Free U.S. Shipping
Dispatched from the USA with care
Hustle-Free Returns & Exchanges
Simple, worry-free process
Ethically Crafted
Responsibly sourced, consciously made
Loved by 200,000+ Couples
Fantasy-inspired, handcrafted jewelry
What Is the October Birthstone?
The October birthstone is opal, with tourmaline recognized as the modern alternate. Both stones are legitimate October birthstones in contemporary American birthstone tradition.
Opal is the historically primary October birthstone, with associations dating to ancient Roman traditions. Romans valued opal as one of the most precious gemstones — the name derives from the Sanskrit "upala" meaning "precious stone." Opal's defining feature is play-of-color: an internal iridescent flash of multiple colors that shifts as light catches different angles within the stone.
Tourmaline is the modern alternate, recognized in 1952 when the American Gem Society added it to the official birthstone list. Tourmaline occurs in a wider color range than any other gemstone — pink, green, blue, black, watermelon (pink-and-green bicolor), and many other varieties. The addition of tourmaline gave October a second birthstone with full color flexibility for buyers wanting specific color preferences.
For comprehensive birthstone history and complete month-by-month context, see our birthstones by month guide.
What Color Is the October Birthstone?
There is no single October birthstone color — that's the defining feature.
Opal displays multiple colors at once through play-of-color. White opal shows iridescent flashes of green, blue, pink, red, and orange against a milky white base. Black opal shows the same iridescence against a dark base, often with stronger color contrast. Fire opal is yellow-to-orange with internal flashes. The color identity is "iridescent" rather than any single hue.
Tourmaline offers the widest color range of any gemstone:
- Pink tourmaline (rubellite) — pink to red tones
- Green tourmaline (verdelite) — green tones, often with yellow undertones
- Blue tourmaline (indicolite) — rare blue varieties
- Black tourmaline (schorl) — opaque black
- Watermelon tourmaline — bicolor pink-and-green stones, particularly distinctive
- Paraíba tourmaline — neon blue-green, the most prestigious variety
For October birthstone jewelry specifically, pink tourmaline is the most popular tourmaline color, while white opal with strong play-of-color is the most popular opal type.
Opal vs. Tourmaline - How to Choose
Both stones legitimately serve as October birthstone jewelry. The choice depends on three factors.
Hardness and durability
Tourmaline ranks 7–7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale; opal ranks 5.5–6.5. Tourmaline is significantly more durable for daily wear. Opal requires more careful handling and is generally better suited to occasional-wear pieces or protective settings.
Color preference
Opal delivers iridescent multi-color play that no other gemstone offers — the visual effect is the appeal. Tourmaline delivers single-color saturation across an unusually wide color palette. For buyers wanting specific color (pink, green, blue), tourmaline offers options no other birthstone can match. For buyers wanting color movement and shimmer, opal is the only option.
Price tier
Both stones span wide price ranges. Common opal and pink tourmaline are both accessible. Black opal, fire opal, and Paraíba tourmaline command premium pricing. For most October birthstone jewelry contexts, common opal and pink tourmaline are the most popular and accessible choices.
For dedicated opal options, see opal engagement rings.
October Birthstone Jewelry Categories
October Birthstone Rings
Rings featuring opal or tourmaline as the center stone — fashion rings, statement rings, anniversary commemoration. The most popular October birthstone jewelry category. For broader gemstone ring options, see gemstone rings and sterling silver rings.
For October birthstone engagement rings, tourmaline at Mohs 7–7.5 is the engagement-suitable choice. See opal engagement rings for protective-setting opal options designed for engagement context.
October Birthstone Necklaces and Pendants
Pendants featuring opal or tourmaline as the center stone — typically with stones between 6mm and 14mm in pendant configurations. Particularly popular for opal because the play-of-color displays clearly when the stone hangs visibly and catches changing light angles throughout the day. For broader necklace options, see necklace, gemstone necklaces, and sterling silver necklaces.
October Birthstone Earrings
Earring configurations from minimalist studs (4-6mm stones) through dramatic drop earrings (8-12mm stones). Particularly suited to opal because the play-of-color catches movement as the wearer moves. For broader earring options, see earrings, gemstone earrings, and sterling silver earrings.
Cuts Used in October Birthstone Jewelry
The cut chosen affects how each stone displays its character.
Cabochon — smooth domed shape without facets. The traditional opal cut — facets would interrupt the play-of-color, so opal is almost always cut as cabochons. Most octagonal birthstone opal jewelry uses cabochons.
Oval — popular for both opal cabochons and faceted tourmaline. Provides substantial visual real estate. See oval gemstone jewelry.
Cushion — rounded square shape with vintage-leaning aesthetic. Particularly suited to faceted tourmaline. See cushion cut gemstone jewelry.
Pear — directional cut suited to drop earrings and pendant configurations.
Asscher — square step-cut with Art Deco aesthetic, suited to faceted tourmaline. See asscher cut gemstone jewelry.
Zodiac Associations
October spans two zodiac signs: Libra (September 23 – October 22) and Scorpio (October 23 – November 21).
Libra is most commonly associated with opal, with pink tourmaline as a secondary option. Libra symbolism (balance, harmony, partnership) pairs well with opal's harmonious multi-color display.
Scorpio is associated with both October and November birthstones — with tourmaline (particularly black tourmaline) as the October-anchored option, and topaz as the November-anchored option (see our November birthstone collection).
For broader zodiac-stone associations, see our birthstones by month guide.
From the Blog
Le titre de votre article
October Birthstone FAQs
Customization
October birthstone jewelry is well-suited to customization, particularly for tourmaline where buyers may have specific color preferences (pink, green, watermelon, etc.). Common custom requests include stone-specific selection, custom setting design, alternate metals, accent stone choices, custom engraving, and matched jewelry sets.
Our custom ring builder handles full custom October birthstone designs. For complimentary engraving, see our engraving service. Use our free ring sizer before ordering rings.
For broader birthstone-specific options, see solitaire birthstone rings, halo birthstone rings, stacking birthstone rings, vintage birthstone rings, and nature inspired birthstone rings.