The opal derives its name from the Latin word "opalus" meaning precious jewel. The opal is prized for its unique ability to refract and reflect light. The opal was call "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans meaning a child as beautiful as love. One legend states that the origin of the opal is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightening. Ancient Monarchs treasured opals, both for their beauty and their presumed protective powers.
They were set into crowns and worn in necklaces to ward off evil and protect the eyesight. These gemstones were also ground and ingested for their healing properties. In the Middle Ages, opal was considered a stone that could provide great luck because it was believed to possess all the virtues of each gemstone whose color was represented in the spectrum of the opal.
The opal is a mineral found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. As the hot springs dried up, layers of silica combined with water were deposited into the cracks and cavities of the bedrock forming opal. Most of the world's opal deposits are found in Southern Australia. Opal can also be found in Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Nevada.
A gift of opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence. It is given as a gift on a necklace or bracelet for special occasions such as baby baptisms, christenings, confirmation, first communion, baby shower and at weddings for bridesmaids.
Pink Tourmaline is the alternate birthstone for October. Tourmaline is mined in every continent of the world and comes in a rainbow of colors. Legend states that this gemstone fell from the heavens in a divine rain shower and passed through a rainbow. In doing so the stones grabbed the colors that they touched and fell to the earth. It was thought that those who found it would have everlasting joy and contentment. Pink Tourmaline has the seemingly magical property of pyroelectricity. Scientifically speaking, this means that when heated the gem takes on a static electric charge making it capable of attracting lightweight objects. Pink varieties of Tourmaline range in color from pastel pink to bright pink. A gift of Tourmaline is symbolic of hope and is often used for little girls jewelry to accent bracelet and necklaces.