October Birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline
October is a magical month filled with the vibrant hues of autumn leaves and cozy scents of pumpkin spice lattes. It is also a month with not one, but two beautiful birthstones: opal and tourmaline. These gemstones are as unique and diverse as the month itself, making them the perfect choice for October-born individuals seeking a special and meaningful piece of jewelry.
Here is everything to know about October birthstones, including the best opal and tourmaline jewelry to shop for yourself or a loved one born in October.
What are the October Birthstones?
Opal is the traditional birthstone for October while tourmaline is the month’s modern birthstone.
Opal
Opal is a type of silica and is classified as a mineraloid. Originally found in India, this precious stone is known for its captivating play-of-color. This remarkable optical phenomenon occurs when microscopic silica spheres refract and diffract light, producing a mesmerizing spectrum of colors that appear to dance within the stone.
Opals have a rich history and have been cherished for centuries. The Romans believed opals symbolized hope and purity, while the ancient Greeks associated them with foresight and prophecy. Opals were also considered a symbol of love and passion in the Middle Ages, making them a popular choice for engagement rings.
This stunning stone can be found all around the world, from Ethiopia to Brazil to Mexico and parts of the United States. Australia, however, produces over 90% of the world’s opal.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is another enchanting October birthstone known for its alluring array of colors. In fact, it is often referred to as the “rainbow gemstone” due to its diverse spectrum of hues. The gem comes in different varieties, including red, green, pink, blue, and black.
Tourmaline is not only cherished for its beauty but also for its supposed healing properties. Some believe that tourmaline can promote balance and harmony in one’s life and protect against negative energy and stress.
Because of its wide range of hues, the symbolism of tourmaline differs from one color to another. For example, green tourmaline is associated with courage and confidence while pink tourmaline is said to symbolize love and compassion.
Tourmaline can be found in Afghanistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Maine, and California, but it is primarily mined in Brazil.
Best October Birthstone Jewelry
If you or a loved one are celebrating an October birthday, there’s no better gift than birthstone jewelry. From an opal necklace to a tourmaline bracelet, here are some of my top picks for the best October birthstone jewelry.
Tiffany & Co.
Diamond and Pink Opal Circle Pendant
An 18kt rose gold pendant featuring a luminous pink opal traced with round brilliant diamonds. Elegant, effervescent, enduring.
Cartier
Cactus De Cartier Earrings
Perfect for fall, the Cactus De Cartier Earrings come in yellow gold, each set with baguette-cut diamonds and tourmalines. Innovative, daring, and extraordinary.
Bulgari
Divas’ Dream Watch
A sophisticated creation featuring an 18kt rose gold case and petals set with diamonds, pink opal inserts, and citrine, along with a pink alligator bracelet. Feminine, flirtatious, and utterly fabulous.
Piaget
Piaget Rose Ring
This 18kt white gold ring is a bouquet of intense gems set with 154 brilliant cut diamonds, a green tourmaline cabochon, paraiba tourmalines, indicolite tourmalines, and yellow beryls. Vibrant, colorful, uplifting.
About The Author
Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry. As an executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological facilities on four continents. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewellery Council, and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. She has been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Fox5, CBS2, BOLDTV, Varney&Co, The Street, and NASDAQ, among others.
