Welcome stone lovers. Let's dive together into the brightly colored world of opal and tourmaline - the stones of people born in October. Get to know the iridescent play of opal colors, go with us into the secrets of tourmaline and discover the stories connected with these amazing minerals. Opal's dramatic play of colors has inspired writers who compare it to fireworks, galaxies and volcanoes. Opal is the traditional stone for the 14th wedding anniversary, or an alternative for the 18th wedding anniversary, and tourmaline is the traditional gift for the 8th wedding anniversary. If you are choosing jewelry for your wedding anniversary, we are happy to advise you.

Opal is prized for its beauty, changing brilliant colors that manifest as iridescent reflections in various color spectrums. The Roman philosopher and warrior, scientist and man of letters Gaius Plinius Secundus, also Plinius Maior, Plinius the Elder (23 Novum Comum – 24 August 79 Stabie) wrote about opals that the gentle fire of the ruby, the deep purple color of the amethyst and the green of the sea are hidden in the opal emerald, it all shines together in indescribable harmony.

Opal - meaning and history

The name "opal" is derived from the Latin word opalus , which has its origin in the Sanskrit word upala , and means "gem" or also "precious stone". From the Greek opallios, the name found its way into Latin and modern languages. It has been considered a rare gem since ancient times.

Tourmaline - Meaning and History

Tourmaline - comes from the Sinhalese word "turmali" which means "a mixture of precious stones" or "stones of different colors". This word was used by the people of Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) to refer to differently colored gemstones because tourmaline comes in many colors and was often The name was officially adopted in Europe in the 18th century, when tourmalines were brought to the European market from Sri Lanka.

Symbolism and properties of opal

Creativity and inspiration
Opal is often associated with promoting creativity and developing inspiration. Brings an inner spark to wearers and encourages creative thinking.

Emotional balance
Opal is traditionally considered a symbol of emotional healing and harmonization. It helps calm the mind and heart, especially when dealing with emotional issues.

Love and passion
Opal is associated with love and passion. It is worn as a talisman to attract romantic energy and strengthen relationships.

Protection and intuition
Opal is believed to have protective properties, especially on the personal and spiritual level. It is supposed to support intuition and mental perception.

Tourmaline Symbolism and Properties

Protection
Tourmaline, especially black tourmaline - skoryl, is known for its ability to reflect negative energy and provide protection against emotional and physical negative influence.

Ground
Tourmaline helps maintain a connection with the Earth and promotes a sense of stability and balance. This will be especially appreciated by individuals who struggle to stay focused and stable or resist stress.

Balance and harmony
Tourmaline supports the harmonization of energy centers - chakras , which can lead to better physical and emotional health.

Confidence and creativity
It is precisely tourmaline that is associated with increasing self-confidence, courage and at the same time supports creativity. It also helps improve communication and understanding between people.

Color symbolism

The white color is a symbol of purity, unity and innocence, a symbol of energy, it encourages self-knowledge, thought processes and the perception of one's own consciousness. White in Feng Shui represents metal energy , intelligence, creativity and strength. It is the energy of thoughts, heavy, often destructive, but necessary for our lives.

Black in Feng Shui represents the energy of water . It is suitable for any space that is used for rest, meditation, relaxation or prayer. Water energy is traditionally associated with the entrance or the northern part of a room, apartment or house. It is associated with the area of career and life path. If you want to keep your life moving forward towards your goals, use the energy of water elements to do so.
Water is the energy of silence, strength, peace and purification. He is the embodiment of unrealized possibilities and abilities. It is pliable and very strong. The water element brings the power of regeneration and rebirth, it is the energy of the circle of life.
The flow of water energy is symbolized by blue and black. It is suitable for rooms used for rest, meditation or prayer and are used to support the achievement of set goals. The flow of water is lively and nourishing and is suitable for promoting health and well-being, both at home and in the office.

Green is the color of growth, the embodiment of the life force of birth, development and constant renewal of nature. The color green is suitable for supporting new relationships, education, business activities and is a symbol of life in all its manifestations. It supports growth and development, the realization of plans and increasing efforts for a new life in the family. Green is a ray of productivity, progress, prosperity and material success. They are used for new beginnings , growth and strength. They are suitable talismans for promoting new life, fertility and general renewal, and for increasing efforts aimed at career advancement. Green in Feng Shui represents the energy of wood , which is traditionally associated with the eastern or southeastern part of a room , apartment or house. It represents family, health, prosperity and abundance. The energy of wood is important for personal well-being, it helps one's own efforts aimed at improving family relationships and strengthening family bonds. It is important for growth, new beginnings and health, increases vitality and maintains physical development.
The energy of wood is symbolized by green and brown , and stones are used for dining rooms, children's rooms or where a new project is being created. Like the water element, the energy of wood is lively and nurturing, suitable for promoting health and well-being, both at home and in the office.

