Have you ever asked yourself, “What is the October birthstone?” If you have and you were born in the tenth month of the year, then you’ll be happy to learn you have not one, but two precious gems as your birthstones: opal and tourmaline.
Below, we discuss the latter stone, tourmaline. Tourmaline boasts a rich history and some people believe it even has spiritual properties. Keep reading to learn more about the October birthstone.
History of Tourmaline
The English word tourmaline has its origins in the Singhalese words tura mali, which roughly translates to “stone with mixed colors.” There are tourmaline mines worldwide, though the African continent, Sri Lanka, and Brazil are among the top producers of this attractive gemstone.
For much of history, gem traders could not tell tourmaline apart from other gemstones. As such, red tourmalines were confused for rubies, green tourmaline for peridot, and so on. Thanks to modern gem testing equipment, experts are now able to tell these gemstones apart.
Tourmaline’s Role in Ancient Legends
Tourmaline is often referred to as the “gemstone of the rainbow” by gemologists and jewelers alike.
This endearing nickname comes from an old Egyptian legend. In this legend, tourmaline passes through a rainbow as it makes its way through the center of the world to the Earth’s surface. As a result, tourmaline was imbued with all of the colors of the rainbow.
This legend was an early, pre-scientific attempt to explain why the gemstone comes in many colors.
Notable Variations of Tourmaline
One of the most famous variations of this gem is the watermelon tourmaline, which gets its moniker from its distinctive bands of pink and green. So the stone resembles, of course, the flesh and skin of a watermelon.
You can also get tourmaline in other two-color combinations, including pink and purple or blue and purple.
Spiritual Beliefs Surrounding Tourmaline
People haven’t just created legends around tourmaline; they’ve also ascribed spiritual attributes to it over the years.
Some people believe this gemstone can be used as a tool to energize and align your chakras. Since tourmaline comes in so many colors, they consider each color variation has its own “energy.”
Some New Age spiritual practitioners believe that tourmaline can:
- Inspires you
- Makes you happy
- Reduces fear
- Boosts self-confidence
Some practitioners use wands made from tourmaline, which they believe help cleanse auras and balance the meridian system.
Tourmaline: the October Birthstone
Tourmaline is the official alternative October birthstone alongside the rainbow-hued opal.
The Jewelry Industry Council officially designated pink tourmaline as an alternative October birthstone to opal in 1952. Today, any tourmaline color is an acceptable October birthday gift.
Exploring the Beauty of Tourmaline
If you were born in October, then you’re fortunate indeed! You’re blessed with one of the most beautiful birthstones. The extensive color spectrum of tourmaline outdoes other precious gems, making it a truly unique geological wonder.
Are you craving more gemstone facts? Browse our Lifestyle archives for everything jewelry and gems.
