October is a month full of vibrancy and charm—from the playful spirit of Halloween to the rich hues of autumn leaves, October brings excitement in every form. Similarly, the birthstones of October, tourmaline and opal, capture that same lively energy year-round. People born in this month are lucky to have these stunning gemstones as their birthstones, making jewelry both colorful and meaningful. Let’s explore these gemstones and discover the perfect jewelry ideas for October-born individuals.

Tourmaline Birthstone

Meaning & History of Tourmaline Birthstone

Tourmaline is the modern birthstone for October, officially added to the list in 1952. Its name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, meaning “stone with mixed colors,” which perfectly describes its ability to display multiple colors in a single crystal. This wide color spectrum has long been associated with artistic inspiration and creativity.

Among the most popular varieties of tourmaline are pink and red rubellites, emerald green “chrome” tourmalines, and the vibrant blue-to-green “paraíba” tourmalines. Interestingly, tourmaline is also the gemstone for the 8th wedding anniversary.

Tourmaline has occasionally been mistaken for other gemstones. For example, the famous “Caesar’s Ruby” in the Russian crown jewels is actually a red rubellite tourmaline. Similarly, in the 1500s, Brazilian green tourmalines were misidentified as emeralds by explorers. Recognition of tourmaline as a distinct mineral species in the 1800s cleared up this confusion.

Varieties of October Birthstone Tourmaline

Tourmaline is one of the most diverse gemstones, admired for its wide spectrum of colors and unique properties. Each variety has distinct beauty, symbolism, and value, making tourmaline a versatile October birthstone. Below are the most popular types:

• Pink Tourmaline - Pink tourmaline, also known as rubellite, is among the most desirable varieties. Its shades range from delicate baby pink to deep reddish-pink, depending on the trace elements of aluminum and lithium. Known as a stone of love and emotional healing, pink tourmaline is believed to open the heart and promote compassion. With a Mohs hardness of 7–7.5, it is durable enough for rings, earrings, and pendants.

• Green Tourmaline - Green tourmaline, often called verdelite, is valued for its rich, vibrant green tones that may resemble emeralds. It symbolizes growth, vitality, and renewal, making it a favorite for those seeking balance and harmony. This variety is often used in rings and necklaces because of its striking color.

• Paraíba Tourmaline - The rarest and most precious variety, Paraíba tourmaline, is known for its electric blue, neon green, or bluish-green hues caused by trace amounts of copper. First discovered in Brazil’s Paraíba state, these gemstones are rarer than diamonds and highly sought after by collectors. They are prized for their intense brilliance and ocean-like colors.

• Watermelon Tourmaline - This striking variety displays two or more colors in one crystal, typically pink in the center surrounded by green on the edges, resembling a watermelon. It represents joy, balance, and harmony between the heart and mind. Watermelon tourmaline is often cut into slices to highlight its natural bi-color pattern, making it popular in pendants and bracelets.

• Black Tourmaline - Black tourmaline, also called schorl, is one of the most abundant varieties. While less vibrant in appearance, it is highly valued for its protective and grounding properties. Believed to ward off negative energy, it is often worn as beads, bracelets, or simple pendants for spiritual protection.

• Blue Tourmaline - Indicolite tourmaline ranges from light sky blue to deep blue shades. It is relatively rare and admired for its calming energy, often linked to communication, self-expression, and clarity. Blue tourmaline is used in fine jewelry pieces like rings and earrings.

• Brown and Yellow Tourmaline - Dravite, a brownish-yellow to dark brown variety, is less common in jewelry but appreciated for its earthy tones. It is said to encourage grounding, stability, and connection with nature.

• Elbaite Tourmaline - Elbaite is the most colorful species of tourmaline and includes many gem-quality varieties such as pink, red, green, and blue stones. It is especially treasured for its clarity and brilliance, making it highly popular in jewelry of all types.

Interesting Facts about Tourmaline

• Tourmalines are sometimes called the “Ceylonese Sri Lankan Magnet” because they can attract or repel hot ash due to pyroelectric properties.

• The name “tourmaline” originates from the Sinhalese word tōramalli, meaning “stone with mixed colors.”

• Many tourmalines are dichroic, meaning their shade can change depending on the angle or light.

Where is the Tourmaline Found?

Brazil is the primary source of tourmaline, especially the Paraíba variety. Other notable sources include Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. In the United States, California and Maine have historically produced tourmaline gemstones.

Tourmaline Gemstone Jewelry

Tourmaline’s wide range of colors makes it one of the most versatile gemstones in jewelry design. From soft pinks and greens to the striking neon blues of Paraíba and the unique bi-color watermelon variety, each type of tourmaline offers a distinct charm. This diversity allows jewelers to craft pieces that suit both everyday wear and luxury collections.

• Rings featuring tourmaline are especially popular because the gemstone’s hardness (7–7.5 on the Mohs scale) ensures durability for daily use. Pink and green stones are often set in yellow or rose gold for a warm, elegant appearance, while blue and Paraíba varieties look stunning in white gold or platinum.

• Earrings with tourmaline can be subtle studs or bold drops, showcasing single colors or multicolored stones for added vibrancy. Tourmaline’s ability to display multiple hues in a single crystal makes it an excellent choice for creating unique earring sets.

• Necklaces and pendants with tourmaline are highly symbolic. A watermelon tourmaline pendant, for instance, highlights both beauty and harmony, while a deep green tourmaline necklace conveys growth and prosperity.

• Bracelets often feature multiple tourmaline beads or faceted stones in a rainbow of colors. These multi-colored bracelets not only make a fashion statement but also represent the gemstone’s holistic healing energies and balance.

