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THE Gemstones FOR OCTOBER -
Tourmaline & Opal
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Watermelon Specimen

Maine tourmaline   

Tourmaline is Maine's State Gemstone.

It is one of nature's most fascinating gems because of it's diverse shadings.   One stone may show one color when seen from one direction, and another from another direction.  Sometimes, a single stone may show two separate and distinct bands of color.  This type of tourmaline is called "watermelon" or "bi-color."

Maine tourmaline was discovered in quantity in 1972.  The Newry and Mt. Mica mines in Maine produce some of the world's finest quality tourmaline.

The gem is also mined in Afghanistan, Brazil, Pakistan, Siberia, and California, USA.

No gemstone has such richness in color variation as tourmaline.   Tourmaline is available in every color, and within each stone there are various color shades.  Tourmaline is sometimes known under different names, according to color.  The "rubellite" is red, sometimes with a violet tint.  Fine "indicolite" ranges from very light to dark violet-blue and greenish-blue.

Tourmaline is considered a "young" gem because it has been known in it's own right only since the late 18th Century.

Prior to this, tourmaline's wide range of colors had caused it to be mistaken for emeralds, topaz, and sapphires.

Tourmaline can be cleaned using any commercially available jewelry cleaning solution, a soft toothbrush, and rinsing with water.

tour-ma-line - n [Sinhalese tourmalli   carnelian]  (1759) :  a mineral of variable color that consists of a complex borosilicate and makes a striking gem when transparent and cut. 

Opal  

Opal is the October birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.

The well-known Roman naturalist Pliny described opal as "made up of the glories of the most precious gems... the gentler fire of the ruby, the rich purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, glittering together..."

White opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many colors. Black opal has a black, dark blue, dark green or gray body color with vivid flashes of color such as red, pink and bright green.

Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. In the Middle Ages, young, fair-haired girls wore opals in their hair to protect its lovely blond color. Medieval writers believed opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose. It was also said to have a beneficial effect on eyesight. It was thought to banish evil spirits and favor children, the theater, amusements, friendships and feelings.

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes. To maintain the brilliance of opal, it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine or jewelry cleaner.

Opal sources are Australia, Mexico and the U.S.

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