Cart is empty What is the Birthstone for October?
A birthstone is another name for a gemstone that represents the month of someone’s birth. Legends around gemstones talk of spiritual meanings and healing or protective powers for each birthstone, and so it is believed that wearing your birthstone jewellery during its chosen month increases the powers of that stone. And so one may ask, what is the birthstone for October?
Tourmaline is the modern choice of birthstone for the month of October and is often a favourite gemstone due to the beautiful rainbow of colours available.
More traditionally Opal was the October birthstone being a unique and popular gemstone which lends itself beautifully to jewellery due to the ‘play’ in each stone.
What is Tourmaline?
Tourmaline is a naturally occurring and captivating gemstone with significant symbolism as the October birthstone. It is adored for its rainbow of colours and variations with Tourmaline radiating a spectrum of vibrant hues and auras. The wide array of colours available means you can easily customise your individual style and personality to your choice of October birthstone jewellery. The multi coloured Tourmaline birthstone offers a wide choice of jewellery options, from birthstone pendants to birthstone rings.
The history of Tourmaline
Tourmaline has a long and rich history dating back centuries but historically it was often mistaken for other gemstones due to its diverse array of colours.
In the 1500’s a Spanish Conquistador in Brazil found green Tourmaline and, due to its vibrant hue, mistook it for Emerald. This mistake held strong until well into the 1800’s when mineral scientists (mineralogists) identified Tourmaline as the distinct mineral species we recognise today.
The name Tourmaline derives from the Sinhalese word turmali, which literally translates as “stone with mixed colours” because it is often found with a variety of colours within a single stone. There are only a few gems that can match Tourmaline’s dazzling array of colours and maybe this is why the mystic ancients believed the Tourmaline October birthstone could inspire artistic expression as it literally has a colour to suit every mood.
While Tourmaline is still mined all around the world it is now rare to discover gemstone quality Tourmaline veins in the most desired colours and this means the price of Tourmaline can vary nearly as much as the stone’s colour itself.
Meanings, Symbolism and Healing Properties of Tourmaline
The October birthstone of Tourmaline is cherished by those born in that month holding both deep meaning and symbolism for its wearers. It is believed Tourmaline possesses numerous metaphysical properties to help enhance the wearer’s life and wellbeing.
Some of the healing properties of the Tourmaline birthstone include:
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- Protection: Tourmaline is considered a stone of protection, both promoting a sense of personal security and shielding the wearer from negative energy.
- Harmony and Balance: Tourmaline is thought to restore harmony and balance within the mind and body. It brings peace, tranquillity and stability to your everyday life.
- Creativity and Inspiration: The Tourmaline gemstone is believed to stimulate and inspire creativity and enhance all artistic expression making it a sought after gemstone for artists and creatives.
- Spiritual Growth: Tourmaline is known as a stone of internal enlightenment and spiritual growth. It is believed to enhance spiritual awareness and open up new pathways for inner-discovery.
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Caring for your Tourmaline birthstone jewellery
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- Always avoid chemicals: Although Tourmaline birthstones are fairly hard and durable they can react to exposure with any harsh chemicals such as bleach, household cleaners, make up, perfume and hand sanitiser. Try to avoid your jewellery coming into contact with these as they can damage the surface of the stone and tarnish the silver.
- Clean gently with soapy water: Occasionally you may need to gently clean your Tourmaline jewellery so always be sure to use a soft cloth or brush while holding the jewellery in warm soapy water. Gently brush the gemstone to detach any residue or dirt that may be trapped, then rinse well with water and pat dry with a clean, soft cloth.
- Storing your jewellery: Unfortunately silver and gemstones tarnish when in contact with oxygen and this is called oxidisation. Whenever you are not wearing your birthstone jewellery try to store it in a soft, natural material pouch or a lined jewellery box. Try to keep your jewellery pieces separate as gemstones can easily scratch each other.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes: Any sudden excessive change in temperature can damage your Tourmaline birthstone. If possible avoid exposing your birthstone jewellery to any extreme temperature, for example, direct sunlight, hot water or cold conditions.
If you follow this easy-care advice then you will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of your October birthstone jewellery for decades to come.
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