What Gemstone is October? Complete Guide

What Gemstone is October? A Complete Guide to October's Birthstones

If you were born in October or you're shopping for someone special with an October birthday, you might be wondering: what gemstone is October known for? The answer is more colorful than you think. October is one of the few months blessed with not just one, but two stunning birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Both gems offer incredible beauty, rich history, and unique characteristics that make them perfect for celebrating October birthdays.

This complete guide will take us through all the essential facts about these stunning October birthstones - the meanings, benefits, how to decide between them, and the stylish ways of wearing them, and much more.

Understanding the October Birthstone: Opal and Tourmaline

October is a unique month in the gemstone calendar because it has two very different stones with separate appeal and character. Tourmaline was introduced as a contemporary choice by the American Gem Society in 1952, whereas opal has been the one and only October birthstone for a long time. So, the ones born in October can have great pleasure in picking a piece of jewelry that matches their individuality perfectly.

The Traditional October Birthstone: Opal

Opal is perhaps the most recognizable answer to "what is October's birthstone?" This captivating gem has mesmerized humans for thousands of years with its magical play of color. Ancient Romans believed opals were the most precious gemstones because they contained the colors of all other stones. The name "opal" comes from the Sanskrit word "upala," meaning precious stone.

One of the things that define opal as a special gem is its singular optical phenomenon called "play of color." The light that hits the gem is diffracted through minuscule silica spheres, which results in rainbow colors that appear to be dancing on the surface. In fact, the rarity of opal to have the same kind of play of color is so great that every single one is unique and therefore a one of a kind piece.

Also Read: Opal Stone Meaning: History, Symbolism, and Uses

 

The Modern October Birthstone: Tourmaline

Tourmaline became a part of the October birthstone family to provide a more durable one and has since been credited with an amazing spectrum of colors. The term "tourmaline" is derived from the Sinhalese words "tura mali," which signify "stone of mixed colors." The gem can be any color, almost, even the darkest of pinks and reds or the brightest blues and greens.

Pink tourmaline is the most popular variety for October birthstone jewelry, though many people also choose bi-color or watermelon tourmaline, which displays both pink and green in the same stone.

Also Read: Tourmaline Gemstone: Meaning, Healing, and Spiritual Benefits

 

October Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism

Both October gemstones carry profound meanings and have been treasured throughout history for their supposed powers and symbolic significance.

Opal Meaning and Symbolism

Opal has long been associated with hope, purity, and truth. Ancient cultures believed this stone could bring good fortune and protect against disease. The October birthstone meaning associated with opal includes creativity and inspiration, emotional balance, love and passion, and protection. Many cultures viewed opal as a protective talisman against harm.

Tourmaline Meaning and Symbolism

Tourmaline holds equally powerful symbolism. Ancient magicians used tourmaline to protect against negative energy and enhance understanding. Pink tourmaline is associated with love and emotional healing, green tourmaline is associated with courage and strength, black tourmaline provides protection and grounding, while watermelon tourmaline encourages balance between energies. The healing stone of October is believed to boost self-confidence, reduce anxiety, and encourage positive change.

Traditional vs Modern October Birthstone: Which Should You Choose?

When deciding between these two beautiful October gemstones, several factors can help guide your choice.

Durability and Wearability

Tourmaline ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it relatively durable for everyday wear. It's an excellent choice for October birthstone rings that will see regular use. Opal is softer, ranking 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and contains water content that makes it more delicate. Opal requires more careful handling and works better for occasional wear or protective settings like pendants and earrings.

Color and Appearance

Opal offers a unique play of color that no other gemstone can replicate. If you are attracted to iridescence, changing colors and unique patterns, opal is unmatched. Tourmaline offers solid, vibrant colors with excellent clarity and luster. If you prefer a specific color or want a stone that looks stunning in a variety of lighting conditions, tourmaline delivers consistent beauty.

October Gemstone Benefits: Physical and Emotional Healing

Many people choose their birthstone jewelry not only for the beauty but also for the October's alleged healing gemstone. Although these properties are not scientifically proven, they have been part of gem tradition for centuries. 

Opal is believed to strengthen memory, purify the blood and kidneys, improve eye health and help regulate insulin. Tourmaline is known to be beneficial for the nervous system, circulation, detoxification and enhancing immunity. 

Both varieties of October gemstone are prized for their emotional healing properties. Opal enhances self-worth, encourages independence and freedom, and helps to release old patterns. Tourmaline protects against negative energy, promotes self-confidence, encourages compassion and balances the chakras.

Popular October Gemstone Jewelry Styles

October birthstones look stunning in all types of jewelry. Here's how to incorporate these beautiful gems into your collection.

October Birthstone Ring

Rings are one of the most popular ways to wear your birthstone. For opal rings, consider protective settings like halo or bezel designs. Tourmaline rings can handle more exposed settings and look magnificent in solitaire or three-stone designs. Browse our collection of birthstone rings to find the perfect October piece.

October Birthstone Necklace

Necklaces and pendants are ideal for opals since they experience less daily wear and tear. A simple opal pendant on a delicate chain showcases the stone's natural beauty. Tourmaline necklaces can range from dainty single-stone pendants to bold statement pieces. Explore our necklace collection for October birthstone options.

October Birthstone Bracelet

Bracelets offer a beautiful way to display October gemstones. Tennis bracelets featuring graduated tourmalines create elegant sophistication, while charm bracelets with opal accents add personal meaning. Check out our bracelet designs featuring October birthstones.

