October Birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline
Born in October · 2 birthstones
October has two birthstones, and both are full of color. Opal flashes little rainbows when it moves. Tourmaline comes in almost every color, and one crystal can even be pink on one end and green on the other.
About Opal
Known for its shifting rainbow flashes. The body can be white, black, yellow, orange or red.
5-6.5
Australia is the biggest source. Ethiopia and Mexico are also important, plus Brazil and others.
📜 Story and old beliefs
About Tourmaline
Almost every color - pink, red, green, blue, violet, and many stones show two or more colors.
7-7.5
Brazil is the most common source. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, and California and Maine in the United States also produce it.
📜 Story and old beliefs
For a Baby Born in October
October babies are born in a month of changing leaves, and their birthstones are all about color. Opal's rainbow and tourmaline's many shades are a happy symbol for a baby who will show you a new side of themselves every day. Soft pink, from pink tourmaline, is a popular October theme.
Keepsake Ideas
Birthstones are keepsakes for later, not jewelry for babies. Do not put necklaces, bracelets, anklets or small stones on a baby or toddler - they can cause choking or strangulation. That includes amber or gemstone 'teething' necklaces, which the U.S. FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics warn against. Keep gems and jewelry out of reach.
October Zodiac Signs
Quick Answers
What is the birthstone for October?
October has two: opal and tourmaline.
Is opal fragile?
Opal is softer than most gems - 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale - so it can scratch or crack. Store it apart from harder stones.
What does opal mean?
By tradition it stands for hope, purity and truth. These are old beliefs, not facts about the stone.
Stone list and gem facts follow the GIA birthstone guides. Meanings are old traditions and folklore, not facts or health claims.