The October birthstone is not one gem but two: Opal and Tourmaline, making October one of the few months with a choice of beautiful birthstones. While opal has long been associated with October, tourmaline is a newer addition to the birthstone chart. Both gems offer unique beauty and symbolism, making them perfect choices for October birthdays.
Opal, known for its phenomenon play of colour, is a true gem of October. This mineraloid showcases a breathtaking spectrum of colours that can change with different light and angles, making each stone uniquely beautiful.
While opals are often celebrated for their phenomenon play of colour, they also occur in varieties with milky white or deep black body tones. Opal forms when silica-rich water seeps into cracks and voids in the Earth’s crust. Over millions of years, this water gradually deposits microscopic spheres of silica. When these spheres are uniformly arranged, they diffract light, creating the captivating optical effects that fascinate gemstone lovers.
Historically, opals have symbolised hope, purity, and truth, with many cultures considering them to be lucky charms. The name “opal” originates from the Sanskrit word “upala,” meaning “precious stone.” Ancient Romans believed opals held protective powers, while Medieval Europe regarded them as symbols of royalty.
Fun fact: Did you know that opals are sometimes referred to as the “stone of hope”? They are also believed to enhance creativity and inspire originality in those who wear them.
With their enchanting beauty and rich history, opals are not just a birthstone; they are a treasured gem for those who appreciate nature’s artistry.
Tourmaline, the modern October birthstone, is celebrated for its dazzling colour range and vibrant energy. From rich greens and ocean blues to fiery reds and jet black, its variety makes it a truly unique gem for autumn birthdays.
The name Tourmaline comes from a Sinhalese word meaning “stone with mixed colours,” perfect for a gem often found in vivid multicoloured formations. While pink tourmaline is most widely marketed for October, all colours of tourmaline are equally recognised for the month.
Tourmaline is admired for its complex crystal structure and optical trait, pleochroism, where it appears different colours from different angles.
Watermelon tourmaline, with its pink centre and green rind, forms naturally in concentric zones. This rare bi-coloured type is a collector’s favourite and often kept in slice form to show off its beauty.
Fun fact: Tourmaline can become electrically charged when heated or rubbed, a property known as pyroelectricity and triboelectricity, making it one of the few gems with this natural ability.
Symbolising protection, creativity, and emotional clarity, tourmaline is more than a birthstone, it’s a colourful force of nature.
Each October birthstone carries its own meaning. Opal has long been linked with hope, purity and truth, while tourmaline is associated with protection, creativity and emotional balance. Together they give anyone born in October a choice between the shifting, dreamlike play of colour found in opal and the bold, saturated shades of tourmaline.
Centuries ago, opal was believed to hold the virtues of every coloured gemstone, because it displays so many colours at once. The meaning of tourmaline is often said to vary by shade, with pink linked to love and compassion and green to courage and strength.
Both gems also mark wedding anniversaries. Opal is the traditional gift for the 14th anniversary and tourmaline for the 8th, so an October birthstone can celebrate far more than a birthday.
Australia is the best-known source of precious opal, including the prized black opal of Lightning Ridge, with further deposits in Ethiopia, Mexico and Brazil. Tourmaline is mined mainly in Brazil, as well as in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar and Mozambique.
The two gems need slightly different care. Opal is relatively soft, at around 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. High heat and sudden changes in temperature can cause it to fracture, so store it away from harder gems that could scratch it and clean it gently with warm, soapy water.
Tourmaline is tougher, at 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it well suited to rings and other everyday jewellery. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are all it needs. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are best avoided for both stones.
If you are buying an October birthstone as a gift, think about how it will be worn. Opal suits pendants, earrings and occasional rings, where it is protected from knocks. Tourmaline is the more practical choice for a piece worn every day, and its wide colour range means there is a shade for every taste, from soft pink to deep green.
Whichever you choose, look for strong, even colour and buy from a seller who can tell you whether the stone is natural and whether it has been treated. For more detail on each gem, the GIA guide to October birthstones is a helpful reference.
Garnet |
Amethyst |
Aquamarine |
Diamond |
Emerald |
Pearl |
Ruby |
Spinel |
Sapphire |
Opal |
Citrine |
Zircon |
