Traditionally, a gemstone is associated with each month of the year.

This concept of birthstone gems is believed to date back to the Bible and the Breastplate of Aaron.There were 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel, symbolizing the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the zodiac.

There are other origins of birthstones, most notably of Tibetan origin and is over 1,000 years is the Mythical Birthstone List.  Also, the Ayurvedic Birthstone List which relates to Ayurvedic Indian medicine is over 1500 years old.

There are many myths and legends that surround birthstones.  Some cultures tended to wear the stone in which their birth month was in and other cultures owned a set of 12 birthstones. One set would cover each month of the year and people would wear their birthstones according to the date, regardless of their own date of birth.  The thought was it heighten the healing powers if worn in the month of the birthstone.

October

Just Like the changing colors of the leaves in October, the birthstones for this month of October are just as full of color. Opal and tourmaline are both October birthstones. Opal is the main stone for October.  The name Opal is from the Sanskrit upala, which means jewel. There are many various types of opals from around the world that fall into this category and 100's of color variations which often have flashes of multi-colored fire and brilliant colors. Opal helps release inhibitions and promotes creativity and ingenuity.  Tourmaline, the secondary birthstone is known as the stone of love and good humor. Tourmaline was known for centuries by the name schrol, but the name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) words tura mali meaning unknown gemstones of mixed colors. Colored tourmaline crystals would be grouped together in tura mali parcels in Sri Lanka and exported to Europe in the beginning of the 18th century.  This beautiful stone comes in a wide variety of colors making it a perfect birthstone for such a colorful month.

Opal

Opal is believed to inspire originality and boost creativity. It will give you energy every time you need that extra boost. The energies of this stone will  encourage you to express your true self and to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin, and this will shine through in your words, thoughts, and actions.

Opal will help you manifest your desires through positive affirmations, hard work, and dedication.  This stone will also strengthen your survival instincts and let you know when to remove yourself from a business or financial situation.  Opal will help you be at the right place at the right time. It will show you how you can recognize opportunities that no one else can.

 

 

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is believed to be an excellent protection stone.  It can help you deal with difficult people, especially in the workplace or business setting.  Tourmaline is a great stone to use for a crisis because it will dispel the negativity that surrounds you. This stone will infuse you with patience, stability, and encouragement. This stone is also known to ground you and help you conquer your fears and face situations that will challenge you.  It will also inspire creativity and a high level of productivity. Tourmaline will bring positive energies in your life. It will help you deal with your inner chaos.