Those born in October are fortunate to have two stunning birthstones to mark their birthdays, opal and tourmaline. These gems are celebrated for their vibrant and endless colour combinations, making them unique and eye-catching. Both opal and tourmaline exhibit a wide range of hues and beautiful colouring characteristics that make them stand out in the world of gemstones.

Opal is known for its mesmerising play of colours, with flashes of red, blue, green, and yellow creating a kaleidoscope effect.

Tourmaline is equally versatile, with its wide range of shades, from soft pastels to vivid, deep tones. It is especially known for its ability to display multiple colours within the same stone.

These stones make October an especially dazzling birth month, offering both beauty and variety.

The Opal

Opal is a captivating gemstone with unique characteristics that make it one of the most distinctive stones. Here are the key characteristics of an opal:
Play-of-Colour: The most famous and defining feature of opal is its play of colour, a phenomenon where the stone displays flashes of various colours (rainbow-like effect) as it is moved under light. This optical effect is caused by the internal structure of the stone, which diffracts light into different colours.

Colour Variations — Opals come in a wide range of body colours, from milky white to black, with the play-of-colour often appearing in brilliant reds, blues, greens, and yellows. Black opals tend to have the most vivid colours, while white opals have a softer, more subdued effect.

Transparency — Opals can range from opaque to translucent or transparent. Crystal opals, for example, are known for their transparency, while other opals may appear more solid or cloudy.

Hydration: Opals contain a significant amount of water within their structure, typically between 3-21%. This water content gives opal its characteristic softness and sensitivity to environmental factors, such as temperature changes and drying out.
Softness and Fragility: Opals are relatively soft gemstones, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. This makes them more prone to scratching and breaking compared to harder gems like diamonds or sapphires. Care should be taken when wearing and cleaning opal jewellery.

Varieties of Opals

There are several types of opals, including:

Black Opal — The rarest and most valuable, known for its dark body colour and vivid play-of-colour.

White or Light Opal — A more common type, with a lighter body colour and softer play-of-colour.

Fire Opal — Typically orange, red, or yellow, with or without play-of-colour.
Boulder Opal: Found in ironstone, these opals have a unique natural backing of the host rock.

Symbolism and Lore — Opal is often associated with creativity, emotional healing, and protection. Its mesmerising appearance has made it a symbol of beauty and mystery throughout history.

These qualities make opals highly prized for their individuality and stunning appearance.

The Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a diverse and colourful gemstone known for its wide range of hues and unique properties. Here are the key characteristics of tourmaline:

Colour Variety — Tourmaline is one of the most colourful gemstones, available in virtually every hue of the spectrum. The colours range from pink, red, green, blue, yellow, brown, and black to even multicoloured stones. Some of the popular varieties include:

Rubellite — A pink to red variety.

Indicolite —  A blue variety.

Verdelite — A green variety.

Watermelon Tourmaline — A multicoloured variety with green on the outside and pink in the centre. 

Paraíba Tourmaline — A rare and highly valuable variety known for its vivid neon blue or green colours, caused by trace amounts of copper.

Pleochroism — Tourmaline is pleochroic, meaning it shows different colours when viewed from different angles. This characteristic can add depth and richness to the gem, especially when cut in certain ways.

Durability — Tourmaline is relatively durable, with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it suitable for various types of jewellery, but care should still be taken to avoid impact or rough wear.

Crystal Structure — Tourmaline forms in long, slender crystals with a trigonal crystal system. It often grows in vertical striations (fine grooves) along the length of the crystal, which can be seen in rough stones.

Transparency — Tourmaline can range from transparent to opaque. High-quality gemstones are typically transparent with good clarity, though inclusions are common, especially in rarer varieties like rubellite and Paraíba.

Electric Properties — Tourmaline has unique pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties. This means that when the stone is heated, rubbed, or compressed, it can become electrically charged, attracting dust or small particles.

Symbolism and Lore: Tourmaline is often associated with healing, protection, and emotional balance. It is believed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance creativity.

Varieties and Value — The value of tourmaline can vary greatly depending on its colour and clarity. Paraíba tourmalines, due to their rarity and striking colours, can command very high prices. Rubellite and bi-coloured varieties like watermelon tourmaline are also highly sought after.

Cut — Tourmalines are typically faceted to bring out their pleochroic colours and brilliance. The long, columnar crystals are often cut into elongated shapes, such as baguettes or ovals, to maximise their colour and clarity.

Healing Properties: Many believe that different colours of tourmaline have specific healing properties. For example, green tourmaline is thought to aid in physical healing, while pink tourmaline is associated with love and emotional healing.
These diverse characteristics make tourmaline a versatile and popular gemstone for use in 

Can Opals be used in an Engagement ring?

Pros of Using Opals in Engagement Rings:

Unique Beauty — Opals are known for their mesmerising play of colour, called "opalescence," which displays flashes of various colours depending on the light and angle. This makes opals one of the most unique and visually stunning gemstones.
Affordability: Compared to diamonds and other precious stones, opals can be more affordable, especially for couples seeking a non-traditional engagement ring.

Cons of Using Opals in Engagement Rings:

Softness and Durability —Opals are relatively soft compared to other gemstones, with a Mohs hardness rating of 5.5 to 6.5. This makes them more prone to scratches, chips, and damage from everyday wear, especially in an engagement ring, which is worn frequently.

Water Sensitivity — Opals contain water (3% to 21% by weight), and they can be sensitive to changes in moisture. Prolonged exposure to water or extreme dryness can cause opals to crack or lose their brilliance.

