Opal, commonly known as "opalus" (meaning "a stone") in Latin is the birthstone for the month of October. Opal is found in various shimmering colors with elegant flashes of yellow, orange, green and many more. The opal is often considered to be the most beautiful and desirable of all gems because it is highlighted with all the colors of the rainbow.Opal is formed from particles called amorphous silica which is found between the cracks in rocks. This birthstone is very brittle and sensitive to heat so this gemstone can be molded in any form.Opals were first discovered in 1872 in the deep caves of Australia. Opals are also found in Mexico, U.S and many other countries. This gemstone captures the imagination and inspires legends - a fantastic gem for jewelry and gifts.Ancient Traditional Birthstones:
An alternate birthstone for the month of October is Tourmaline. With its rainbow of colors, tourmaline is an endless source of artistic inspiration and so it is called the "rainbow gemstone".Tourmaline comes in a variety of colors depending on the minerals present when the gemstone was formed. Tourmalines are found in many countries having the major deposits in Brazil, Sri Lanka and many more.Tourmaline is considered as one of the best gemstones in terms of jewelry, as you can get the best jewelry without breaking your budget.
The gemstone Aquamarine is the March Birthstone and the birthstone of Scorpions (Zodiac Sign).
The word Aquamarine is derived from the Latin words "aqua marina" which means "sea water" which reflects the color of the crystals.
This gemstone was first mined in 1811 in Brazil. But history says that it was used between 480 and 300 BC. This Gem was used by Greeks to make aquamarine jewelry. In the middle ages, people believed that this gemstone could magically overcome the effects of poison. Aquamarine captures the beauty of the sea. This stone is also found in a range of pastel blue and greenish blue shades.
Legends say that aquamarine is the treasure of mermaids, with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. The power gets stronger when it is immersed in water. This stone has a soothing influence on relationships, especially on married couples. Also a dream of aquamarine means that you will meet new friends.
Darker the color of the stone, the more valued it is. Aquamarines are mined in a number of places like Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique, but most of the gemstones available today come from Brazil. When this Aquamarine Stone is worn, it will bring happiness, love, affection, and care.