What Are October’s Birthstones? A Complete Guide to Opal and Tourmaline

What Are October’s Birthstones? A Complete Guide to Opal and Tourmaline

Table of Contents

• What are October’s birthstones?
• What is opal?
• What gives opal its unique play-of-color?
• What colors can opal be?
• What does opal symbolize?
• Is opal durable enough for everyday wear?
• How should you care for opal jewelry?
• What is tourmaline?
• What colors does tourmaline come in?
• Why is pink tourmaline associated with October?
• What does tourmaline symbolize?
• Is tourmaline durable enough for everyday wear?
• How should you care for tourmaline jewelry?
• Should you choose opal or tourmaline?
• What should you look for when buying October birthstone jewelry?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

October is one of the few months with two beautiful birthstone choices: opal and tourmaline. Opal is treasured for its remarkable play-of-color, which can produce flashes of many colors from a single gemstone. Tourmaline offers an entirely different look and is found in an extraordinary range of colors, with pink tourmaline being especially popular as an October birthstone.

Both gemstones can make meaningful gifts for an October birthday, anniversary, new baby or other special occasion. However, opal and tourmaline have different characteristics, particularly when it comes to durability and care. Understanding those differences can help you choose a piece of jewelry that is both beautiful and appropriate for the person who will wear it.

At Hopman Jewelers in Downtown Elkhart, we can help you explore gemstone jewelry and find an October birthstone piece that fits your style, lifestyle and budget.

What Are October’s Birthstones?

October has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline.

The two gemstones offer October birthdays an unusually diverse selection. Opals are known for their distinctive flashes of color, while tourmaline occurs naturally in a wide variety of colors.

Although pink tourmaline is particularly associated with October, tourmaline is not limited to pink. Depending on the variety, tourmaline can be green, blue, red, pink, yellow, brown or even display more than one color within a single gemstone.

That means October birthstone jewelry can range from delicate and romantic to colorful and dramatic.

Opal

What Is Opal?

Opal is a fascinating gemstone composed of hydrated silica. Unlike many familiar gemstones that have an orderly crystalline structure, opal is considered an amorphous material.

One of opal's most recognizable characteristics is its ability to display changing flashes of color as the gemstone or the viewer moves.

Not every opal looks the same, however. Opals can differ dramatically in body color, transparency, pattern and the amount and intensity of play-of-color they display.

Learn more about Opals here.  

What Gives Opal Its Play-of-Color?

The colorful flashes seen in precious opal are known as play-of-color.

Microscopic silica spheres within the opal interact with light. When those spheres are arranged appropriately, light is diffracted and separated into spectral colors. As the viewing angle changes, different colors may become visible.

This phenomenon can produce flashes of:

• Red
• Orange
• Yellow
• Green
• Blue
• Violet

Some opals may show only one or two dominant colors, while exceptional examples can display a broad spectrum.

This is also why no two opals look exactly alike. The pattern and arrangement of color can give each gemstone an individual personality.

What Colors Can Opal Be?

When many people hear "opal," they picture a light-colored gemstone with rainbow flashes. However, opal occurs in several appearances.

You may encounter white or light opal, which has a white or pale body color; black opal, which has a darker body color that can make its play-of-color appear especially vivid; and fire opal, which typically has a yellow, orange or reddish body color.

There are also transparent, translucent and opaque opals.

An opal's beauty and value are influenced by several characteristics, including its play-of-color, pattern, body color, transparency, size and overall condition.

What Does Opal Symbolize?

Throughout history, opal has accumulated many traditions and legends. Today, it is commonly associated with creativity, hope, individuality and inspiration.

Because each opal has its own pattern and combination of colors, it can be an especially personal choice for birthstone jewelry.

Opal is also traditionally associated with the 14th wedding anniversary, making opal jewelry a meaningful anniversary gift as well as an October birthday gift.

Is Opal Durable Enough for Everyday Wear?

Opal requires more care than many other gemstones.

Opal measures approximately 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. For comparison, diamond measures 10 and sapphire and ruby measure 9.

The Mohs scale measures resistance to scratching, but hardness is only one part of gemstone durability. Opal also contains water and may be vulnerable to cracking, crazing or damage from extreme temperature changes or improper care.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't wear opal jewelry. It simply means you should treat it thoughtfully.

Opal earrings and pendants are generally less exposed to everyday knocks and bumps than rings. If you love an opal ring, consider removing it during activities that could expose the stone to impact or abrasion.

How Should You Care for Opal Jewelry?

Gentle care is important with opal.

Clean opal jewelry using lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, extreme heat and sudden temperature changes.

You should also avoid automatically placing opal jewelry in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Treatments, construction and the particular type of opal can affect appropriate cleaning methods.

When you're unsure, bring the piece to a professional jeweler for cleaning and inspection.

Tourmaline

What Is Tourmaline?

Tourmaline is a gemstone family known for an impressive range of colors. In fact, few gemstone groups offer as much color variety.

Tourmaline can occur in shades of:

• Pink
• Red
• Green
• Blue
• Yellow
• Brown
• Black

Some tourmalines even display multiple colors in the same crystal.

