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Do you know which gem shines as the October birthstone?
Trick question! There are actually two October birthstones. And in true October fashion, these gemstones are more treat than trick.
Unlike other monthly birthstones, October's gems sparkle in a wide range of rainbow color shades. These endless color choices make October birthstone jewelry some of the most unique gift choices to treat yourself or a special someone.
We'll spotlight everything you need to know about October's birthstones before making a purchase, including where they come from, how to care for them, and where you can find affordable yet stunning options.
To start, we have to answer:
What are the Birthstones for October?
October's birthstones are opal and tourmaline.
Why are there two birthstones for October?
In many cases, the original or traditional stone simply became too rare to find. Once it became less available to a jeweler, these gems became more expensive to jewelry lovers. So gemologists began to add more accessible precious stones to the list over the years.
Some months, like June and October, have two birthstones: one from the ancient list and one that's more modern. December actually has four birthstones: turquoise or lapis lazuli (old) and blue zircon or tanzanite (new).
According to the ancient list of monthly birthstones, opal is the original gem for October. The International Gem Society says tourmaline was added in recent years and is now a popular choice for October birthstone jewelry.
Opal and tourmaline are very similar in certain aspects — and yet incredibly different when it comes to others. Let's crack open each gemstone to learn more about them.
Everything You Need to Know About Opals
You can quickly and easily tell October's birthstone apart from a diamond or amethyst.
Opals are made of microscopic silica spheres. When light bounces off an opal gemstone, you'll see changing rainbow color flecks popping and shining against a black or white background.
Types of Opal
You'll find a medley of shades when it comes to opals. They can appear cool with hues of greenish-blue, gray, or violet. And they can also give off warm yellow, orange, and red tones, depending on how the opal picks up the light.
These color distinctions create different varieties of opals, such as:
- Fire Opal
- Boulder Opal
- Flashy Opal (also known as Precious Opal)
- Black Opal
- Common Opal (the least color-changing of the bunch)
Each opal differs in shape, color (both background and color play), opaqueness, price, and rarity.
Where Do Opals Come From?
The American Gem Society (AGS) reports that opals were first discovered in 1850 in Australia. The heavy rains in the Outback help transport silica deposits below the Earth's surface to crevices that sit between layered rocks. As water levels subside, opals begin to form.
Another source, the Gemological Institute of America, states that opals sourced in India were the first to be transported to the Western world and made available in the US.
While 95% of opals still come from Australia today, they're also mined in places such as:
- Africa: Ethiopia and Madagascar
- Asia: Indonesia
- Europe: Czech Republic
- The Middle East: Turkey
- The United States: Nevada and Idaho
- South America: Honduras, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru
These unique mineral deposits and climates help create equally striking, unique opals. And since no two opals are exactly alike, you can curate an impressive collection of different types of opal earrings, rings, necklaces, and more.
How to Care For and Clean Your Opals
The Mohs Hardness Scale measures a mineral or gem's resistance to scratching on a scale of 1 to 10. For example, the hardiness of a delicate pearl ranks between 2 and 4, while a real diamond clocks in at a 10.
Opals are rated a 5.5 to 6, which is somewhere in the middle. Natural opal is considered a delicate stone, as Gem Society points out, so even though you can wear them every day, they aren't super hardy and should always be treated with care.
It's best to store precious opal jewelry separately from your other earrings, necklaces, and bracelets with clasps since they can easily get scratched.
Opals can also crack under extreme temperatures, which means you definitely don't want to leave them in your car on a hot day. And drowning your opal in loads of direct sunlight exposure may cause them to lose a bit of their beautiful rainbow color.
As for cleaning your opals, warm soapy water is all it takes to get rid of gunk and restore their lustrous shine.
Fun Facts About Opals
Share these fun facts about opals over brunch, on your social media posts, or during your next virtual hangout:
- Ancient Romans called opals "opalas."
- A Sanskrit translation of "upalas" means "precious stones."
- The Greek word "opalios" translates as "to see a change in color."
- Opals are associated with good luck.
- Besides birthstone jewelry, opals are often given as a 14th wedding anniversary gift.
Now let's move on to the newer addition to the October birthstone list.
Everything You Need to Know About Tourmaline
Tourmaline is October's second birthstone, and it's the only mineral to come in such a plethora of different colors.
Miners first discovered green tourmaline in Brazil during the 1500s and confused its crystals for emerald. Others mined watermelon tourmaline — with shades of green and pink — and bright blue to violet paraiba tourmaline too.
With so much variation, it wasn't until the 1800s that this gem family became officially known as tourmaline.
