October Birthstone Guide: Opal & Tourmaline Meaning & Jewelry

October is a rare month in the birthstone calendar — it boasts not one, but two dazzling gems: opal and tourmaline. Both are celebrated for their brilliance, depth of meaning, and versatility in fine jewelry. Whether it’s the fiery rainbow flashes of opal or the rich spectrum of tourmaline, these stones embody October’s spirit of transformation and warmth.

Read More form the International Gem Society on October’s Birthstone.

Opal: October’s Traditional Birthstone

Gemological Traits

Opal’s name derives from the Sanskrit upala (precious stone) and Latin opalus. Its unique phenomenon — known as play-of-color — is caused by tiny silica spheres diffracting light into shifting rainbow flashes. Unlike most crystalline gems, opal is amorphous, giving it a fluid, glowing quality.

• Hardness: 5.0–6.5 on the Mohs scale

• Composition: Hydrated silica

• Durability: Best worn with care; avoid extreme heat, rapid temperature changes, or rough impact

• Sources: Australia (black and white opals), Ethiopia (vivid crystal opals), Mexico (fire opals)

Opals come in many varieties:

• Black opals: The rarest, with deep body tones that intensify color play.

• Fire opals: Known for vibrant orange and red hues, sometimes without rainbow flashes.

• White opals: Milky and soft with shimmering pastel fire.

• Crystal opals: Transparent with vivid, luminous color play.

💎 Explore our Opal jewelry collection featuring exquisite vintage and estate designs.

Take a Peek at one of our October Favorites:

An 11.52cts GIA Black opal Diamond Platinum Halo Cocktail Ring, framed by baguette diamonds. The deep body tone enhances fiery flashes of green, blue, and red. Perfect for collectors seeking the rarest October birthstone.

Symbolism & Meaning

Historically, Romans believed opals carried the virtues of all other gems. Through the centuries, opal has been associated with hope, inspiration, and creativity. In modern metaphysical traditions, it is considered a stone of amplification — enhancing emotion and imagination. Learn More  on GIA’s October Birthstone Page

Tourmaline: October’s Modern Birthstone

Gemological Traits

Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, meaning “stone of mixed colors.” Few gemstones can rival its range — from neon blues to fiery pinks and velvety greens.

• Hardness: 7.0–7.5 Mohs, more durable than opal

• Structure: Complex borosilicate mineral family, pleochroic (shows different colors at different angles)

• Sources: Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, USA

Popular varieties include:

• Rubellite (pink/red): Often linked to love and compassion.

• Green tourmaline: Symbolizing courage and vitality.

• Paraíba tourmaline: Rare, neon-blue stones colored by copper — among the most valuable. As in this Neon-blue Paraíba tourmaline set in white gold with a diamond halo. One of the most coveted tourmaline varieties for its electrifying glow.

• Watermelon tourmaline: Striking crystals showing pink cores with green rims.

• Black tourmaline (schorl): Worn as a talisman of protection.

💎 Discover our curated Tourmaline rings and earrings in vintage and modern styles.

Symbolism & Meaning

Tourmaline is often considered a stone of balance and grounding. Each color carries distinct associations — pink for emotional healing, green for strength, and black for protection. It is also the gem of the eighth wedding anniversary. Featured Item: Cushion-cut pink tourmaline accented by diamond pavé in rose gold. Tourmaline is not only an October birthstone but also the gem of the eighth wedding anniversary.

American Gem Society  “October Birthstones: The Colorful Beauty of Opal & Tourmaline”

Why October Shines in Warm Gold

October is naturally tied to warm gold tones:

• Seasonal palette: Autumn leaves and amber sunsets echo the glow of yellow and rose gold.

• Contrast: Warm metals intensify opal’s rainbow flashes and tourmaline’s rich hues.

• Symbolism: Gold evokes warmth, abundance, and continuity — perfect for celebrating a birth month.

• Trend: Designers favor gold settings for opals and tourmalines, creating jewelry that feels both classic and modern.

Celebrity Sightings & October Birthdays

October boasts a roster of famous names, including Julia Roberts (Oct 28), Kim Kardashian (Oct 21), and Drake (Oct 24). Recent jewelry trends have brought opals and tourmalines into the celebrity spotlight:

• Taylor Swift has been photographed wearing opal jewelry, including a Foundrae opal charm necklace, as a nod to boyfriend Travis Kelce’s October birthstone. Fans also linked her rumored track “Opalite” to the gem.

• Gwyneth Paltrow has worn tourmaline earrings on the red carpet.

• Selena Gomez and Zooey Deschanel have also been spotted in pink and green tourmaline designs.

These cultural connections keep October’s gems in fashion headlines and jewelry wish-lists.

Caring for October Birthstones

FAQs About October Birthstones

Q: What are October’s two birthstones?
A: October has two official birthstones: opal (traditional) and tourmaline (modern).

Q: Which October birthstone is rarer, opal or tourmaline?
A: Fine black opals and Paraíba tourmalines are both extremely rare, often commanding the highest values.

Q: Which is better for daily wear, opal or tourmaline?
A: Tourmaline is more durable for everyday wear. Opal is best for occasional wear in protective settings.

Q: Why do we associate October with warm gold tones?
A: Gold mirrors the season’s colors and enhances the brilliance of both opal and tourmaline, making it the perfect metal pairing for October jewelry.

Opal and tourmaline embody October’s dual spirit — one shimmering with rainbow fire, the other dazzling with endless colors. From fiery opals set in warm gold to neon Paraíba tourmalines framed in diamonds, October birthstone jewelry offers both timeless elegance and contemporary flair.

Whether you’re gifting a loved one or treating yourself, these gems celebrate life’s transitions, passions, and beauty — just like the season itself.