Brittleness — Opals are more brittle than other gemstones, meaning they can break or chip more easily if accidentally knocked or dropped.

How to Protect an Opal Engagement Ring:

Protective Settings — To enhance the durability of an opal engagement ring, it's important to choose a setting that provides protection. Bezel settings or halo settings that surround the opal with metal or other stones can help safeguard the gem from impact.

Careful Wear — If you choose an opal for an engagement ring, it's important to wear it carefully and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, impacts, or prolonged water exposure.

Maintenance — Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and proper storage away from hard materials can help preserve the stone’s beauty. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can damage opals.

In summary, while opals can be used in engagement rings for their beauty and unique appeal, they require extra care and consideration due to their softness and brittleness. With the right setting and proper maintenance, an opal engagement ring can be a stunning and meaningful choice.

Can Tourmaline be used in an engagement ring?

Yes, tourmaline can be used in engagement rings and is a popular choice for those seeking a colourful and unique gemstone. Tourmalines come in a wide range of colours, including shades of pink, green, blue, and even multicoloured varieties. Here's what to consider when choosing tourmaline for an engagement ring:

Pros of Using Tourmaline in Engagement Rings:

Variety of Colours: Tourmaline is one of the most colour-diverse gemstones, offering options in nearly every hue. This makes it a great choice for those who want a non-traditional engagement ring with a splash of colour.

Affordability — Compared to diamonds and other precious gemstones, tourmaline is generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for engagement rings.
Symbolism: Tourmaline is associated with love, compassion, and emotional balance. Some believe that it helps foster feelings of peace and calm, making it a meaningful stone for an engagement ring.

Durability — Tourmaline has a Mohs hardness rating of 7 to 7.5, making it more durable than softer stones like opal, though it is not as hard as diamonds or sapphires. It's generally suitable for everyday wear with proper care.
Unique Appeal: Tourmaline's unique colours and shades, such as the popular watermelon tourmaline (which has a gradient of pink and green), give engagement rings a distinctive and personal look.

Cons of Using Tourmaline in Engagement Rings:

Moderate Hardness — While tourmaline is relatively durable, it's not as hard as diamonds or sapphires. This means it's more susceptible to scratches or damage from everyday wear, especially if subjected to rough handling.

Brittleness — Some varieties of tourmaline can be more brittle, which increases the risk of chipping if the stone is hit or dropped. A protective setting, such as a bezel or halo, can help prevent damage.

Colour Variability — While the range of colours is a pro, some tourmalines can exhibit colour zoning, where the colour is not evenly distributed. This can affect the visual appeal of the stone and should be carefully considered when choosing a tourmaline for an engagement ring.

How to Protect a Tourmaline Engagement Ring:

Protective Setting — Choosing a setting that protects the stone, such as a bezel setting or a halo, can help safeguard the tourmaline from impacts and minimise the risk of damage.

Careful Wear — As with any gemstone that is not as hard as a diamond, you should be mindful of wearing your tourmaline engagement ring during activities that could expose it to rough handling or harsh chemicals.

Regular Maintenance — Clean your tourmaline ring with mild soap and water, and use a soft brush to gently scrub the stone. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning, which can damage the stone.

Popular Types of Tourmaline for Engagement Rings:

Pink Tourmaline — Soft pinks and rosy hues make pink tourmaline a romantic and feminine choice for engagement rings.

Green Tourmaline — Deep, rich greens are a striking and elegant option, offering a unique alternative to emeralds.

Paraiba Tourmaline —This rare and highly sought-after variety has a neon blue or green colour and is one of the most expensive types of tourmaline.

Watermelon Tourmaline: This variety is known for its stunning mix of pink and green, resembling the colours of a watermelon, making it an eye-catching choice for those seeking a bold, colourful engagement ring.

The Opal

October babies, consider yourselves lucky! Not only do you have the stunning opal as a birthstone, but also the vibrant tourmaline. Whether you're drawn to the mesmerising play-of-colour in opals or the rich, varied hues of tourmaline, there's a perfect gemstone to reflect your unique personality and style.

While both stones offer exceptional beauty, it's important to remember that they require a bit of extra care compared to harder gemstones like diamonds. But with proper handling and maintenance, your opal or tourmaline ring will be a cherished treasure for years to come.

If you're considering an opal or tourmaline for your engagement ring, or simply want to add a touch of October magic to your jewellery collection, we invite you to visit us at Morgan & Co. Our expert team can guide you through the selection process, helping you find the perfect stone and setting to create a piece as unique as you are.

Don't forget to explore our blog for more fascinating insights into the world of gemstones and jewellery!

Final Thoughts

October babies, consider yourselves lucky! Not only do you have the stunning opal as a birthstone, but also the vibrant tourmaline. Whether you're drawn to the mesmerising play-of-colour in opals or the rich, varied hues of tourmaline, there's a perfect gemstone to reflect your unique personality and style.

While both stones offer exceptional beauty, it's important to remember that they require a bit of extra care compared to harder gemstones like diamonds. But with proper handling and maintenance, your opal or tourmaline ring will be a cherished treasure for years to come.

If you're considering an opal or tourmaline for your engagement ring, or simply want to add a touch of October magic to your jewellery collection, we invite you to visit us at Morgan & Co. Our expert team can guide you through the selection process, helping you find the perfect stone and setting to create a piece as unique as you are.

Reach out to our team at Morgan & Co to learn more about October's beautiful birthstones and to explore your opal or tourmaline piece of jewellery!