Types of Tourmaline
Tourmaline has such a rainbow color gamut because a complex group of minerals, such as iron, potassium, and lithium, help form each precious stone.
As the American Gem Society explains, these minerals contain unique chemical compositions and physical properties that play into the formation of tourmaline crystals. These trace element combinations produce distinct colors in every shade of the rainbow.
Tourmalines are divided into 11 different varieties based on these properties, colors, and chemical composition. Some of the most popular tourmaline varieties include:
- Black tourmaline, which is often referred to as "schorl." Made of 95% tourmaline and packed with iron, this variety boasts dark hues that range from brown and blue to black.
- Dravite, also known as brown tourmaline, contains loads of magnesium. This leans its colors toward brown and yellow shades.
- Rubellite, which is also called red tourmaline and pink tourmaline, has traces of manganese. These stones have a vibrant, ruby color scheme.
- Indicolite, or blue tourmaline, can range in color from blue-green to purple-blue, depending on the iron and titanium found in it, according to AGS.
This assortment of color options makes tourmaline ultra-popular, especially for unique October birthstone jewelry. You can choose the stone's color based on your favorites or change it up with your mood and outfits.
Where Does Tourmaline Come From?
Tourmaline is now mined in places such as:
- Africa: Madagascar, Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique
- The Middle East: Afghanistan and Pakistan
- Asia: Sri Lanka
- South America: Brazil
- The United States: Maine and California
Each region's unique mineral composition affects the color, rarity, and price of tourmaline gemstones, just like opals.
How to Care For and Clean Your Tourmaline Gemstone
Tourmalines are slightly harder than opals, coming in at a 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This rating means they're a pretty solid everyday wearable you don't have to worry about scratching easily.
They're also strong enough to handle light exposure. However, heat can damage this beautiful gem and should be avoided.
As for cleaning, warm soapy water and a soft brush is all it takes to keep tourmalines shining bright. Despite being slightly hardier than opals, the Gemological Institute of America says you should avoid cleaning tourmalines with ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Fun Facts About Tourmaline
Some fun facts about tourmaline include:
- The name tourmaline comes from a Sinhalese word known as "tormalli," which means "stone with mixed colors."
- Tourmaline can be electrically charged through heat and pressure. When this happens, they can act like a magnet.
- Magicians used tourmaline back in the day to protect against pollutants, toxins, negative thoughts, and even radiation.
While tourmalines may be out of your budget, we know where you can snag gorgeous opals sans the outrageous price tag.
Where to Find Stunning Opals that Won’t Break the Bank
Opals represent a classic October birthstone full of modern magic and shimmer. Check out our collection of dainty opal rings we think you'll adore:
Our Simple Dots White Fire Opal Ring, Debra Dots Opal Ring, and Samantha Simple Dots 5 Opal Ring (pictured above in that order) are all amazing, affordable opal options.
The Blue Opal Carved Ring (seen left) features a beautiful blue opal gem that catches both the light and everyone’s attention.
If you prefer a white opal, the eye-catching and light-stealing center opal stone in our White Fire Champagne Opal Ring (pictured right) can’t be missed.
To match your individual style and wardrobe, you can customize each of these opal rings in your choice of metal. Choose from 18k yellow gold vermeil, 925 sterling silver, or 18k rose gold vermeil.
These dainty rings make perfect gifts for yourself or someone special in your life. They're also a captivating, modern choice for an engagement ring
(Psst! Send your partner a link to this guide as a *hint*)
Can't Decide? You Don't Have To!
Love all the opal rings in today's October birthstone jewelry spotlight? Save the headache of deciding between them and give yourself plenty of options.
With our famous ring deal, you don't have to settle for one. The price of each ring starts at $59. And you actually save money the more rings you buy.
Savvy shoppers can take home:
- 3 rings for $99 (save $78!)
- 5 rings for $159 (save $136!)
- 7 rings for $179 (save $234!)
Plus, our opal rings are made to last. You can safely wear them every day without worrying about them changing colors, turning your skin green, or falling apart.
We believe in our opal birthstone rings so much that we give jewelry lovers a 60-day return policy and a lifetime warranty (yes, 100 years!). We want to ensure you're perfectly happy with your choices long after you've made them.
We also offer free shipping, resizing, and exchanges, which your local jeweler may not be able to do for the price.
Rock Your Monthly Birthstone Today
October babies are fortunate to have the option of two delightful monthly birthstones. Whether you choose a tourmaline birthstone or an opal gemstone to represent your birth month, you now know more about where these precious stones come from and how to care for them.
If you want to change up your October birthstone color, tourmalines make a fantastic though pricier option. If you'd rather keep it classy, versatile, and affordable, the opal rings we shared in this guide are the perfect way to go.