The color red embodies passion, energy, firepower, courage and love. It is the color of passion, energy and life. It is the color of motivation, fire and blood. Emotionally, it is very intense and affects by being able to raise blood pressure and speed up metabolism. Red = call to action, is the color of a battle cry and a sign of warning. It excites, arouses enthusiasm, gives energy. Red is the color of the base chakra – Muladhara.
Red amplifies, elevates, absorbs. It suppresses apathy, gives things momentum, is an action, is a drive, is suitable in all situations that require passion, activity and involvement. The red ray brings self-confidence built on fearlessness and suppresses hesitation and self-doubt.
Red in Feng Shui symbolizes the energy of fire , the energy of enthusiasm, heat, passion, warmth, light and activity. In nature, it symbolizes the male element Yang, light and creative power, it personifies reason and penetration. The energy of fire is traditionally associated with the southern part of a room , apartment or house and ensures the dwelling's reputation and renown and helps to strengthen our personal position in society and within the family.
Fire energy is alive and strong. It brings the energy of the sun and fire into life, supports positive thinking and zest for life.

Pink in Feng Shui represents the soft energy of fire, it is created by the combination of red and white.

The blue color is used to increase efforts to get rid of destructive patterns of behavior, they are suitable for reducing anxiety, quieting grief, improving mood and detaching from the negative past. Light blue resembles the color of shallow waters in which the sky is reflected, helps to relax, think and contemplate life. It is suitable for increasing patience, and for the ability to forgive and ask for forgiveness, for calm dealings, and for reconciliation. It promotes trust, loyalty, overcoming uncertainty, maintaining stability, devotion and respect. Blue in Feng Shui represents the energy of water, the energy of silence, strength, calm and purification.

Opals shrouded in myths and legends

Opal is a stone that has been surrounded by many myths and legends since ancient times. Its mysterious play of colors and luster have inspired different cultures to create stories, superstitions and legends.

Ancient Rome
The Romans considered opal to be a symbol of hope and purity. It was considered one of the most valuable stones because it was believed to contain all the colors of other gems.

Medieval Europe
In the Middle Ages in Europe, opal was considered a stone of luck and a protector against diseases. It was believed that whoever wears the opal gains the ability to predict the future. Therefore, it was often used by soothsayers and magicians.

Arabian legends
According to Arab legends, opal fell from the sky in the form of lightning and contained its light, which explains its iridescent play of colors.

Australian Aboriginal Myths
Australia, which is today the world's main source of opals. Therefore, the legends associated with him must come from Australia. One of the indigenous legends tells that the opal was created when the Creator descended to Earth along the rainbow. The place where he touched the ground began to glow with all the colors of the rainbow, and from that place an opal was born.

Spanish legend
In the 19th century, the opal became a symbol of bad luck due to a Spanish rumor of a queen who wore an opal ring. After her death, the opal was believed to bring bad luck to anyone who wore it. This myth persisted until the end of the 19th century, when the rumor was forgotten.

These stories and legends contributed to the fact that opal was considered a stone with mystical powers, with the power to protect, but also to bring about fateful changes.

Tourmalines shrouded in myths and legends

As one of the most colorful gemstones, Tourmaline is also surrounded by many myths and legends that reflect its diversity and magical properties.

Ancient legends
Egyptian legends claim that tourmaline got its colors on its way from the Earth's interior to the surface, passing through a rainbow. That is why it is often called the "rainbow stone". It is traditionally considered a stone that brings strength, protection and spiritual harmony to its wearer.

Indian legends
In India, tourmaline was considered a stone that had the ability to enhance spiritual awareness and inner peace. It was used for meditation and cleansing from negative energies. Indian legends say that tourmaline could change color according to a person's mood, symbolizing its connection with the human soul.

Chinese mysticism
In Chinese tradition, pink tourmaline has often been associated with love, feminine beauty and delicacy. It was worn by empresses and noblewomen as a talisman that was supposed to bring love and happiness in marriage. It was also used to treat heart diseases and as a protector against evil forces.

African legends
In some African tribes, tourmaline was considered a protective stone to protect against evil spirits and curses. Tourmaline was also used as an amulet for protection in battle and to strengthen courage.

Alchemy and mysticism
In medieval Europe, alchemists believed that tourmaline was a magical stone that helped transmute the elemental elements, making it useful in the search for the "philosopher's stone." Alchemists also believed that tourmaline had the ability to attract energy and heal the body and soul.

Magical properties
Many cultures have credited tourmaline with the ability to protect the wearer from negative energy, due to the fact that when cooled or heated, they gain an electrical charge. People believed that it had the ability to attract or repel energy, making it a powerful protective stone, and is still used to this day.

These myths and legends have given tourmaline an aura of mystery and spiritual power, making it one of the most revered and mystical gemstones in the world.

Where are opals found?

