline
- History of opal and where is it found?
- Physical and optical properties
- Symbolism of the October birthstone
- types of opal
- Metaphysical and healing properties
- Gemstone care and maintenance
- Learn about opal- properties( hardness and strength), treatment, the 4c (color cut carat clarity), quality, and grading.
- Opal in jewelry design.
Introduction-
1. What is the October Birthstone? - Opal and Tourmaline
October has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Both stones are celebrated for their unique quality. Opal is known for its colors which makes it unique. Tourmaline is famous for its 100 different colors and shades that are recognized. Those who were born in October carry meaningful symbolism.
2. History of opal and where it is found?
- Ancient Origins
Opal gemstones have a rich history of Roman and Greek value. The Romans called the “queen of gems” referred to attributing it the power of all gemstones. Ancient people believed that opal brings good luck.
During the Middle Ages, Opal fell from grace. During Victoria's era- Opal was highly popular and often associated with love and good fortune. The gemstone became an excellent choice for wedding jewelry and a symbol of romantic feeling.
- Modern Day
It is also used in decoration and art. The black opal is the most expensive and valuable in the market.
Opal is primarily found in Australia, Ethiopia, and Mexico.
3. Physical and optical properties
Opal exhibits unique physical and optical properties and have a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 which makes them softer than other gemstones. opal is available in various colors. the best opal shows a wide range of colors, red blue, and yellow.
4. Symbolism of the October birthstone
- General Symbolism
Opal has a deep symbolic meaning, which represents connecting with the inner self. Many people believe that the October birthstone helps connect with creativity.
- Cultural Significance
In American culture, people believe that opals are unique and sacred. In Eastern culture, opals symbolize purity and peace and are referred to as the goddess of love.
- Emotional and spiritual aspects
October gemstone opal provides emotional balance and peace in our lives. It is also associated with stress and anxiety and promotes a sense of calmness in our lives. Many people believe that this gemstone brings spiritual growth, encourages self-discovery, and guides us toward our inner journey.
5. Types of opal
- Common opal: Common opal appears as opaque, which lacks colors.
- Boulder opal: Boulder opal ironstone has a very unique process.
- Black opal: black opal is in black in color tone which enhances its visibility and market value.
- White opal: White opal fills a lighter body tone compared to other opal gemstones. it has soter hues.
- Fire opal: fire opal has transparent hues and is available in orange and yellow colors and creates transparent hues.
6. Metaphysical and healing properties
- Opals are used to enhance people's emotional well-being which helps to release negative emotions and helps to decrease feelings such as grief, anger, and fear. this helps to bring gratitude and an abundance feeling of inner peace and stability.
- Wearing an opal gemstone brings creativity and imaginative ideas among artists and writers.
- Opal is associated with spiritual growth and enhances intuition and spiritual ability. it is also helpful for meditation and spiritual practices to bring peace and connect with a higher inner self.
- many people wear this gemstone for protection against negative energies and to remove all impurities.
- Opal brings harmony and understanding to people's relationships. It also helps to protect, and foster love, trust, and loyalty in their lives, which makes it a popular choice for an engagement ring.
- In tradition, opal is seen as bringing good fortune and prosperity. it is believed to attract an abundance of positive energy and opportunities into life. it also brings and improves the financial situation.
7. Benefits of Opal
Emotional Balance
This opal gemstone has many benefits, like bringing emotional balance. Many people say that by wearing this birthstone, you feel grounded and calm in your personality. This calming energy in this gemstone helps to reduce your stress and provides a sense of tranquility in life.
Enhanced CreativityWearing the October birthstone gemstone, opal, brings creative energy. Many writers, poets, artists, and musicians often wear opal to increase their imaginative thinking. Many consider opal a powerful jewelry that can increase personal development.
Protection
Opals are often seen as protective stones that do not allow negativity into your life. Many believe that wearing October gemstones absorbs and transforms all the negative energy, promoting a more positive outlook. This quality of protectiveness of opal makes a unique choice for buying this gemstone to increase emotional and spiritual journey.
8. Gemstone care and maintenance
- Use a soft, damp cloth to clean opals. If needed, a mild soap solution can be used. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning, as these methods can damage the stone.
- Always use a damp cloth to clean the opal.
- Store your opal jewellery in a separate box to avoid scratching.
- Opals can absorb water, so avoid water or extreme heat, which can lead to cracking.
- Direct sunlight can affect opal jewelry. If you see any type of jewelry damage, contact a professional jeweler for repairs.
- Avoid harmful activities or heavy manual work when you are wearing the opal gemstone.
9. Learn about opal properties
Learn About Opal: Properties, Treatment, and the 4 Cs
Opal has a hardness rating of 5.5 to 6.5 on a moh scale which indicates very soft compared to other gemstones.
Treatment
Opals may undergo various treatments to enhance their outlook and appearance, including oil to enhance clarity and stability.
The 4 Cs
the gemstone color is important in determining its value. opal cut also enhances their beauty. the opal weights are different based on the size of the gemstone, but those larger gemstones are often more valuable. those opal gemstones have a higher quality which enhances the visual appeal and value.
Quality and Grading
Opals are graded based on their color, pattern, and the brightest they contain and their overall appearance. those gemstone which have high quality with fewer faults look and give a fantastic look. lower quality opals are dull in quality because of their low-quality cut, color, and structure.
10. Opal in jewelry design
Opals are a popular choice in jewelry design due to their fantastic look. this opal gemstone can be set in all types of jewelry pieces which gives a vintage look. all designers often choose opal in jewelry to give a contrasting look in their jewelry piece to look unique usually set in a bezel.
Conclusion
October birthstones are opal and tourmaline, both known for their unique beauty. Opal is also known for its colors and rich history. the black and fire opal gemstones are well known in the jewelry market. It's known for its vintage style.
FAQS
1. How to tell if an opal is valuable?Opal gemstone is more valuable than any other gemstone because of its unique color and diverse range of structure.
2. How much is opal worth per carat?
Opal prices are different based on their color. usually, opal prices are between 100 to 1000 dollars.
some black opal which has a unique color combination worth 15000 dollars.
3. Is opal rarer than diamonds?
yes, high-quality opal is considered rarer than a diamond.
4. What color opal is the most expensive?
Black opals are more expensive than any other color opal.
5. Is Opal a good investment?
Yes, opal is a good investment option.
6. What are the disadvantages of opal?
The only disadvantage of opal is its softness.