Opal Birthstone

Opal Birthstone Meaning & History

Opal, often called the “queen of gemstones,” is also an October birthstone. The word “opal” originates from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning “precious stone.” India was a historic source of opals for the Western world, and the term evolved into “opal” through Latin (opalus) and Old English.

Opals are famous for their play-of-color, showing rainbow-like hues that shift in light. Ancient Greeks believed opals gave prophetic powers and protection from diseases. Nomadic Arab tribes believed opals fell from the sky during storms and carried lightning. In Western cultures, opals symbolized purity, hope, and truth, inspiring creativity.

Opal is also the gemstone for the 14th wedding anniversary.

What is Opal & Where it Comes From?

Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, a type of mineraloid. It forms at low temperatures in rock fissures. On the Mohs scale, opal ranges from 5.5 to 6 in hardness, making it softer than many colored stones and requiring careful handling. Major sources include Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Ethiopia.

Varieties of Opal Stone

Opal is one of the most enchanting gemstones, famous for its play-of-color and unique internal patterns. Depending on origin, structure, and appearance, opals are classified into several varieties, each with its own beauty and significance.

• Australian Opal - Australia is the world’s leading source of opal, producing over 90% of the global supply. Australian opals are considered the highest quality, with vivid flashes of color ranging from bright reds and blues to greens and violets. Within Australian opal, there are subtypes like Black Opal, White Opal, and Boulder Opal.

• Ethiopian Opal - Discovered more recently, Ethiopian opals have gained immense popularity for their affordability and striking play-of-color. Unlike Australian opals, they are hydrophane, meaning they can absorb water, which sometimes changes their transparency or appearance temporarily. They often display fiery flashes of green, red, and orange, making them stand out in jewelry designs.

• Fire Opal - Fire opals, mainly found in Mexico, are recognized by their bright orange to red body color. Some varieties may also show play-of-color, but even those without are prized for their warm, fiery tones. Fire opals are often cut into cabochons or faceted to highlight their intense natural body color.

• Dendritic Opal - Dendritic opal is a distinctive variety that does not exhibit the typical rainbow-like play-of-color. Instead, it features fascinating fern- or tree-like inclusions (dendrites) within the stone, usually in black or brown tones against a white or milky background. This variety is often valued for its natural patterns, giving it an earthy and mystical appeal.

• Common Opal (Potch) - Unlike precious opal, common opal does not display play-of-color. It comes in many solid hues such as pink, blue, green, and yellow. Though not as flashy, common opals are admired for their smooth, even tones and are often used in beads and cabochon jewelry.

• Crystal Opal - Crystal opals have a transparent or semi-transparent body, allowing their play-of-color to shine through with remarkable clarity. They are often cut into freeform shapes to enhance their luminous internal colors, making them highly sought after for artistic jewelry designs.

Interesting Facts About Opal

• Opal has been discovered on Mars, making it one of the few gemstones found in outer space.

• Queen Victoria adored opals, and they were considered her favorite gemstone.

• Australia produces 95%-97% of the world’s opals, making it the national gemstone.

October Birthstone Care & Cleaning

October birthstones are linked to Libra and Scorpio zodiac signs. Tourmaline is fairly durable, but opal is softer and needs careful handling. For both stones:

• Clean jewelry with warm soapy water.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to water, extreme heat, or sudden temperature changes.

• Store separately to prevent scratching.

• Avoid using harsh chemicals unless properly trained.

Celebrities with October Birthstone Jewelry

Many celebrities favor October birthstones for their beauty and meaning:

• Black tourmaline enthusiasts include Naomi Campbell, Adele, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

• Paraíba tourmaline has been spotted on Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Halle Berry, and Katy Perry.

FAQs About October Birthstones: Tourmaline & Opal

1. What makes a tourmaline a special October birthstone?

Tourmaline is known for its wide range of colors and emotional healing properties. Its ability to display multiple hues in a single crystal symbolizes balance, creativity, and protection.

2. Why is opal called the “queen of gemstones”?

Opal is famous for its play-of-color, showing vibrant rainbow flashes that shift with the light. This unique phenomenon makes it highly prized and a symbol of inspiration and creativity.

3. Can I wear a tourmaline or opal every day?

Yes, but with care. Tourmaline is relatively hard and suitable for daily wear, while opal is softer and should be protected from hard knocks, heat, and prolonged water exposure.

4. What jewelry types are best for October birthstones?

Rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are popular choices. Opal works beautifully in statement rings or delicate pendants, while tourmaline is versatile for bold rings, bracelets, and colorful necklaces.

5. How do I care for my opal jewelry?

Store opals separately, clean them with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, and avoid sudden temperature changes. Avoid harsh chemicals to maintain their color and shine.

6. How do I choose between tourmaline and opal as a gift?

Consider personality and style. Tourmaline’s vibrant colors suit someone energetic and bold, while opal’s mystical play-of-color appeals to creative and romantic individuals.

7. Are there rare types of tourmalines and opal?

Yes. Paraiba tourmaline, with neon blues and greens, is extremely rare. Black opal is also highly valued for its dark body tone and vibrant color play.

8. Which zodiac signs are connected to these stones?

October birthstones are linked to Libra and Scorpio. Opal enhances balance and creativity for Libras, while tourmaline supports emotional grounding for Scorpios.

9. Can these stones have healing or protective properties?

Many people believe opal inspires creativity and emotional healing, while tourmaline helps balance energy, ward off negativity, and attract love and harmony.

10. Where can I find authentic tourmaline and opal?

Tourmaline is commonly found in Brazil, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Opal is mainly sourced from Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Ethiopia.