People Born in October Have a Birthstone That Sparks Creativity—Here's What It Is

Leaves are changing, everything is pumpkin spice flavored, and Halloween candy is on sale–all of that combined can only mean one thing: It’s October! And what better way to honor our favorite October babies than with birthstones that are as special as they are? When it comes to October birthstones, there's one primary stone and one alternative stone. Lucky for our favorite fall friends, they're both gorgeous, captivating gems with fascinating histories and symbolism.

Whether you're shopping for a birthday gift or treating yourself, these October birthstones are fabulous choices for the people you love—and yourself! Let's learn everything we can about these two special stones.

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What Is October's Birthstone?

October's primary birthstone is the opal. This gem is renowned for its unique play of color and has captivated gem lovers for centuries.

Matt Harris, a certified pearl specialist at Matt Harris Designs, describes opals as gems known to "spark the imagination and to help in exploring creative thoughts and endeavors." He adds that opals "have been the muse of artists, playwrights, authors, actors and other creatives since what seems like the beginning of time."

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October Birthstone Color

While opals are famous for their shifting colors, Harris explains the science behind this phenomenon: "This beautiful phenomenon is often called 'play of color.' It happens when light enters an opal and bounces across its silica sphere structure."

This fascinating fact means that opals can display a wide range of colors, often all within the same stone.

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Is the October Birthstone Rare?

According to Harris, there are rare colors from rare sources that make some opals extremely expensive.

“High-quality opals that display a vibrant play of color are considered rare as well as opals from certain mines and regions such as the black opals from Lightning Ridge, Australia," he shares.

"One of the most valuable opals in the world named 'Olympic Australis' weighs 17,000 carats and is said to be valued at approximately $2.5 million," he adds. "The good news is that affordable opals can also be found in your local jewelry stores and online."

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Meaning and History of Opal

Opals have a rich history steeped in myth and legend. Harris shares, "Some ancient civilizations thought opals were delivered to earth by bolts of lighting. The Greeks believed that opals were formed when the tears hit the ground that Zeus shed after winning his battle against the Titans. Guess what his special weapon was? A thunderbolt!"

Interestingly, opals have been associated with both good and bad luck throughout history, with some believing it's bad luck to gift someone an opal and others thinking the exact opposite.

Harris notes, "People in the Middle Ages for example, would curry them for good luck and protection believing that, since opals carry all of the colors of the other gemstones, they must carry all the other gemstones' positive energy too."

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Where Is Opal Found?

Harris explains that most opals are mined in Australia, but there are other sources including Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico and even the United States. Interestingly, depending on where the opals come from, they can have distinctly different colors.

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Alternative October Birthstone: Tourmaline

October's alternative birthstone is tourmaline.

"It's fascinating that both gemstones for October have traditionally been known to inspire and provide emotional balance and creativity," shares Harris.

October babies are just creative creatures, what can we say?

He adds, "Tourmalines are one of the most versatile gems in terms of color. While many of us think of the color green when we hear the word tourmaline, they come in a plethora of colors. Some exciting examples are even multi-colored. One type of tourmaline is even called a 'watermelon tourmaline' because it literally looks like a slice of watermelon!"

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Where Is Tourmaline Found?

According to Harris, tourmalines are found pretty much all over the world. “Significant deposits have been discovered in Brazil, Afghanistan, Africa and in the U.S.,” he shares.

Is Tourmaline Rare?

Harris says that while tourmalines, especially in green and pink colors, and plentiful and not too expensive. However, tourmalines, like opals, have a variety of types that affect price and availability.

“'Paraiba' tourmalines are tourmalines with a higher than normal copper content which give them gorgeous and highly desirable radiant blue and green hues,” he shares. “Currently the neon blue colored specimens that are strongly saturated command the highest prices."

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Meaning and History of Tourmaline

Tourmaline has a rich history of believed metaphysical properties. Harris shares, "Like opals, tourmaline has long been believed to increase creativity and intuition but its powers are much more far reaching. Ancient Indians used tourmalines in ceremonies to bring insight and clarity to the problems of the day. Some societies believed it had healing properties."

He adds a fascinating historical note: "Interestingly the origin of the word 'tourmaline' is derived from the Sinhalese word 'turmali,' which means 'mixed gems.' This is because in the 1700's the Dutch merchants would buy mixed colored stones in Sri Lanka and simply call the stones 'turmali.' They thought they were buying emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Later, they discovered that these were an entirely different type of gemstone but they stuck with 'turmail' because the gems came in mixed colors."

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