October Birthstone Earrings

Earrings are perfect for both opal and tourmaline. The protected position makes them safe for delicate opals, while tourmaline earrings can feature larger stones with dramatic impact.

October Birthstone Earring Style Comparison

 

Find your perfect pair in our earrings collection.

Complete October Birthstone Calendar: Day-by-Day Guide

While opal and tourmaline are the official October birthstones for the entire month, many gemstone enthusiasts enjoy connecting with their specific birth date through this personalized calendar:

How to Use This October Birthstone Calendar

This daily guide offers a personalized way to connect with your specific birth date. Many people enjoy choosing jewelry that features their exact date's recommended stone for added meaning. For instance, if you were born on October 11, you might be particularly drawn to black opal or Paraiba tourmaline. Use this calendar as inspiration for personalizing your birthstone jewelry choice, not as a strict rule.

How to Use and Wear October Birthstone Jewelry

Getting the most from your October gemstones means knowing how to wear and care for them properly.

Daily Wear and Care Tips

For opal jewelry, remove rings before washing hands or applying lotions, avoid extreme temperature changes, and store pieces separately. Consider opal doublets or triplets for more durable everyday pieces. Tourmaline is suitable for daily wear but remove during strenuous activities and store away from harder gemstones.

Clean opals with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals. Tourmaline is easier to maintain with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

Styling Your October Birthstone

Both October gemstones pair beautifully with various metals. White gold or platinum enhances cool tones, yellow gold complements fire opals and warm tourmalines, while rose gold creates romantic combinations. Layer your October birthstone necklace with other delicate chains from our layering necklace guide.

Opal vs Tourmaline Comparison: Making Your Choice

Still wondering which October gemstone suits you best? Here's a detailed comparison:

Choose opal if you love unique pieces, want traditional significance, prefer mystical beauty, or will wear jewelry occasionally. Choose tourmaline if you need durable everyday jewelry, want specific colors, prefer low maintenance, or seek better value.

Where to Buy October Birthstone Jewelry Online

When purchasing October birthstone jewelry, quality and authenticity matter tremendously. Look for stones with strong play of color (opals) or good clarity with minimal inclusions (tourmalines). Check color saturation and ask about treatments. Request authenticity certification and information about origin.

At Jewels and Chains, we offer a curated selection of authentic October birthstone jewelry. Our gem experts personally evaluate opals for multi-angle color play and tourmalines for superior color saturation before jewelry setting. Every purchase comes with certification and our quality guarantee. Our gemstone guide helps you make informed decisions.

October Gem Varieties: Beyond the Basics

Opal varieties include precious opal (shows color play), black opal (most valuable), white opal, fire opal (orange to red), boulder opal (ironstone matrix), and crystal opal (transparent with color play).

Tourmaline varieties include rubellite (red to pink, most valuable), indicolite (blue), Paraiba (electric blue-green, extremely rare), chrome tourmaline (intense green), watermelon tourmaline (pink and green), schorl (black), and dravite (brown).

Final Thoughts: Celebrating October's Beautiful Birthstones

Whether you're drawn to opal's mesmerizing play of color or tourmaline's vibrant hues, October birthstones offer something truly special. These gems carry centuries of meaning, tradition, and beauty that make them perfect for celebrating October birthdays or simply adding stunning pieces to your jewelry collection.

Ready to find your perfect October birthstone jewelry? Explore our complete collection at Jewels and Chains and discover pieces that capture the magic of these extraordinary gemstones. Whether you're shopping for yourself or finding the perfect gift, our expert team is here to help you choose October birthstone jewelry that will be cherished forever.

Frequently Asked Questions About October Birthstones

Why does October have two birthstones?

October has two birthstones because opal, while beautiful, is relatively fragile for everyday wear. Tourmaline was added as a more durable alternative in 1952, giving October babies more options based on lifestyle, budget, and personal preference.

Which is better, opal or tourmaline?

Neither is objectively better; it depends on your needs. Opal wins for unique beauty and traditional significance, while tourmaline excels in durability and color variety. For everyday jewelry, especially rings, tourmaline is more practical. For special occasions, opal's play of color is incomparable.

Who should not wear opal?

The belief that certain people shouldn't wear opal comes from old superstitions, not facts. Anyone can wear opal safely. However, people with very active lifestyles might want to reserve opal jewelry for special occasions rather than daily wear to prevent damage.

What is the birthstone for October and where can I buy it online?

The birthstones for October are opal and tourmaline. You can buy authentic October birthstone jewelry online at reputable jewelers like Jewels and Chains. Look for sellers who provide detailed descriptions, quality photos, authenticity certificates, and clear return policies.

What are popular October gemstones and their meanings?

Popular October gemstones include white opal (hope and purity), black opal (mystery and protection), fire opal (passion and energy), pink tourmaline (love and emotional healing), green tourmaline (courage and stamina), and watermelon tourmaline (balance and harmony).

How much should I expect to pay for October birthstone jewelry?

Prices vary dramatically based on quality, size, and setting. Simple tourmaline studs start around $50-$100, while fine black opal rings can cost thousands. Pink tourmaline pieces typically range from $100-$500, while premium opals start around $200 and can reach several thousand dollars.

Can October birthstones be worn every day?

Tourmaline can definitely be worn daily with reasonable care. Opal requires more caution. Consider opal doublets or triplets for everyday wear, or choose opal in protected settings like pendants and earrings rather than rings.

Are October birthstones good for engagement rings?

Tourmaline makes an excellent engagement ring choice with its durability (7-7.5 Mohs) and romantic pink varieties. Opal is less practical for engagement rings due to its softness, but some choose it for unique beauty with protective settings.