October has two birthstones: opal and pink tourmaline. Opal is famous for its play-of-color, flashes of rainbow light that shift as the stone moves. Pink tourmaline is a clear, durable gem in shades from soft blush to deep rose. Together they give October birthdays a choice between a stone of pure color and a stone of pure light.
Here is what each October birthstone means, why the month has two, how to care for them, and how to choose an October birthstone gift.
October Birthstones at a Glance
- Opal: white or dark body with flashes of every color. Hardness 5.5 to 6.5. Symbol of hope, creativity and inspiration. The traditional 14th anniversary gem.
- Pink tourmaline: pale pink to deep rose, and tourmaline comes in almost every color. Hardness 7 to 7.5. Symbol of love, compassion and emotional balance. The traditional 8th anniversary gem.
Why Does October Have Two Birthstones?
Opal has been October's stone since the early American birthstone lists. Because opal is soft and needs gentle care, tourmaline was added as a second October birthstone in 1952, giving a tougher, more everyday choice. Many jewelers now favor pink tourmaline specifically, so you will often see October's birthstones written as opal and pink tourmaline.
Opal: The Stone of Light and Color
The name opal traces back to the Sanskrit upala, meaning precious stone, and the Latin opalus. Opal is made of tiny spheres of silica that bend light into rainbow flashes, an effect called play-of-color. Most of the world's precious opal comes from Australia. The Romans prized it as the most precious of gems, because it seemed to hold the colors of every other stone at once.
Lab-created opal shows the same bright play-of-color at a gentler price and is a lovely way to wear October's stone every day. Our opal rings pair it with two of Ireland's best-loved symbols.
October Birthstone Claddagh Heart Ring, Sterling Silver, Adjustable — $99.99
An oval opal heart held in the Claddagh's hands, on an adjustable band.
October Birthstone Celtic Trinity Knot Opal Ring, Sterling Silver, Adjustable — $79.99
An oval opal framed by the Celtic trinity knot.
Pink Tourmaline: October's Stone of Love
The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese turmali, a word gem traders in Sri Lanka used for mixed, colorful stones. Tourmaline grows in more colors than almost any other gem, and pink tourmaline, colored by traces of manganese, is the shade most linked with October. It is harder than opal, so it suits rings worn every day, and it is associated with love, kindness and a calm heart.
October Birthstone Claddagh Ring — $99.99
A pink tourmaline-color heart in a sterling silver Claddagh.
An October Birthday in Ireland
October ends with Samhain, the Celtic festival on the night of October 31 that marked the start of winter and the Celtic new year, and gave the world Halloween. An October birthstone set in a Claddagh or a trinity knot carries both stories: the color of her birth month and the symbols of Ireland. Read more about Samhain and Irish Halloween traditions.
How to Care for Opal and Tourmaline
Opal is soft and holds a little water, so keep it away from heat, harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes, and take it off for swimming, cleaning and the gym. Wipe it with a soft, damp cloth. Tourmaline is tougher: clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Store both separately so harder gems and metal don't scratch them.
Which October Birthstone Should You Choose?
Choose opal for someone creative who loves color and a little magic. Choose pink tourmaline for a romantic gift, or for a ring she will wear every day. With an adjustable band, the opal rings are an easy gift when you don't know her ring size.
Shop October Birthstone Jewelry
Opal and pink tourmaline Claddagh and Celtic rings in sterling silver, from $79.99.
See October Birthstone Jewelry →
Free U.S. shipping on orders over $250. Designing Irish jewelry since 2006.
Looking for another month? See our guide to birthstones by month, or browse all birthstone jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the birthstone for October?
October has two birthstones: opal and pink tourmaline. Opal is known for its play-of-color, flashes of rainbow light that move across the stone. Pink tourmaline is a clear, durable gem ranging from pale blush to deep rose. Either one makes a meaningful October birthday gift.
What color is the October birthstone?
Opal has a white or dark body with flashes of red, green, blue and every other color, so it has no single color. Pink tourmaline is soft pink to deep rose. Because of pink tourmaline, pink is the color most often used for October birthstone jewelry.
Why does October have two birthstones?
Opal was October's original birthstone. Because opal is soft and needs gentle care, tourmaline was added as a second October birthstone in 1952, offering a harder stone for everyday rings. Today pink tourmaline is the tourmaline most associated with October.
What does the October birthstone mean?
Opal symbolizes hope, creativity and inspiration, and the Romans valued it as a stone that held every color. Pink tourmaline symbolizes love, compassion and emotional balance. Opal is the traditional 14th anniversary gem, and tourmaline is the gem for the 8th anniversary.
Can you wear an opal ring every day?
Yes, with care. Opal is softer than most gems, so take it off for swimming, cleaning, gardening and the gym, and keep it away from heat and harsh chemicals. For a ring that can handle more daily wear, pink tourmaline is the tougher October birthstone.
About the Author
Jennifer Derrig founded The Irish Jewelry Company in 2006. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), she designs Celtic and Irish jewelry that carries the stories, symbols and language of Ireland. Follow Jennifer on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
