April Birthstone
The birthstones for the month of April are two studies in beautiful contrast: diamond and opal. Diamonds are treasured for their translucency and opals for their opaque, flowing excellence. But while these stones are very different in some regards, there is something they both share—pure, fiery color. It’s an ideal choice for a month that’s full of flowers and springtime renewal, after all!
Of course, diamonds and opals are colorful for very different reasons. For diamonds, their refractive index is one of the highest in the natural world. This means that they can split light to a remarkable degree. If a diamond is properly faceted, the stone will explode with rainbows of pure color! Opals, on the other hand, are made of thousands of irregular stacks of silica. The stacks interfere with the way light passes through the stone, creating the shimmering, shifting iridescence that April babies adore.
For those interested in the mystical stories of gemstones, diamonds and opals are rich with the kind of history that one might adore. Diamonds’ name comes from the Greek “adamantos,” or “unbreakable.” This attests to the fact that diamonds are one of the hardest materials in nature. This quality has made them adored all throughout the world as a symbol of purity and heavenly permanence. Opals, on the other hand, are treasured for their rainbow of colors packed into one stone. Considered as a mystical symbol of fortune, opals were treasured by those who wanted to keep a little good luck on their side.
On a more material level, the April individual looking for a durable gemstone to celebrate their birthday month is advised to keep their eyes focused on diamond. Better for the type of guy or gal who works with their hands, diamonds are a natural 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that they can survive a lot better than other gems when they get knocked around! Opals, on the other hand, are about a 6 on the Mohs scale, making them softer than quartz gems. Because of their softness, opals are better for necklaces and earrings if an individual is apt to hit their hand against hard surfaces.
In either case, if you really want to surprise your special April someone with a gift that blends the best of both worlds, why not check out a piece of fashion jewelry that features both opals and diamonds? A unique mix of contrast and complement, these stones perfectly represent the month they represent! While diamonds tend to be favored as a bridal stone and opals as a fashion stone, there’s nothing stopping you from looking into switching that order around too!
If you’re interested in learning more about diamonds and opals, the April birthstones, contact Albert’s Diamond Jewelers. Whether you’d prefer designer pieces or a custom-designed piece of jewelry, we’re always available to help! Contact our Schererville, Indiana showroom at (219)-322-2700!
