Of all the birthstones, opal is the one I would have chosen for myself, and as it happens it belongs to October. It is the only common birthstone that holds every color at once, which makes it a wonderful gift for an October birthday. After fifty years working with it, here is what makes opal such a special birthstone and how to choose one.
Opal is October’s birthstone
Opal is the traditional birthstone for October, sharing the month with tourmaline. For the full picture of the month and how the two stones compare, see my guide to the October birthstone. But opal is the classic, and for most people it is the one that comes to mind first.
Why opal makes a wonderful birthstone
The reason is the fire. Opal shows a shifting rainbow of color called play-of-color, and because every stone is unique, an opal birthstone is genuinely one of a kind. No one else has quite the same stone. It also carries a warm old reputation, long associated with hope, creativity and loyalty, which makes it a thoughtful gift rather than just a pretty one.
Looking for an October birthday gift? Browse the handcrafted opal rings in my collection, or ask me about a custom piece.
Choosing an opal birthstone
The lovely thing is the range. There is a body tone and a budget for everyone, from bright affordable white opal to dramatic black opal at the top of the tree. If you are buying for someone who will wear it daily, I often suggest Australian or boulder opal for their toughness. For the full rundown of the choices, see my guide to the types of opal, and for what drives the price, how much is opal worth.
Is opal a good everyday birthstone?
It can be, with a little care. Opal is softer than a sapphire or a diamond, around 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so a ring deserves gentle handling and the odd rest from rough work. None of that should put you off; it just means treating it kindly. I set out the simple routine in caring for opal jewelry. And if anyone repeats the old line that opal is unlucky, the truth is in opal meaning: it is a myth from a novel, nothing more.
An anniversary stone too
Opal is also the traditional gift for a fourteenth wedding anniversary, so it works for more than just October birthdays.
Frequently asked questions
What month is opal the birthstone for? October. Opal is October’s traditional birthstone, alongside tourmaline.
Is opal the only October birthstone? No. October has two, opal and tourmaline, though opal is the older and more traditional of the pair.
What does the opal birthstone mean? Opal has long been linked with hope, creativity and faithfulness, which is part of why it makes such a personal gift.
Is an opal birthstone ring practical? Yes, with gentle care. It is a softer stone, so treat it kindly and choose a tougher type like Australian or boulder opal if it will be worn every day.
If an opal birthstone is what you are after, I would love to help. Browse the current opal rings, or talk to me about a custom piece built around a stone chosen for the birthday in question.
