October
October's birthstones are opal and tourmaline (added 1952) — symbols of hope, creativity and colourful change, each stone one of a kind.
October’s birthstones are opal and tourmaline (added 1952) — symbols of hope, creativity and colourful change, each stone one of a kind. One flowing fire, one family of many colours.
About the October Birthstone
October has two modern birthstones. Opal’s glory is the play-of-colour — the shifting spectrum flowing within, no two alike; tourmaline is one of the most colourful gems of all, from red and green to the copper-bearing, neon-glowing Paraíba. The traditional October stone is opal.
The Meaning of This Month
Opal symbolises hope, creativity and change, its flowing fire dreamlike; tourmaline symbolises colour and vitality. To give one to someone born in October is to wish “as unique as an opal, as colourful as tourmaline”.
History & Culture
The birthstone tradition traces to the twelve gems of the Breastplate of Aaron, matched to the months and zodiac, and standardised into the modern list by the American jewellers’ association in 1912. Opal has long been a stone of hope and purity — though a Victorian novel once cast it as “unlucky”, that has long been corrected; tourmaline joined the October list in 1952.
The Lists
| List | October birthstone |
|---|---|
| Modern (1912 · US, tourmaline 1952) | Opal · Tourmaline |
| Traditional | Opal |
| Zodiac | Libra (to 10/22) · Scorpio (from 10/23) |
Explore this month's stones
FAQ
What is October's birthstone?
Modern is opal and tourmaline; the traditional list is opal.
Why is every opal different?
Because its play-of-colour is diffracted by countless tiny silica spheres within — no two stones on earth are exactly alike.
Is opal unlucky?
That is a myth from a Victorian novel, long since corrected; opal has symbolised hope and purity since antiquity.
Can opal be set in a ring?
At only 5.5–6.5 and fragile, it suits pendants and earrings; a ring knocks and scratches easily, so wear one occasionally.
Which zodiac signs go with October?
Libra (to October 22) and Scorpio (from October 23).