October birthstone
October birthstone: Opal
Opal is the stone of hope, creativity, innocence and inspiration. Here's its color, history, care and what to look for when you buy.
- Color
- White, black, boulder and fire opal
- Hardness
- 5.5–6.5 Mohs
- Meaning
- hope, creativity, innocence and inspiration
- Found in
- Australia (about 95% of the world's supply), Ethiopia, Mexico (fire opal) and Brazil
- Anniversary
- 14th
- Alternates
- tourmaline
- Birth flower
- Marigold and Cosmos
Shop October birthstone jewelry
October birthstone necklaceDainty opal pendants, the #1 birth month giftShop on Amazon →Opal ringsSolitaires, stackers & bezel settingsShop on Amazon →October birthstone braceletCharm & chain bracelets with tiny stonesShop on Amazon →Opal stud earringsSimple studs that go with everythingShop on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
Opal colors
White, black, boulder and fire opal. The rainbow "play-of-color" is caused by tiny silica spheres that split light.
History & meaning
The Romans thought opal held the powers of every colored gem. A 19th-century Walter Scott novel gave opals an undeserved reputation for bad luck, until Queen Victoria wore them proudly. Pink tourmaline, which comes in every color, is October's second birthstone.
Caring for opal
Soft, and it can crack if it dries out or heats up suddenly. Protective settings are best. Never use ultrasonic cleaners.
What opal costs
Ethiopian white opal is affordable. Australian black opal with bright red flashes is among the most valuable gems.
October birthstone jewelry
Necklaces, rings and bracelets in opal, plus how to pick a setting that suits a 5.5–6.5-hardness stone.
Shop October jewelry ideasQuestions, answered
What is the October birthstone?
The October birthstone is Opal. Alternate October birthstones are tourmaline.
What color is the October birthstone?
White, black, boulder and fire opal. The rainbow "play-of-color" is caused by tiny silica spheres that split light.
What does opal mean?
Opal symbolizes hope, creativity, innocence and inspiration.
Is opal good for everyday rings?
Opal rates 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Soft, and it can crack if it dries out or heats up suddenly. Protective settings are best. Never use ultrasonic cleaners.
How much does opal cost?
Ethiopian white opal is affordable. Australian black opal with bright red flashes is among the most valuable gems.
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