Gift Guide
October Birthstone: Opal and Tourmaline Meaning and Colors
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October has two birthstones, opal and tourmaline. Here is what each one means, their colors, why the month has two, and how to choose an October birthstone gift.
Birthstone edit
October is the only month known for a stone that shows every color at once.
Opal's shifting flashes of color and tourmaline's wide range of shades give October-born people more choice than almost any other month.
Answer key: October has two birthstones: opal, the traditional stone, and tourmaline, added to the modern list in 1952
This guide covers the stones themselves. North & Pearl birth-month pieces use a color accent inspired by each month rather than natural gemstones, so check each product page for its material. To shop, browse our birthstone jewelry.
Quick Answer: What Is the Birthstone for October?
October has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opal is the traditional October birthstone and is known for its play-of-color, the shifting rainbow flashes seen as the stone moves. Tourmaline was added to the modern birthstone list in 1952 and comes in more colors than almost any other gem, with pink tourmaline the shade most associated with October. Opal is traditionally linked with hope and creativity, and tourmaline with calm and balance.
Traditional stone, known for rainbow play-of-color.
Modern stone since 1952, with pink the classic October shade.
Soft iridescence suggests opal; a clear color suggests tourmaline.
Key Takeaways
- October's two birthstones are opal (traditional) and tourmaline (modern).
- Opal is known for play-of-color and is traditionally linked with hope, creativity and faithfulness.
- Tourmaline comes in almost every color; pink tourmaline is the shade most tied to October.
- Opal is relatively soft, around 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, while tourmaline is harder at about 7 to 7.5.
- Opal is also the traditional 14th wedding anniversary gemstone, and tourmaline the 8th.
Opal: The Traditional October Birthstone
Opal is formed from silica and water, and its best-known feature is play-of-color: flashes of green, blue, red and orange that move as the stone turns. Not every opal shows it, and the stone also comes in white, black, fire and boulder varieties.
Opal has long been associated with hope, faithfulness, creativity and confidence. Its name is usually traced to the Sanskrit upala and the Latin opalus, both meaning precious stone. Much of the world's supply today comes from Australia.
Caring for Opal
Opal is softer than most birthstones and can contain water, so it is best kept away from knocks, harsh cleaners and sudden temperature changes. Store it separately so harder stones cannot scratch it.
Tourmaline: The Modern October Birthstone
Tourmaline was added as an October birthstone in 1952, when the Jewelry Industry Council of America updated the modern list. The name comes from the Sinhalese turmali, often translated as mixed or multicolored stone, a fitting description for a gem found in pink, green, blue, red, yellow and bi-color forms.
Pink tourmaline is the shade most often chosen for October. Tourmaline is traditionally associated with compassion, calm and balance, and at 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale it is a more practical choice for rings worn every day.
Gifting note
A birthday gift that matches the month.
An October birthday falls right as the season turns. A small pendant or ring in an opal-style or pink accent is an easy, meaningful way to mark it.
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Opal vs. Tourmaline at a Glance
| Opal | Tourmaline | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Traditional October birthstone | Modern October birthstone (1952) |
| Signature look | Shifting rainbow play-of-color | Clear color; pink is classic for October |
| Common meanings | Hope, creativity, faithfulness | Compassion, calm, balance |
| Mohs hardness | About 5.5 to 6.5 | About 7 to 7.5 |
| Best for | Pendants and earrings | Everyday rings and bracelets |
| Anniversary | 14th | 8th |
Neither stone is the "true" October birthstone: both are listed on the modern chart, so choose the one whose look you prefer. For the history of how birthstone lists were set, see our origin of birthstones guide.
Why Does October Have Two Birthstones?
Several months gained a second stone when the modern list was published in 1912 and revised in 1952. The additions gave shoppers more affordable or more durable options and a wider choice of colors. October kept opal and gained tourmaline, partly because opal's softness makes it less suited to everyday rings.
Choosing an October Birthstone Gift
- For a soft, luminous look, choose an opal-style or iridescent accent in a pendant, where it is protected from knocks.
- For a clean pop of color, choose a pink accent that nods to tourmaline.
- For a ring worn daily, a harder stone or a durable color accent is the more practical choice.
- Combine the month with a name or initial for a more personal gift. Our birthstone necklace guide covers styles by occasion.
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October birthstone gift ideas
Opal-Style Marquise Ring
A silver-tone ring with a marquise-shaped opal-effect stone.
$32.00
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Opal-Style Birth Month Ring
A soft, luminous color-accent ring, with October among the month options.
$99.00
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Heart Birthstone Pendant Necklace
A delicate heart pendant; select October before adding to cart.
$49.00
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Baguette Birthstone Necklace
A minimal baguette pendant with a month color accent.
$69.00
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Birth-month pieces use a color accent inspired by each month, not natural opal or tourmaline. Select October before adding to cart. Product pages are the source of truth for materials and options.
FAQ
What is the true birthstone for October?
Both opal and tourmaline are official October birthstones on the modern list. Opal is the older, traditional stone, and tourmaline was added in 1952.
Why does October have 2 birthstones?
The modern birthstone list was revised in 1952 and added tourmaline alongside opal, giving a harder, more practical option and a wider range of colors.
Which is better, opal or tourmaline?
Neither is better; they suit different pieces. Opal is prized for its play-of-color but is soft, so it suits pendants and earrings. Tourmaline is harder and better for everyday rings.
What color represents October?
Pink is the color most associated with October, from pink tourmaline, along with the multicolored iridescence of opal.
What does the October birthstone mean?
Opal is traditionally linked with hope, faithfulness and creativity. Tourmaline is associated with compassion, calm and balance.
Related Guides
- October Birth Flower: Guide and Meanings
- Birthstone Chart by Month
- Birthstone Necklace Guide
- The Origin of Birthstones
- The Rarest and Most Expensive Birthstones
- Birthday Jewelry Gift Ideas
Planning an October birthday gift?
Shop Birthstone JewelryFinal Buying Note
Opal and tourmaline are both October birthstones, so there is no wrong choice. Pick the look the person will enjoy wearing, and choose a style that suits how often they will wear it.