The most important deposits are:

Australia	The world's largest producer of opals, with approximately 95% coming from Australia. Coober Pedy - white and light opals, Lightning Ridge - rare black opals, which are considered the most valuable, Andamooka - e.g. matrix opals, but also other types.
Ethiopia	A deposit in the Welo area, where there are bright opals with a pronounced iridescence. They are of high quality and contain a wide range of colors.
Mexico	Mexico is known for fire opals with a distinctive orange to red color. The main site is Querétaro.
Slovak Republic	The opal deposit is located near the village of Červenica in the area of Slanské vrchy - Slovak Opal Mines, one of the first significant deposits in the world. Slovak opal, known as Hungarian opal, was highly valued in ancient times and the Middle Ages.
U.S.A.	There are opal deposits in the USA, mainly in Nevada. The Virgin Valley deposit is known for producing rare black opals. California and Oregon are also smaller deposits of opals, especially iridescent opals.
Brazil	Brazil is known for its deposits in the Pedro II region, where mainly white and light opal are mined. These opals often have subtle iridescent hues and are prized for their subtle beauty.

Each deposit produces opals with characteristic properties, and therefore their value is often determined precisely by the locality where they were mined. Opals occur in various colors, without inclusions and with them: opal white - dendritic, pink, yellow, red, orange,green, brown, black and blue.

The most famous opal in the world is the FLAME QUEEN , mined in 1918 in Australia.

Types of tourmalines

Black tourmaline - skoryl - protection from negative energy.
Green tourmaline - verdelite - traditional talisman of wealth, abundance, prosperity and business success.
Pink to red tourmaline - rubellite - support of energy, courage, zest for life and talisman of love, friendship, wisdom and compassion.
Blue tourmaline - indigolite - support of communication, tolerance and peace.
Watermelon tourmaline – love, tenderness, friendship and patience.

Where are tourmalines found?

Tourmalines are found in many places around the world, with some areas known for producing specific colors and types of tourmalines.

Brazil	Brazil is one of the world's most important sources of tourmalines and provides many different color variations. Minas Gerais: the deposit is known for producing high-quality tourmalines in a wide range of colors, including the famous pink tourmaline ( rubellite ), green tourmaline ( verdelite ) and blue tourmaline ( indigolite ). Paraíba: Paraíba tourmaline has a bright blue to turquoise color due to its copper content. These stones are extremely rare and highly valued.
Afghanistan	This locality enjoys high quality blue and green tourmalines, originating from the Nuristan region and other mountainous regions.
Mozambique	An important African deposit producing many different colored tourmalines, including blue and green varieties.
Nigeria	Blue, green and pink tourmalines are found here. They are sought after for their intense, vivid colors.
Madagascar	Madagascar is the source of green, blue and pink tourmalines, which are intensely colored and very beautiful.
U.S.A.	California: the San Diego area (eg the Himalaya Pegmatite Vein) is known for producing quality pink and green tourmalines. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, California tourmalines were highly prized in China, where they were used to make jewelry for the empress. Maine: another major deposit where pink, green and blue tourmalines are found.
Sri Lanka	Tourmalines of various colors are found here, but in subtle shades. They are valued for the purity and subtlety of the colors.
Pakistan	Tourmalines come mainly from the Skardu area. The tourmalines here are of high purity.
Namibia	Namibia is known for the production of watermelon tourmaline, which combines pink and green shades, this is a unique appearance of the mineral.
Russia	In the Ural region, there are mainly deposits of green tourmalines.

STONE CLEANING

Opal contains water, is sensitive to drying out, changes in humidity, temperature and chemicals.
Opal can be cleaned using mild soap and water, with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasives and chemicals that could damage the opal. Likewise, a hard brush or other material that would scratch the opal must not be used, and ultrasonic cleaners are completely unsuitable.

Store opals ideally in a soft cloth, it can be moistened, you can close it together with the opal in a box. Opals are relatively soft (according to the Mohs hardness scale 5.5 to 6.5), they should be kept separately from other stones.

If you have opals in the form of jewelry, they should not come into contact with perfume, body cream, or chemicals, e.g. during housework.

The best way to clean tourmaline is with mild soap and water and a soft cloth. Like opal, tourmaline is not affected by chemicals, bleaches, acids and alcohol-based cleaners. Although tourmalines are relatively hard (7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness), caution is required when cleaning with ultrasound. Ultrasound can damage possible cracks and inclusions, so it is advisable not to use this method.
You can find all cleaning and charging methods in our article here.

To whom, which stone to buy and many reasons why this one and not another you can find in our guides: Precious stones by month of birth and Stones by Zodiac . Are you choosing jewelry for your wedding anniversary? We will be happy to help you with that too.

We have the jewelry from our suppliers verified for the authenticity of the stones by Česká gemologické laboratorie s.r.o., you can find the certificates here.

Are you interested in birth month stones? Learn more here.

We wrote the article for you on 1 October 2024.

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