October marks the transition from summer to fall, bringing with it cooler weather, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-spice everything. It also introduces two new birthstones for the month: opal and tourmaline. These October birthstones are not only visually stunning but also believed to possess energetic properties that can be harnessed by anyone, regardless of their birth month.
To delve deeper into the unique properties of opal and tourmaline, Well+Good consulted crystal expert Brett Larkin from Tiny Rituals and certified crystal healer Joy Woodward. Opal, known as the birthstone of transformation, is composed of silica and comes in two main varieties: common and precious opal. Precious opal, the type commonly associated with October, has a prismatic quality that sets it apart from other gemstones. Its microstructure allows it to diffract white light into a spectrum of colors, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Precious opal is highly prized among jewelers, with most of it sourced from Australia. Opal is known to amplify emotions and energies, making it ideal for shadow work. It can help individuals identify and transmute negative emotions into positivity, bringing harmony and balance to the wearer. Like clear quartz, opal connects to all seven chakras, aligning energies and removing negativity.
Tourmaline, the birthstone symbolizing compassion and tolerance, comes in a variety of colors, with pink tourmaline being associated with October. This stone is found mainly in Brazil but also in other countries like Madagascar, Russia, and Sri Lanka. Tourmaline is known for promoting joy, generosity, and creativity, while pink tourmaline specifically offers protection, love, and a sense of peace.
Pink tourmaline can create a protective bubble of loving energy around the wearer, repairing aura damage and promoting kindness and tolerance. It corresponds to the heart chakra, facilitating the giving and receiving of love and healing emotional wounds. Both opal and pink tourmaline can benefit Libras and Scorpios born in October, with their combined energies supporting these zodiac signs in facing conflict, making decisions, and maintaining balance.
In conclusion, opal and tourmaline are not just beautiful gemstones but also powerful tools for harnessing positive energies and promoting emotional well-being. Whether you’re drawn to opal’s transformative properties or tourmaline’s compassionate energy, these October birthstones offer a unique and meaningful way to connect with the energies of the universe. Birthstones have long been associated with a person’s birth month or zodiac sign, with each gemstone carrying unique properties and meanings. According to historical accounts, the concept of birthstones can be traced back to biblical times, with the 12 gemstones on Aaron’s breastplate in the Book of Exodus representing the months of the year and the 12 zodiac signs. However, the practice of wearing a specific gemstone based on one’s birth month only gained popularity in the 15th or 16th century in Germany or Poland.
In Eastern cultures, such as Hinduism, birthstones have been linked to deities, celestial bodies, and even days of the week. Vedic astrologers also recommend specific gems to individuals based on their astrological birth chart. In the United States, the American Council Association of Jewelers established a standardized list of birthstones in 1912, which was later updated to include new types of birthstones by the Jewelry Industry Council of America and The American Gem Trade Association.
For Libras, who are known for their indecisiveness, opal and tourmaline can provide clarity and guidance to help them make decisions under pressure. Opal’s balancing properties and tourmaline’s wisdom can keep Libras grounded and focused. On the other hand, Scorpios, who are often characterized by their strong personality and vindictive tendencies, can benefit from the calming influence of opal and tourmaline. These gemstones can help Scorpios find compassion in times of conflict and prevent them from being resentful or seeking revenge.
Stubbornness is another trait commonly associated with Scorpios, and opal and tourmaline can assist in overcoming feelings of anger or resentment. By promoting forgiveness and reconciliation, these gemstones can help Scorpios let go of grudges and make amends with loved ones. Both opal and tourmaline offer harmonious energies that can help Scorpios navigate challenging emotions and find peace within themselves.
Each month of the year is associated with specific birthstones, and October is unique in having two birthstones—opal and tourmaline. While opal is the original birthstone for October, tourmaline was later added to provide more options for individuals born in this month. For Libras born in October, opal and tourmaline are the corresponding birthstones, offering guidance and stability during times of uncertainty. Scorpios born in October can also benefit from these birthstones, as they help in fostering compassion, forgiveness, and emotional balance.
In conclusion, birthstones hold special significance for individuals based on their birth month and zodiac sign. Whether it’s providing clarity for indecisive Libras or promoting forgiveness for stubborn Scorpios, opal and tourmaline play a vital role in enhancing personal growth and emotional well-being. Embracing the energy of these birthstones can help individuals navigate life’s challenges with grace and compassion.
