In the United States, both Southern California and Maine host several pegmatite districts. In the early 2000s, Paraíba-type copper-bearing tourmalines were also discovered in Mozambique and Nigeria. Overall, prices for the best Paraíba and Paraíba-type tourmalines easily surpass other tourmalines due to their vivid hues, higher color saturation and greater rarity. Scientists found that the intense colors were caused by trace amounts of copper, which had previously not been recorded as a coloring agent in any other tourmaline. In the late 1980s, however, electric green, blue and violet tourmalines entered the gem market from pegmatites in Brazil’s Paraíba State. These subterranean intrusions of magma are the source of a virtual kaleidoscope of gem minerals. Most of the tourmaline mined in Brazil over the centuries comes from pegmatites in the state of Minas Gerais. This October birthstone is most commonly found in Brazil, but it is also mined in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar and Mozambique (among other countries in Africa). California and Maine are historically important producers of fine tourmaline in the United States. Green tourmaline promotes courage, strength and stamina. Tourmaline is given to celebrate the eighth wedding anniversary. Pink tourmaline embodies love and is associated with compassion and gentleness. Black tourmaline is believed to protect the wearer and give a sense of self-confidence. These and other cases of mistaken identity continued for centuries until scientists recognized tourmaline as a distinct mineral species in the 1800s.ĭifferent colors of tourmaline are thought to have their own healing properties. A Spanish conquistador found green tourmaline crystals in Brazil in the 1500s and confused the stones with emerald. Among the most popular are the pink and red rubellites, the emerald green “chrome” tourmalines, and the neon green and blue-to-violet “paraíba” tourmalines.īecause of its vast range of colors, tourmaline was often mistaken for other gemstones One of the “rubies” in the Russian crown jewels, the “Caesar’s Ruby” pendant, is actually red (rubellite) tourmaline. Perhaps this is why ancient mystics believed this October birthstone could inspire artistic expression – it has a color palette for every mood. Very few gems match tourmaline’s dazzling array of colors. The name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colors,” because it often has multiple colors in one crystal. Tourmaline is the newer October birthstone. The climate is so unforgiving that miners often live underground to find respite from the punishing heat. A dry and rocky region softened only by small trees and scrub brush, Lightning Ridge gets little rain and bakes in the scorching summer temperatures. Lightning Ridge, a small town in New South Wales, Australia, is famed for producing prized black opal. Additional deposits have been found in Central Europe, Honduras, Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, Turkey and the United States. Ethiopia, Mexico and Brazil are also important sources. The fields of Australia are the most productive in the world for the October birthstone.
The opal birthstone can be found in many places.
Opal is also the stone given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary. Hundreds of years ago, opal was believed to embody the virtues and powers of all colored stones. Europeans long maintained opal to be a symbol of purity, hope and truth. Ancient Greeks thought opals bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. Bedouins once believed opal held lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. The October birthstone’s dramatic play-of-color has inspired writers to compare it to fireworks, galaxies and volcanoes. Most opals are valued for their shifting colors in rainbow hues – a phenomenon known as “play-of-color.” The name of this, the traditional October birthstone, is believed to have originated in India (the source of the first opals brought to the Western world), where in Sanskrit it was called upala, a “precious stone.". Learn more about these two October birthstones and discover the perfect gift for those born in the tenth month. Opal gemstones are truly unique because each individual gem is adorned with a one-of-a-kind color combination. Tourmaline is a favorite gemstone for many because it’s available in a rainbow of beautiful colors. October also has two birthstones Tourmaline and Opal.
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