Happy October, everyone! One of our team took this incredible picture of the northern lights earlier this year right here in Grand Junction: how beautiful was the sky? We think it’s a perfect image to use for our October blog since one of this month’s birthstones is opal (the other birthstone is tourmaline and we’ll talk a little bit more about that later in our blog). 

Opal is particularly fitting due to its unique ability to display a mesmerizing play of colors when the light hits it, known as “play-of-color.” Use your imagination and you can see a multitude of different images when you stare deeply into your unique opal gemstone – even the northern lights! 

Unlike other gemstones that possess a single color, opal refracts light in such a way that it can exhibit an array of brilliant hues—ranging from vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows to deep blues, greens, and purples—often all within the same stone. This optical phenomenon occurs because of the internal structure of opal, which consists of microscopic silica spheres that diffract light. Moreover, opals come in the widest array of colors: from the milky white opals with soft pastel colors to the rarer black opals with intense, fiery flashes of color, each variety offers something different. 

Opal’s distinctive features have made it highly prized for centuries and contribute to its mystical allure. Opals are often associated with creativity, hope, and imagination. They have also often been regarded as symbols of good luck, protection, and purity in various cultures. This combination of visual enchantment, rarity, and historical lore makes opal not just a gemstone but a true marvel of nature that continues to captivate gem enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike.

Here are a few images of some of the stunning opal pieces we have right here in the store: 

Now let’s talk a little about tourmaline, October’s alternative birthstone. While both tourmaline and opal are captivating gemstones, they offer distinctly different qualities:

Tourmaline is renowned for its wide range of solid colors, from deep reds, greens, and blues, to striking bi-color or tri-color varieties like the famous watermelon tourmaline. Unlike opal, which is celebrated for its play-of-color, tourmaline exhibits consistent hues with varying intensities that  appeal to those who prefer vivid, stable colors. Opal tends to draw in those who are captivated by the changing iridescence and shimmering depths of its surface and is often admired for its softness and delicate, almost magical, play-of-color. Tourmaline, on the other hand, is highly valued for its durability and array of vibrant colors. The dual characteristics of these two stones make it even more fun to match the stone with the recipient’s personality. There are so many options to choose from!

Opal and tourmaline are some of our favorite gemstones and are one of the reasons we love October in Grand Junction. Come on in and let’s talk more about these two amazing options, and we’ll find that perfect piece for you or for that special someone.