This enormous color range makes tourmaline appealing to people who want birthstone jewelry that feels less traditional or who simply have a favorite color.

Discover more about tourmaline here.  

Why Is Pink Tourmaline Associated With October?

While tourmaline occurs in many colors, pink tourmaline has become one of the most recognizable choices for October birthstone jewelry.

Its color can range from delicate pale pink to richer, more saturated pink and reddish-pink shades.

For someone who loves feminine color but wants something different from a traditional ruby or pink sapphire, pink tourmaline can be a beautiful option.

You don't have to choose pink, though. An October birthday is a wonderful excuse to explore tourmaline's entire color palette.

What Does Tourmaline Symbolize?

Tourmaline has traditionally been associated with qualities such as love, friendship, compassion and emotional well-being, although symbolism varies among cultures and traditions.

Different colors have also developed their own symbolic associations.

For jewelry buyers, perhaps the most appealing quality is tourmaline's individuality. With so many available colors, you can choose a gemstone that reflects the recipient's personality rather than feeling limited to one traditional birthstone color.

Is Tourmaline Durable Enough for Everyday Wear?

Tourmaline generally measures 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it more resistant to scratching than opal.

It can be suitable for many types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

However, tourmaline is not indestructible. A hard impact can still chip or damage a gemstone, particularly around facet junctions or exposed edges.

For a tourmaline ring that will be worn frequently, the setting design can also play an important role in protecting the gemstone.

How Should You Care for Tourmaline Jewelry?

Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush are generally appropriate for routine cleaning of tourmaline jewelry.

Avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes.

Ultrasonic and steam cleaning may not be appropriate for every tourmaline, particularly if a stone has inclusions or has received certain treatments. When you don't know the history of a gemstone, professional cleaning is the safer choice.

Regular jewelry inspections are also important. A jeweler can check the prongs or other setting components holding the gemstone before normal wear develops into a larger problem.

Should You Choose Opal or Tourmaline?

There really isn't a wrong answer.

Choose opal if you love:

• One-of-a-kind patterns and flashes of color
• A gemstone with an unusual appearance
• Jewelry with an artistic or romantic quality
• A stone that looks different as it moves

Shop Opal Jewelry here.  

Choose tourmaline if you love:

• Bright or saturated color
• A wider variety of color choices
• A gemstone that is generally more resistant to scratching than opal
• Traditional faceted gemstone styles

Shop Tourmaline Jewelry here.  

Lifestyle should also influence the decision. Someone who is hard on jewelry may find tourmaline easier to wear regularly, while someone who is comfortable giving a gemstone a little extra care may love owning an opal.

What Should You Look for When Buying October Birthstone Jewelry?

Start with the gemstone itself. Color and appearance should appeal to you, regardless of what happens to be considered the most desirable variety.

With opal, pay attention to the pattern, brightness and distribution of play-of-color. Turn the jewelry in different directions and look at the gemstone from several angles.

With tourmaline, consider the attractiveness and saturation of its color, transparency, cut and overall appearance.

Next, look at the jewelry's construction. Make sure the gemstone is appropriately protected for the way the piece will be worn. Rings typically experience considerably more wear than earrings and pendants.

Finally, ask questions. Gemstones may be natural, synthetic or treated, and some jewelry may contain assembled stones such as opal doublets or triplets. A knowledgeable jeweler can explain what you're purchasing and how to care for it properly.

Frequently Asked Questions About October Birthstones

What are the two birthstones for October?
The traditional modern birthstones associated with October are opal and tourmaline. Both offer a wide variety of appearances, giving October birthdays more choices than many other birthstone months.

Is pink tourmaline the only October tourmaline?
No. Tourmaline occurs in many colors. Pink is strongly associated with October birthstone jewelry, but green, blue and multicolored tourmalines are also part of the tourmaline gemstone family.

Can I wear an opal ring every day?
You can wear an opal ring, but it requires more care than harder gemstones. Remove it for strenuous activities, household cleaning, gardening, exercise and situations where it could receive a hard impact.

Can opal jewelry go in an ultrasonic cleaner?
It is best not to assume that an opal is safe for ultrasonic cleaning. The type of opal, treatments and jewelry construction can all matter. Gentle hand cleaning or professional cleaning is the safer approach.

Is tourmaline good for rings?
Yes. With a Mohs hardness of approximately 7 to 7.5, tourmaline can be a good choice for rings when worn and cared for appropriately. The setting should also provide adequate protection for the gemstone.

Celebrate an October Birthday With Opal or Tourmaline

Whether you're drawn to the ever-changing colors of opal or the beautiful range of colors found in tourmaline, October offers two wonderful birthstone choices.

Birthstone jewelry can be a meaningful way to celebrate a birthday, but it can also commemorate an anniversary, new baby, family connection or another important moment.

Visit Hopman Jewelers in Downtown Elkhart to explore opal, tourmaline and other colored gemstone jewelry. Our team can help you compare gemstones, understand proper care and find a piece you'll enjoy wearing for years to come.

Jewelry for every engagement.