This month, our October birthstone is the Opal. We shower our monthly birthdays with this precious and stunning gemstone. This gorgeous stone was named after the Greek word “Opallious” meaning “to see a change of color”, and a Roman word “Opalus” meaning “precious stone.”
What makes Opals special?
Opals are exactly that; a uniquely beautiful, multi-prismed, precious stone that is extremely sensitive to light, and even the slightest temperature change. Sudden temperature changes can cause a fragile Opal to break, and even EXPLODE!
How to Wear Opals as Jewelry
With a Mohs hardness scale rating of 5.5-6, Opals are best worn as jewelry as earrings or pendants (we want to link to jewelry examples on our website. Do we have products on the website or a brand that uses Opals?).
This October birthstone is not the best to be worn as an everyday ring, such as an engagement ring, but does make a stunning cocktail ring for special occasions.
Where does the October Birthstone come from?
Opals are found all over the world in various colors. The first known Opal artifact was discovered in a cave in Kenya, which was believed to have originated from Ethiopia around 4000 B.C.. Australia provides the world with over 90% of its precious Opals, however they are also found in Brazil, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Mexico, Ethiopia and here in the USA. The most unique and rarest color is Red, while the most valuable color is Black. A Black Opal can cost up to $10,000 per carat!
The Connection between Life on Mars and Opals
Opal is known as an Occupational Crystal, and makes a great gift for water professions. The transparency and color ranges of an Opal are said to resemble water. Opals are formed by water running through our earth collecting silicon dioxide. As the silicon dioxide hardens, and the water evaporates, we are left with a gorgeous one of a kind gemstone. With water being the main component of Opals, it is interesting to know that in 2008 NASA reported deposits of Opals on Mars. This indicates that there could have been life on Mars.
Boosting Your Spontaneity to Giving Hope, the Perfect Birthstone for Happiness
Opals are said to boost
- spontaneity,
- creativity,
- luck,
- love,
- happiness,
- hope, and
- purity.
Gift for the Winners
This gemstone is a great gift idea when celebrating a new job, promotion, graduation, first day of school, and other large accomplishments in life. Birthstones can be given at any occasion, not just as a birthday gift.
At Joseph’s Jewelry, we carry numerous one of a kind gorgeous Opal pieces catering to every budget, and desired style. We are here to help residents in Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Jupiter and Port St. Lucie to find your perfect jewelry piece, complete a jewelry set, or make a custom jewelry design as unique as you are! We will also repair and restore your jewelry pieces and watches whether or not they were purchased through us. Come in anytime to check out our unique diamond rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and Citizen Eco Drive watches in stock for a celebration, last-minute gift, or spontaneous surprise.