October Birthstone: Opal and How to Care for Them

The October birthstone is opal. Most opals are 50-65 million years old dating to dinosaurs roaming the earth. Opal gemstones are interesting because of their structure. They consist of tiny spheres filled with water. Many feel water provides optimal color for opal gemstones. This is why rough opals are stored in jars of water. Each pocket of water-filled spheres diffracts light at different wavelengths. While opal is generally white or colorless, it may also be pale yellow, pale red, gray or black when impurities are common. Diffraction causes flashes of any color of the rainbow (opalescence).

Gregorian October Birthstone Poem:

October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.

Opal Gemstone Properties

In ancient times, Opal gemstones were revered both for their beauty and protective powers. They were set in crowns and necklaces to ward off evil and protect eyesight. Opal gemstones were also ground and ingested for healing and to ward off nightmares.

Opals aid inner beauty, faithfulness, eyesight and helps recall past lives. Cleopatra is said to have worn opal to attract the attention of Mark Anthony.

Opal Care

Do not use harsh cleansers on opal gemstones or clean opals with ultrasonic cleaners. Never rub oil on an opal to make the fire brighter because it can damage opal gemstones. Some jewelers recommend periodically soaking opals in water to help them reabsorb lost moisture.

Opal gemstones are soft so protect them from harder stones, such as diamonds, in the jewelry box. Since opal gemstones are up to 30% water, they must be protected from heat and harsh chemicals. These cause drying which can cause cracking or color loss. Guard opal gemstones from blows since they are relatively soft.

Opal Mining

Australia is where most opal gemstones are mined. Opals are found where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. As hot springs dry up, layers of silica combined with water are deposited into cracks and cavities of bedrock. Opals were found in deposits on Mars.

Pink Tourmaline is an alternative October birthstone. Opal gemstones are given the 13th wedding anniversary. Birthstone earrings, rings, bracelets or pendants of opal gemstones are great for October birthdays or to wear during October for opal's healing powers.

Click here for September birthstone.

Source:
Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry, Cincinnati, Ohio

October Birthstone: Opal and How to Care for Them copyright 2009