What Makes Opal and Tourmaline Special as October Birthstones?

Every month has at least one birthstone, but some months have more than one, giving people with a birthday that month even more choices! If you were born in October, you are one of the lucky ones who has two excellent choices -- opal and tourmaline! These are two very popular stones, even among those who don't have an October birthday, but they're even more special for those who have them as their very own birthstone.

What is an Opal?

An opal is a very unique gemstone for a few reasons, and it's actually considered a mineraloid instead of a mineral because it does not have a fixed crystal shape. It is made of hydrated silica -- a mix of silicon, oxygen, and water.

One thing that makes the opal so special is the fact that it comes in a variety of colors, so there is something for everyone. Black opals are the rarest, but there are also white opals, fire opals (which display bright orange, red, and yellow tones), and boulder opals, which actually include pieces of the host rock, which are inside the gem.

What is a Tourmaline?

Tourmaline is a complex crystalline boron silicate mineral group that displays nearly every color in the rainbow. It's a hard gem, making it a practical choice for everyday jewelry, so it might be your top choice if you want to wear your birthstone every day but are sometimes a little rough on your jewelry. Black tourmaline is often used in crystal healing; it is believed by many to block negative energy. Green tourmaline, on the other hand, is known to promote vitality.

Should I Choose an Opal or Tourmaline as My October Birthstone?

If your birthday is in October, either stone can serve as your birthstone -- or maybe you can buy both opal and tourmaline jewelry so you can enjoy the beauty of each stone! There are a few questions you can ask yourself to help determine if you're choosing the right stone for you, or the person you're buying a special birthday gift for this October:

• Are you looking for more durable jewelry? An opal is a soft stone, so it's a better choice for special occasion jewelry rather than jewelry that you'll wear daily. Tourmaline, on the other hand, is a sturdier and harder stone, making it a better choice for daily wear or if you're tough on your jewelry.

• How much effort are you willing to put into taking care of your jewelry? Opal is a higher maintenance stone that requires gentle cleaning and keeping it away from harsh chemicals. Tourmaline, on the other hand, is very easy to clean and take care of.

• How much money are you looking to spend? Opals, on average, are more expensive, although high-quality tourmaline can be a little more costly. Just know that with either stone, you will get the best deal if you shop at Greenbrier Pawn here in Chesapeake, Virginia. We have the greatest prices around on all different types of jewelry.

If you're looking for October birthstones, you have come to the right place! Visit us at Greenbrier Pawn Shop and let us know what you're looking for -- we will help you find the perfect pieces, whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for gifts for someone you love!