October’s Birthstone: The Enchanting Nature of Opals

If you’re lucky enough to be born in October, you’ve got one of the most mesmerising and unique gemstones to call your own – the opal. From its ethereal play of colours to its fascinating history, opal has been treasured for centuries and remains a symbol of beauty, mystery, and creativity.

And what better way to celebrate an October birthday than with a stunning piece from our Opal Jewellery collection at Chisholm Hunter? 

But first, let’s find out everything there is to know about October’s stunning birthstone.

The primary birthstone for October is the opal. While tourmaline is also considered a secondary birthstone for this month, it’s the opal that truly steals the spotlight. Known for its dazzling display of rainbow-like colours, opal is a gemstone that stands out for its individuality and charm. No two opals are ever exactly alike, making each stone a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Opal is a precious gemstone known for its ‘play-of-colour’ – a phenomenon where brilliant flashes of various colours appear as the stone is moved. This magical effect occurs due to the way opal diffracts light. Depending on the conditions under which it formed, opal can be classified as either precious opal (with its iconic play-of-colour) or common opal (which lacks this feature but still boasts a soft, white appearance).

What makes opal particularly special is its uniqueness. The combination of its captivating colours and natural patterns has led to its nickname, the "Queen of Gems".

Opals are renowned for their spectacular array of colours. While they can appear white, black, grey, or transparent as their base colour, it’s the dazzling play-of-colour that truly defines them. Opals can flash shades of:

• Fiery reds and oranges
• Vivid blues and greens
• Dreamy purples and pinks
• Shimmering yellows and golds

Black opals, which are considered the rarest and most valuable, have a dark body colour that makes their play-of-colour even more vibrant. White opals are more common, with a milky or translucent base that gives them a soft, ethereal glow.

Opal has a rich and mystical history dating back thousands of years. The ancient Romans prized opals above all other gems, believing they symbolised hope and purity. They called opal "opalus", which means 'precious stone'.

In Greek mythology, opals were thought to be the tears of joy wept by Zeus after his victory over the Titans. The Greeks also believed opals could grant their owners the gift of prophecy and protect them from disease.

During the Middle Ages, opals were considered symbols of good luck and even believed to possess all the powers of the gemstones whose colours they displayed. However, their reputation took a hit in the 19th century when they were associated with bad luck, largely due to a plot twist in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein. Fortunately, opal’s beauty has since regained its rightful place in the world of precious stones.

Today, opals remain a beloved gemstone, particularly for those born in October and anyone who appreciates their rare beauty.

Opal is a gemstone that carries a wealth of symbolism. It is most commonly associated with:

• Hope and Purity: A belief carried from ancient Roman times.
• Creativity and Inspiration: Opals are said to enhance imagination and encourage originality.
• Love and Passion: Many people connect opals to loyalty and emotional connection, making them a popular choice for romantic jewellery.
• Protection: In some cultures, opals are believed to ward off negativity and shield the wearer from harm.

Additionally, opals are said to amplify emotions, reflecting the mood of their wearer – a fitting quality for such a dynamic and ever-changing gemstone.

Opals form in a rather extraordinary way. They are created when silica-rich water seeps into cracks and voids in the Earth’s crust. Over time, as the water evaporates, it leaves behind tiny spheres of silica that pack together. These silica spheres create the gemstone we know as opal.

The size and arrangement of the spheres determine the colours and patterns within the stone. Larger spheres produce red and orange hues, while smaller spheres produce blues and greens. The process takes millions of years, making opals as ancient as they are beautiful.

Opals are most commonly found in Australia, which produces around 95% of the world’s opals. Other opal-rich regions include Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil.