Quick answer: October's birthstones are opal and tourmaline. Opal is the traditional October birthstone, famous for its flashes of rainbow colour. Pink tourmaline was added as the modern alternative in 1952, and tourmaline comes in more colours than almost any other gemstone. You don't have to be born in October to wear either one.
Most months get one birthstone and get on with it. October got two, and neither of them knows how to be subtle.
One flashes every colour of the rainbow when you tilt your hand. The other turns up in pink, green, blue, red and occasionally all of them at once, like a slice of watermelon. Honestly, it's a lot. We love it.
Why does October have two birthstones?
October has two birthstones because the official birthstone list was updated in the 1950s. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) met in Kansas City and adopted a standard list of birthstones, with opal for October. In 1952, the Jewelry Industry Council of America updated that list and added pink tourmaline as an alternative October birthstone.
So opal is the original, and tourmaline is the fabulous newcomer who walked in 70-odd years ago and never left.
Why add a second stone? Partly choice. Opal is gorgeous but softer, and some people wanted a tougher, more transparent gem for everyday rings. Tourmaline fits the bill beautifully.
What makes opal so extraordinary?
Opal is famous for its play-of-colour: those flashes of blue, green, pink, orange and red that move as the light changes. No other gemstone does it quite the same way. Turn an opal slightly and you get a completely different show.
A few things worth knowing:
- Opal is Australian royalty. Opal was proclaimed Australia's national gemstone on 23 July 1993, and Australia has been the world's major opal producer since 1932.
- Where it comes from. Lightning Ridge in NSW is known for black opal, Coober Pedy in South Australia for white opal, and boulder opal is found in Queensland, the only place in the world it's mined.
- Its name means "precious stone". The name is believed to come from the Sanskrit word upala, which became opalus in ancient Rome.
- It's millions of years in the making. Opal forms from silica-rich water that settles into cracks in the earth and very, very slowly hardens.
At Desiderate, our opal jewellery features Australian opal doublets, Queensland boulder opal and Ethiopian opal set in sterling silver. Want the full opal story, including whether opals are unlucky (spoiler: no)? Read our ultimate guide to opals.
What colours does tourmaline come in?
Tourmaline comes in nearly every colour, including pink, red, green, blue, purple, yellow and black, and a single crystal can show two or more colours at once. Its name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, meaning "stone with mixed colours". Which, frankly, is the most accurate name a gemstone has ever had.
The tourmaline varieties you'll hear about most:
- Pink tourmaline: the official October alternative, ranging from soft blush to bright, unapologetic Barbie pink.
- Rubellite: the name for deep pink to red tourmaline.
- Watermelon tourmaline: pink in the centre, green around the edge. Exactly like the fruit, minus the seeds.
- Paraíba tourmaline: a rare neon blue to green, coloured by traces of copper.
Tourmaline is also harder than opal (around 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, compared with opal at about 5 to 6.5), so it's a great choice for rings you'll wear every day.
Shop our pink tourmaline jewellery and watermelon tourmaline jewellery, handcrafted in sterling silver, with larger ring sizes available.
What do the October birthstones mean?
Opal is traditionally linked with hope, creativity, joy and confidence. Pink tourmaline is associated with love, compassion and emotional balance, and watermelon tourmaline with balance and kindness.
We'll be honest: no gemstone is going to do your tax return. But wearing something that reminds you to be hopeful, creative and a bit kinder to yourself? We're all for it.
Opal and tourmaline are also popular with Libras and Scorpios, since October covers both star signs.
Why no two natural gemstones look the same
Every natural opal and tourmaline is one of a kind. Opal's play-of-colour depends on how tiny silica spheres stacked up inside the stone over millions of years, so no two opals flash the same way. Tourmaline's colour depends on the trace elements around it as the crystal grew, which is why one stone can be blush pink and the next watermelon.
That means the opal or tourmaline you buy from us won't look exactly like the photo, or like your friend's. That's not a flaw. That's the whole point. You're not getting a copy; you're getting the only one.
Do I have to be born in October to wear an October birthstone?
No. Anyone can wear opal or tourmaline, whatever month they were born. Birthstones are a lovely tradition, not a rule. Plenty of people choose a gemstone simply because they love the colour, it suits their skin tone, or it means something to them.
Obviously not. Wear the one you love.
How do I care for opal and tourmaline jewellery?
- Opal: Clean gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Don't soak opal doublets or triplets, as long exposure to water can weaken the layers. Avoid sudden temperature changes and store opal separately so harder gems can't scratch it.
- Tourmaline: Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid heat, steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners.
- Both: Take your jewellery off before swimming, cleaning, gym sessions and applying perfume or hand cream.
Opal or tourmaline: which October birthstone should I choose?
| If you love... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Rainbow flashes and something a bit magical | Opal |
| An Australian gemstone with a story | Australian or boulder opal |
| Pink, pink and more pink | Pink tourmaline |
| A ring for every single day | Tourmaline (it's harder) |
| Two colours in one stone | Watermelon tourmaline |
| Can't decide | Both. We support this decision. |
October birthstone FAQ
What is the birthstone for October?
October has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opal is the traditional stone and pink tourmaline is the modern alternative, added in 1952.
What colour is the October birthstone?
Opal shows a rainbow play-of-colour on a white, black or blue base. Tourmaline comes in almost every colour, but pink is the official October shade.
Is opal or tourmaline the main October birthstone?
Opal is the original October birthstone from the 1912 list. Tourmaline is the official alternative. Both are correct.
Is opal good for everyday wear?
Opal is softer than most gemstones, so it's best for earrings, pendants and rings you wear with a little care. Tourmaline is tougher and better suited to rings worn every day.
Is opal unlucky?
No. In ancient Rome, opal was considered one of the luckiest gems of all, and plenty of cultures have seen it as a symbol of hope and good fortune.
What is a good gift for someone born in October?
Opal or pink tourmaline jewellery makes a meaningful October birthday gift. Rings, studs and pendants in sterling silver are popular choices because they're easy to wear every day.
Where can I buy opal and tourmaline jewellery in Australia?
Desiderate is an Australian jewellery brand offering opal and tourmaline rings, earrings and pendants handcrafted in sterling silver, with free delivery over $100 and larger ring sizes available.
[ADD IMAGE 6 HERE: On-hand or lifestyle shot wearing opal and/or tourmaline. Alt text: Woman wearing opal and pink tourmaline rings in sterling silver]
Born in October? Lucky you.
Born in literally any other month? We won't be checking identification.
Shop opal or shop tourmaline and treat yourself. Or someone you love. But mostly yourself.
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