Opal
- Opal was formed when seasonal rains flooded dry ground in regions such as Australia’s semi-desert “outback.” The water soaked deep into ancient underground rock, carrying dissolved silica (a compound of silicon and oxygen) downward. During dry periods, some of the water evaporated, leaving solid deposits of silica in the cracks and between the layers of underground sedimentary rock. The silica deposits formed opal. Opal contains up to 20% water trapped in its silica structure
- The Romans gave it a name—opalus—that was synonymous with “precious stone”
- Throughout history, opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because it shows all colors. Once, it was thought to have the power to preserve the life and color of blond hair
Tourmaline
- Tourmaline comes in many colors and has one of the widest color ranges of any gemstone. Colors include intense blue particular to Paraíba, Brazil, and similar blues from Africa, rich reds to pastel pinks and peach colors, intense emerald greens, and vivid yellows. Color is the most important quality factor for Tourmaline
- Tourmaline's name comes from toramalli, which means “mixed gems” in Sinhalese (a language of Sri Lanka). Its a term Dutch merchants applied to the multicolored pebbles that miners found in the gem gravels of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)
- One of the earliest reports of tourmaline in California, U.S.A., was in 1892. Tourmaline became known as an American gemstone through the efforts of Tiffany gemologist George F. Kunz. He wrote about the tourmaline deposits of Maine and California and praised the gemstones they produced. San Diego County's tourmaline mines include the Tourmaline Queen, Tourmaline King, Stewart, Pala Chief, and Himalaya
- Your birthstone is personal and affordable to collect. Birthstone jewelry creates a cherished gifting experience
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