October Birthstones: A rainbow of opals and tourmalines
Birthstones of silver wedding rings are amazing gems that connect a person to the time of their birth. They are also often rumored to have specific properties, but even without those properties, birthstones can make amazing jewelry and interesting pieces of dialogue. 
What is the birthstone of October?
There is a specific birthstone for each month of the year. However, there are two kinds of people born in October: opal and tourmaline.
What is opal?
Opal is a rare gemstone of silver wedding rings that is mostly mined in Australia, although it can also be found in other parts of the world. The name comes from the Greek opallios, meaning "noticeable change of color." When opals are viewed in the light and turned gently, they seem to change color and sparkle. This is where we get the word milky white.
This polychromatic and color-changing nature means that opals have been held in high esteem for centuries. For example, the Romans considered opal to be the most precious of all gemstones. However, what distinguishes them from other gemstones is not only their color, but also their structure, chemical composition, and how they are formed.
How is opal formed?
Opals of silver wedding rings do not form like other gemstones and require carbon, inclusions, and pressure. Opals, in contrast, are formed by rain and silica. When rain falls on porous rock, it seeps into the rock, carrying away tiny bits of silica. In some cases, it collects in crevices inside rocks, where it undergoes sedimentation, similar to the way sandstone and limestone are formed.
Technically, opal is a form of hydrated silica and water. 20% of the mass of opal is water trapped in the silica structure. However, gem-grade opals usually contain 10% or less. And, due to the silica content, opals can be almost any color, from milky stones to stunning black opals, orange opals, and fire opals.
Where is opal mined?
Opals of silver wedding rings have been mined around the world for thousands of years. Some of the areas where these stones have been found include Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, and even some western states in the United States. That being said, most opals today come from one place: Australia.
There are three major opal-producing regions in Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. Each of these areas brings something unique to the table. In addition to having the largest opal deposits, Australia also produces some of the best stones in the world.
Below, you'll get a quick look at opals from different mining areas around Australia. All of these areas surround the boundaries of an ancient shallow sea known as the Great Inland Sea, which dried up millions of years ago.
New South Wales
New South Wales is known for its large quantities of high-value opals. The region accounts for a significant proportion of Australia's production of high-quality opal. It is also the only place where black opals are mined (Lightning Ridge). White Cliffs is also known for producing white and crystal opals.
Queensland
There are several opal regions in Queensland, including Quilpi, Winton, Opalton, and Yova. As its name suggests, Opalton is one of the largest mined opal deposits in the region. Many of the opals mined in Queensland are megalithic opals that form in iron ore, a sedimentary rock that dates back to the Cretaceous period.
South Australia
From Coober Pedy to Lambina, Mintabie to Andamooka, there are many opal regions in South Australia. Many of them produce white opals, the most famous product in the region. South Australia is the largest opal producer in Australia.
How much is an opal worth?
The value of an opal or silver wedding ring is determined by many different factors. In general, lighter-colored stones are valued less, while darker-colored stones are valued more. This is because dark stones tend to show color better than light stones, so they command a higher price in the market. Size also plays an important role in determining the value of an opal. Other factors that affect the value of opals include gloss, pattern, color bar thickness, color matching, and stone defects. Rare high-grade opals can be just as expensive as fine diamonds, especially black opals, which are prized for their incredible beauty.
Types of Opal Jewelry
When it comes to opal jewelry of silver wedding rings, the sky is the limit. Whether you choose a black opal pendant, a multicolor opal necklace, an orange fire opal and diamond ring, a teardrop Ethiopian opal and diamond pendant necklace, or anything else, you'll find that this amazing stone will make you sparkle.
Bespoke jewelry designs can also be found online, including high-quality opals and stunning inlays. Custom rings and custom necklaces featuring opals allow you to make a statue.