The Other October Birthstone

October is one of those confusing months that have more than one birthstone. (June is another such month, but we'll worry about that when it next rolls around).  Opal is widely considered the go-to birthstone choice for October.  But, few people know that Tourmaline is a beautiful, less expensive alternative, that is also recognized as a birthstone for October.  In addition, it's also the stone for the Zodiac sign of Leo and the accepted gemstone for the 8th Wedding Anniversary.



Tourmaline Gemstone

The Tourmaline name was derived in the late 1600's from the Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) word 'tura mali', which translates into 'the stone of mixed colors.'  It was actually the name given to all colored stones on the island of Sri Lanka at that time, which made it extremely difficult for ancient gem dealers to differentiate tourmaline from other precious stones.  For instance, the pinks in pink tourmaline and rubies are so similar in appearance that the Russian Crown Jewels, believed for centuries to be rubies, are now thought to really be tourmalines.



Watermelon Tourmaline

Tourmaline can be found in a wide variety of colors including pink, dark brown, yellow, blue, lime and colorless, to name just a few.  It is also available in bi-colors and even tri-colors.  It could be green on one end and pink on the other end.  The unique watermelon tourmaline is green on the
outside and pink on the inside.  Some tourmaline stones appear to change color depending on the angle of view.  Stones with this effect are known as dichroic stones.  There is cat's eye tourmaline, or chrome tourmaline, which is a vibrant green stone that is often confused with the emerald.  A bright neon-blue stone is called the Paraiba tourmaline while Rubellite tourmaline is a deep, purple and reddish stone.  And the dark, bluish-black color of the indicolite tourmaline is yet another testament to the vast color options available.  Finally, schorl is the name for black tourmalines, which are the most commonly found of the tourmaline stones.  This fact is somewhat surprising considering how many colors can be found with this beautiful stone.

Indicolite and rubellite are the most expensive tourmalines due to their rarity. 

Tourmaline stones are also known for their durability.  The Chinese have carved and engraved tourmaline figures for centuries and ancient pieces can still be seen in museums today.

Various cultures have differing beliefs about what values tourmaline can bring to those who wear it.  For all of us jewelry designers, 18th century literature considers this stone to be helpful to actors, artists, authors, and all of those who work in 'creative fields.'  As a result, such artists and authors often used it as a talisman.  Tourmaline is also believed to strengthen the blood, lymph nodes and nervous system.  A Dutch scientist once claimed that tourmaline wrapped in silk and then placed against the cheek of an ill child, would induce sleep.  Ancient ceremonies in India used the gem to make it known who or what was the cause of evil deeds.  They further believed it to be helpful in bringing insight and discovering "that which is good."  Some cultures even believed that the tourmaline stone could bring opposites to the same side and change base metals to gold!

Tourmalines are mined all over the world from Africa to Australia, Brazil to Nigeria and Zimbabwe to the good old US of A. 

Sterling Silver Earwires w/2mm Tourmaline Crystal

If you're lucky enough to be celebrating a birthday in October, you won't be left empty-handed when it comes to your birthstone, since you have two from which to choose.  And, there's an added bonus if you happen to work in one of the many 'creative' fields.  Test this theory out by wearing these Sterling Silver Earwires with 2mm Tourmaline crystals for a week and see if your creative inspiration increases significantly.  Perhaps I'll wear a pair the next time I feel uninspired...

        
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