The October birthstone is actually two stones: opal and tourmaline. October is one of only a few months with a double birthstone, which means anyone born this month can choose between the shifting rainbow flashes of opal and the candy-bright colours of tourmaline — or wear both.
This guide explains what each October birthstone means, where it comes from, how hard it is, how to care for it, and which one suits you best.
What Is the October Birthstone?
The two official October birthstones in the United States are opal (the traditional stone) and tourmaline (added to the modern list in 1952, with pink tourmaline the most associated shade). Both are listed by the American Gem Trade Association and jewellers across the US and UK.
| Opal | Tourmaline | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Traditional October birthstone | Modern October birthstone |
| Colours | White, black, fire (orange), crystal, boulder; famous for “play-of-colour” | Pink, green, blue, red, bi-colour “watermelon” |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5.5 – 6.5 | 7 – 7.5 |
| Main sources | Australia (most of the world’s precious opal), Ethiopia, Mexico | Brazil, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, USA |
| Anniversary | 14th wedding anniversary | 8th wedding anniversary |
| Symbolises | Hope, creativity, imagination, truth | Compassion, calm, emotional balance |
Opal: The Traditional October Birthstone
Opal is made of silica spheres and water. When light passes through the tightly packed spheres it splits into flashes of colour that move as you tilt the stone — gemologists call this play-of-colour, and no two opals show it the same way.
Opal meaning and symbolism
The name is thought to come from the Sanskrit upala (“precious stone”) and the Latin opalus. Ancient Romans considered opal a symbol of hope and purity; medieval Europeans believed it held the virtues of every coloured gem at once. Today the October birthstone opal is linked with creativity, spontaneity and emotional openness — fitting for a stone that changes with the light.
Types of opal
- White opal – light body colour, the most common and affordable.
- Black opal – dark body colour that makes flashes glow; the rarest and most valuable, mined mainly at Lightning Ridge, Australia.
- Fire opal – transparent orange-red, often from Mexico; may or may not show play-of-colour.
- Boulder opal – opal still attached to its ironstone host rock.
- Ethiopian (Welo) opal – bright and affordable, but can absorb water temporarily.
Tourmaline: The Modern October Birthstone
Tourmaline comes in more colours than almost any other gem, because small changes in its chemistry (iron, manganese, lithium, copper) change its colour. A single crystal can even be pink at one end and green at the other.
Tourmaline meaning and symbolism
The name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, used for mixed gem pebbles in Sri Lanka. Pink tourmaline is associated with love, compassion and gentleness, while green tourmaline is linked with growth and courage. Because it is harder than opal, tourmaline is the more practical October birthstone for everyday rings.
Popular tourmaline varieties
- Rubellite – intense pink to red.
- Indicolite – blue.
- Verdelite – green.
- Watermelon tourmaline – pink core with a green rim.
- Paraíba tourmaline – neon blue-green from copper; among the most valuable gems in the world.
Opal or Tourmaline: Which October Birthstone Should You Choose?
- Choose opal if you love one-of-a-kind stones, pendants and earrings, or vintage style.
- Choose tourmaline if you want an everyday ring, a specific colour, or a stone that tolerates knocks.
- Choose both for a stacked ring set or a pendant with an opal centre and tourmaline accents.
October Birthstone by Zodiac Sign
October babies are either Libra (September 23 – October 22) or Scorpio (October 23 – November 21). Many people pair opal with airy, artistic Libra and deep pink or red tourmaline with intense, passionate Scorpio — a fun match rather than a rule.
How to Care for Your October Birthstone
Opal care
- Clean with warm, mild soapy water and a soft cloth only.
- Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes and strong heat, which can cause “crazing” (fine cracks).
- Store separately so harder gems do not scratch it.
Tourmaline care
- Warm soapy water and a soft brush work well.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone has fractures or treatments.
- Keep it away from prolonged high heat, which can change its colour.
October Birthstone Gift Ideas
- An opal pendant on a fine gold chain for a first birthday gift as an adult.
- Pink tourmaline stud earrings – subtle and everyday-friendly.
- A mother’s ring with each child’s birthstone.
- Watermelon tourmaline slice pendant for someone who loves unusual pieces.
- An opal-and-diamond ring for a 14th anniversary.
Add a heartfelt note: our birthday wishes for mom, birthday wishes for a friend and birthday quotes pair perfectly with a birthstone gift.
October Birthstone FAQ
What is the real October birthstone?
Both. Opal is the traditional October birthstone and tourmaline is the modern one, so either is correct.
What colour is the October birthstone?
Opal shows a rainbow of flashing colours on a white, black or orange body; tourmaline is most often pink but comes in every colour.
Is opal bad luck?
No. The superstition dates to a 19th-century novel by Sir Walter Scott. Historically opal was considered one of the luckiest stones.
What is the October birth flower?
October’s birth flowers are the marigold and the cosmos.
For more on gemstones, see the GIA guide to October birthstones.
