October · Birthstone guide
October has two birthstones: opal, with its flashing play-of-color, and tourmaline, which spans more colors than any other gem.
Opal's shifting spectrum means creativity and imagination; pink tourmaline stands for compassion and the healing of the heart.
Color is the single biggest driver of value in colored gemstones, and it is also where birthstone symbolism lives. See how every month's color compares in the birthstone color guide.
Opal was called the 'queen of gems' by Pliny because it contained the colors of all others. It is worn for creativity and inspiration.
Roman senators prized opal; Australia's Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy have supplied most of the world's precious opal since the 1890s. Tourmaline was shipped from Maine and California to China's Empress Dowager Cixi, who was buried with it.
For the origin of the twelve-month tradition itself — Aaron's breastplate, Josephus, Polish gem traders and the 1912 American jewelers' list — read the full history of birthstones.
Modern birthstone · 5.5–6.5 Mohs
Modern birthstone · 7–7.5 Mohs
Spiritual and healing associations are traditional lore, recorded here for cultural interest — they are not medical advice.
For opal, judge the brightness and pattern of the color flashes and check the body tone. Doublets and triplets are cheaper composites — ask for solid opal. Watermelon tourmaline slices are a distinctive alternative.
Opal contains water and can craze if dried out or shocked by heat. Clean with a damp cloth, avoid ultrasonic cleaners, and don't store in a hot car or safe deposit box for years.
A pendant is the most forgiving setting for softer stones, because a necklace takes far fewer knocks than a ring. Bezel settings protect the girdle of the stone and suit everyday wear, which is why a bezel-set october birthstone necklace is the piece most people start with.
If you want the stone on your hand instead, a slim october birthstone ring keeps the setting low enough to survive daily wear, and a personalized birthstone bracelet lets you line up one stone for every family birthday.
Shop October birthstone necklaces, rings and bracelets in 18K gold — each one made with the October birthstone and engraved with the name, initial or date you choose. Choose a piece, then pick your finish.
A short film on opal, the october birthstone — its color, its meaning and how it is worn.
More answers in the birthstone questions and answers guide.
