If October had a personality, it would be dazzling, moody, and full of surprises, which makes it no coincidence its birthstone is the opal. Known for its kaleidoscopic flashes of color, the opal has been adored, feared, celebrated, and misunderstood throughout history.

And because October is extra special, it also has a second official birthstone: the equally vibrant tourmaline. Together, they make October one of the luckiest and most colorful months on the jewelry calendar.

A Little History: Opals Through Time

Opals have always had an air of mystery. In Ancient Rome, they were treasured as symbols of purity and hope, and some believed they carried the power of every other gemstone inside their shimmering depths. During the Middle Ages, blondes wore opals to preserve their hair color (a beauty hack we definitely don’t see on TikTok today).

Later, in 19th century Europe, opals unfairly gained a reputation for bad luck thanks to Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein. Thankfully, Queen Victoria adored opals and gifted them regularly, restoring their status as gems of beauty and fortune.

Fun Fact: The word “opal” comes from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone.”

The Science Behind the Sparkle

Opals aren’t crystalline like diamonds or sapphires. Instead, they’re made of tiny spheres of silica with water inside. When light bounces through those spheres, it bends and scatters, creating that famous rainbow play-of-color. No two opals are ever the same, which makes wearing one feel personal and unique.

Here are a few opal varieties you might come across:

• Black Opal: Rare, valuable, with vivid rainbow flashes on a dark background.
• White Opal: Pale, dreamy, with soft to vibrant color play.
• Fire Opal: Vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows, sometimes with color flashes.
• Boulder Opal: Found with its host rock, offering dramatic, earthy character.

Meet Tourmaline: October’s Other Gem Star

Tourmaline may be October’s alternate birthstone, but it’s no second fiddle. This gem comes in nearly every color imaginable, from cotton-candy pink to deep forest green. The showstopper? Watermelon tourmaline—a slice that’s green on the outside and pink inside, like nature’s own candy.

Tourmaline has also been confused for centuries with other gems, often mistaken as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires until mineralogists finally gave it its own category. Beyond its beauty, many people believe different colors of tourmaline have unique energies: black for grounding and protection, pink for love and healing, and green for balance and growth.

How to Wear Opals

Because opals are softer on the Mohs scale (5.5–6.5), they require a little extra care. But don’t let that stop you from wearing them. The key is choosing the right settings and occasions. A bezel-set opal ring, for example, offers more protection than a prong setting. Opal earrings or pendants are perfect for everyday wear since they’re less likely to get bumped or scratched.

Styling Tips:

• Let your opal be the star and pair it with minimal gold or diamond accents.
• For daytime, a delicate opal pendant adds just the right shimmer.
• For evening, try a bold black opal cocktail ring for instant drama.
• Darker metal settings (like oxidized gold) make the colors pop even more.

Opals in Current Jewelry Trends

Opals are having a big moment as designers embrace their individuality. In 2025 and moving into 2026, here’s what’s hot:

• Modern Minimalism: Dainty stacking rings and studs with opal accents.
• Celestial Vibes: Opals in star, moon, and galaxy-inspired designs.
• Bold Black Opals: Rising in popularity for both men and women in unisex statement pieces.
• Layered Luxury: Sleek opal charms and lockets layered with simple chains.

Fun Extras

• Opals can crack if they dry out too much (they contain up to 20% water).
• October is one of the only months with two official birthstones. Double the fun!
• Queen Victoria’s love for opals helped them bounce back from their “bad luck” reputation.

Opals are gems of contrast, fragile yet fiery, ancient yet modern, soft yet bold. Whether you’re an October baby or simply drawn to their otherworldly beauty, there’s something magical about finding the opal which feels like yours. And if you’re more of a tourmaline person, well, October has you covered there too.

Trends come and go, but an opal is always timeless because no two are alike. When you find the right one, it’s less about fashion and more about connection.  Click HERE to connect with me and I’ll curate a beautiful opal or tourmaline jewelry piece to add color to your jewelry wardrobe!