October Birthstone
Birthstone
Opal
Opal's name derives from Sanskrit 'upala' meaning precious stone, called 'opalus' in ancient Rome. Its greatest feature is the optical phenomenon called 'play-of-color,' showing rainbow-like colors from different angles - a special property unique to opal among gemstones. Known as 'protein stone' in Japanese. With Mohs hardness 5.5-6.5, it's relatively soft and contains water, requiring careful handling. Ancient Greeks believed it granted prophecy and protection from disease, while Bedouins thought it contained lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. Australia is the world's largest producer, with black opals from Lightning Ridge considered the finest quality.
Features
- Rainbow play-of-color effect changing with viewing angle
- Rare hydrous mineral containing 3-21% water content
- Relatively soft gemstone with Mohs hardness 5.5-6.5
- Diverse varieties including white, black, fire, and water opal
Personality
- Creative and artistic stone that brings out the owner's talents and potential
- Highly sensitive with excellent intuition, possessing power to express inner beauty
- Flexible and adaptable to change, opening new possibilities
Symbolic Meaning
- Light of fortune and hope
- Symbol of purity and joy
- Blossoming of talent and liberation of creativity
- Testament to patience and wish fulfillment
Reason for Selection
- Chosen as its play-of-color harmonizes with autumn's diverse foliage colors, expressing October's rich nature
- Selected from its history of being treasured since ancient times as a stone bringing fortune and abundance in October, the harvest season
- Chosen for its power to enhance creativity and sensitivity, suitable for 'autumn of arts'
Protection & Effects
- Protects from illness and misfortune, bringing health and longevity
- Purifies and guards the mind from evil thoughts and negative energy
- Protects inspiration and intuition in creative activities and artistic expression
- Guards the mind from emotional confusion and depression, maintaining brightness
Trials & Growth
- Trial of finding one's true talent and having courage to express it to the world
- Trial of maintaining one's identity while staying flexible in rapidly changing environments
- Trial of expressing inner beauty outwardly and inspiring others
Gallery
Tourmaline
Tourmaline's name derives from Sinhalese 'toramalli' meaning mixed-color stone, truly living up to its name with such diverse colors that virtually no color doesn't exist. Known as 'electric stone' in Japanese, it's the only mineral on Earth that becomes electrically charged under certain conditions. With Mohs hardness 7-7.5, it's relatively hard and durable. Pink tourmaline brings love and compassion, black tourmaline provides protection and confidence, and green tourmaline offers healing and growth. Empress Dowager Cixi imported about 120 tons of tourmaline from America, and Russia's 'Caesar's Ruby' was actually red tourmaline. Currently about 50 varieties are recognized, found in Brazil, Afghanistan, USA, and other locations.
Features
- Unique gemstone with abundant color variations of about 50 types
- Only mineral on Earth with special property of becoming electrically charged
- Excellent durability with Mohs hardness 7-7.5 and beautiful transparency
- Existence of party-colored tourmaline showing multiple colors in one crystal
Personality
- Stone with diversity and inclusiveness, giving the owner broad perspective and understanding
- Energetic and active personality bringing new encounters and experiences
- Gentle nature with healing and harmonizing power, balancing mind and body
Symbolic Meaning
- Hope and path to bright future
- Symbol of friendship and generous heart
- Beauty of diversity and harmony
- Physical and mental health and peace
Reason for Selection
- Chosen as its abundant color variations harmonize with autumn's diverse natural colors, expressing October's seasonal feeling
- Selected as the stone of friendship for October, the season of fostering new encounters and friendships
- Chosen as suitable for autumn's active period, bringing vitality and energy through its electrical properties
Protection & Effects
- Protects from negative energy and purifies mind and body
- Guards the mind from stress and fatigue, bringing relaxation effects
- Protects friendship from relationship troubles and maintains harmony
- Protects the body from harmful energy such as electromagnetic waves
Trials & Growth
- Trial of accepting diverse values and cultures to build true understanding and friendship
- Trial of harmonizing with others while cherishing one's own individuality
- Trial of continuing to walk forward positively without losing hope even in difficult situations