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October Birthstones

People born in October get to choose between two birthstones — tourmaline and opal. Each gem unveils nearly limitless possibilities, as each one comes in a rainbow of shades and color combinations.

According to legend, both of October’s birthstones came to earth through a journey involving rainbows.

Between tourmaline — whose color depends on trace elements in its chemical makeup — and opal — which diffracts light to show a play of multiple colors — October’s birthstones offer a full spectrum of gems to suit anyone’s personal tastes.

Tourmaline

The name “tourmaline” comes from the Sinhalese words tura mali, which mean “stone of mixed colors”. As its name implies, tourmaline stands apart from other gems with its broad spectrum of colors in every shade of the rainbow.

Tourmaline is not one mineral, but a fairly complex group of minerals with different chemical compositions and physical properties.

Certain trace elements produce distinct colors, and many resulting varieties have their own names.

Opal

The name “opal” originates from the Greek word opallios, which meant “to see a change in color.” The Roman scholar Pliny used the word opalus when he wrote about this gem’s kaleidoscopic “play of colors” that could simulate shades of any stone.

Opal’s characteristic “play of colors” was explained in the 1960s, when scientists discovered that opal is composed of microscopic silica spheres that diffract light to display various colors of the rainbow. These flashy gems are called “precious opals” — those without play of color are “common opals”.

Dozens of opal varieties exist, but only a few — like Fire Opal and Boulder Opal — are universally recognized. Opals are often referred to by their background “body color” — black or white.