October is a special month, because there are two gemstones associated with this month. Opal is one of them, and commonly is given to those who need creativity and hope. The other one, tourmaline gemstones, differ, especially in this fall month, commonly attributed to falling leaves, cooler weather, and hot coco. It is a rainbow stone, one that is brilliant and beautiful. In this post, you will learn all about tourmaline to help determine if this is the October birthstone you need.
History of the October Birthstone: Tourmaline Gemstones
Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word Tura mali or tormali which translates directly to “stone of mixed colors.” Makes sense, since it’s literally a rainbow stone.
Tourmaline is also commonly attributed to high-ranking officials and royalty over many years. Jewelers love this stone because it is brilliant, offers unique facets, and catches the eye.
The stone rose in popularity when jewelers mistakenly brought over what they thought were rubies and emeralds, when in reality it was tourmaline. Since then, along with opal, it is now the October birthstones that many associate with the month.
Tourmaline Symbolism & Meaning
Tourmaline is associated with stress reduction, balancing the body, calming energies, and creativity. It is a receptive stone that works to help with easing ailments and problems.
The reason why it’s so calming is attributed to the variety of colors inside. there is pink, which usually invokes compassion and love, black with protection and pushing away negativity, and finally the green that’s commonly associated with life and bravery.
Tourmaline in Different Cultures
Ancient Egypt thought that these stones originated from rainbows. Other cultures, including the Greeks and romans, though that this stone, in its presence, would shield people from evil.
What are the Colors of Tourmaline Stones
Tourmalines come in a variety of colors. The schorl tourmalines tend to be a black or dark brown because of the higher levels of iron within them.
Brighter colored tourmalines have more lithium. The most sought after ones are the chrome, rubellite, and Paraiba tourmalines, which are usually a brilliant emerald green, raspberry red, or a neon blue-green color.
Most of the time, these stones have multiple colors. Some can be one color, but most of them have a pink inside, and green around its edges.
Below are some of the most common types of tourmalines you see, and the associations.
- Pink Tourmaline / Tourmaline red (Rubellite Tourmaline): it ranges from a palish pink to a bright red, oftentimes associated with passion and love. Browse Pink Tourmaline here...
- Green Tourmaline (Verde lite or chrome Tourmaline): this is a bright and colorful tourmaline that’s the color of grass, called the “emerald tourmaline” due to the mistakes from jewelers. Discover Green Tourmaline
- Blue-Green (Paraiba Tourmaline or Indoicolite Tourmaline): an electric blue or turquoise green color due to the copper in them. these tend to be the more expensive kins. Explore Lagoon tourmaline
- Black Tourmaline (schorl): a deep and opaque black, oftentimes associated with protection and shielding.
- Bi-color Tourmaline (watermelon): this is a unique kind of color combination that’s oftentimes sought after because it is so unique and different. Watermelon tourmaline usually have two colors such as green and red, blue black or any other two color combinations. See Bi Color Tourmaline
Locations where tourmaline is Mined
Tourmaline is found primarily in Brazil, but also Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Mozambique, Madagascar, and other places. Within the US, you can find tourmaline in Mount Mica located in Maine, or in San Diego, California.
The largest deposits of tourmaline are found in Nigeria, Namba, Tanzania, and Kenya, located in Africa.
Below is a list of the common types of tourmaline found in each location:
- Brazil: Minas Gerals (Paraiba and Emeralds)
- Afghanistan and Pakistan: Hindu Kush regions
- Eastern Africa: Mozambique, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Tanzania, oftentimes the Paribas with more of a blue and pink focus
- US: Mount Mica, Mesa Grande, Himalaya Mines in California, with the most common type being pink and green tourmalines.
Alternative October Birthstones
October has two alternative gemstones.
- Opal: the original birthstone in October, with shifting hues of rainbow colors and is associated with hope, love, and creativity. Shop Opal Collection
Explore our stunning opal gemstones
View Opals- Smoky Quartz: an earthy stone that for a brief period in the 20th century was also similarly associated with grounding and calming. Though it usually falls on tourmaline, there’s a chance of it coming back.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Tourmaline
When purchasing tourmaline, always use the 5 Cs to help purchase:
- Color: look for gemstones that are saturated, but also not super dark or milky. If there’s some grays and brows decorated within the gemstone, you’ve found a rare one.
- Clarity: get a stone with little flaws. A few inclusions are natural, especially in Paraiba tourmalines
- Cut: sparkling tourmalines are what you want, especially if a good cut is what you’re looking for. Smooth, rounded cuts known as cabochons are great for cat’s eye jewels. Faceting cuts are good for transparency
- Carat: higher carats means more expensive, and a heavier stone. You don’t need a ton of carats to get something really nice.
- Conflict-Free: look for tourmalines that are ethically-sourced, and not blood stones.
October Birthstone Jewelry Ideas
You can use tourmaline for engagement rings, necklaces, or pendants. A lot like to use them in cufflinks as well. it’s a versatile stone for any occasion. Shop Tourmaline Shapes & Sizes
Tourmaline for Sale with Gemstones Finder
Gemstone Finder offers variety of tourmaline stones in loose gemstones or raw tourmaline crystals:- Here what we are offering:-
- Loose Tourmaline Gemstones for Jewelry Making
- Tourmaline Crystals for Collectors
- Tourmaline Specimens
- Tourmaline Cabochons or Tumbles
- Carving Tourmaline stones
Final Thoughts
Tourmaline is a great and versatile gemstone that offers creativity, love passion, and grounding, perfect for the changing seasons and grounding you. wearing a pendant or ring od tourmaline is a great accessory, especially if you’re born in October, so consider buying one today and show it off. Birthstones by Months.
People Also Ask Following about October birthstones
What are the most famous Tourmalines in history?
Other than rubellite necklaces worn by kings, the Caesar’s ruby is the most famous tourmaline, weighing at 255 carats and is the crown jewel of Russia.
What Zodiac signs are associated with October birthstones?
Libra and Scorpio are the two most associated with tourmaline.
How much are tourmalines?
It depends on the five Cs, but on average cost is about a hundred for each carat, with some budget options being lower than that. See budget-friendly small parcel
Are lab-grown tourmalines available?
Not at the present moment.
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