Meet October's Birthstone - The Tourmaline
The traditional birthstone for October is opal. Opal is a unique and beautiful gemstone known for its play of colours, which can include a dazzling array of hues. It is believed to symbolise hope, purity, and innocence.
In addition to opal, tourmaline is an alternative birthstone for October. We choose to offer tourmaline instead of opal at Otiumberg as the opal's delicate nature makes it unsuitable for everyday wear.
Tourmalines come in a variety of colours and are known for their striking crystal structures.
Tourmaline is believed to have various metaphysical properties, and different colors are associated with specific attributes, such as love, healing, protection, and creativity. Many people appreciate tourmaline not only for its beauty but also for its purported energetic and healing qualities. Pink tourmaline is associated with matters of the heart and emotional healing. It is believed to promote love, compassion, and emotional well-being. It is often used to soothe and heal emotional wounds.
See our full collection of Birthstone rings here.
Pink Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a complex mineral composed of several elements, and its colour can vary greatly depending on the specific combination of elements present. Our favourite tourmaline variation is pink tourmaline, also known as rubellite. This is a beautiful and highly sought-after variety of tourmaline. It is cherished for its vibrant pink to reddish-pink colour, which can range from pale pastel shades to intense and vivid hues. Pink tourmaline is a boron silicate mineral and its chemical composition can vary, leading to different shades of pink within the gemstone.
Pink tourmalines can be found in various locations around the world, including Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and the United States, among others.
Caring for your Tourmaline jewellery
Tourmaline is a relatively durable gemstone, but it still requires proper care to maintain its beauty and luster over time.
To clean your tourmaline jewellery, use a mild soap and warm water. You can soak the jewellery for a few minutes to loosen dirt and oils. Then, use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently scrub the stone. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners on tourmaline, as these can damage the stone. Chemicals like bleach and household cleaners can also harm tourmaline. We recommend that you use our jewellery care kit to keep your tourmaline stones looking their best.
While tourmaline is relatively hard, it can still be scratched by harder materials. Store your tourmaline jewellery separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching. Consider using our Otiumberg jewellery pouches.
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