October Birthstone: An Opal Lovers' Guide

“When you look into an opal, you look into the soul of the universe.” - Unknown

Opal is a magnificent, rare gemstone known for its vibrant flashes of rainbow colours, beautiful patterns and unique radiance. As the official birthstone of October and the zodiac sign Libra, opal holds special meaning for those born under this month or star sign. So why is this captivating gem October's birthstone? In this ultimate guide, discover the science, history, meaning and magic behind the 'Queen of Gems'.

What is Opal?

This gemstone forms over millions of years through a natural process involving water and silica. As water seeps through the earth, it picks up microscopic silica particles and deposits them into underground cavities. Over time, as the water evaporates, these silica spheres are left behind, stacking in a precise, grid-like pattern. The size of the silica spheres plays a key role in the colours opal displays—larger spheres produce vibrant redsthe rarest and most valuable colour) and oranges, while smaller spheres create more common hues like blues and greens.

Types of Opal

Opal comes in several different types, each with their own appeal and unique characteristics. In our experience, Australian stones are regarded as the finest and most valuable due to their exceptional colour, stability and quality:

• Black Opal: Dark body tone enhances vibrant colour flashes, found in Lightning Ridge

• White Opal: Light background with soft pastel hues, found in South Australia
  

• Boulder Opal: Natural ironstone backing enhances durability and colour, found in Queensland
  

• Crystal Opal: Transparent to semi-transparent with brilliant colour play, found in South Australia, Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs
  

• Fire Opal: Typically orange-red and often found in Mexico
  

• Ethiopian Opal: Known for its vibrant play-of-colour but is more porous
  

The Origin of The Word 'Opal'

The name has deep historical roots, tracing back to ancient cultures who revered this gemstone for its unique beauty. It is believed to originate from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning 'precious stone', highlighting the value placed on it even in early times. The Greeks referred to it as opallios, which translates to 'to see a change of colour'—a fitting tribute to the stone’s remarkable play-of-colour. The Romans also had their own version, opalus, which carried a similar meaning: 'to perceive a change in hue'. 

Why Opal Is the Perfect Birthstone of October

Birthstones are special gemstones assigned to each month, believed to bring luck, protection and personal significance to those born during that time. For centuries, opals have been gifted as the birthstone of October as they reflect the beauty, balance and creativity that those with October birthdays are known for.

Its brilliant range of colours and positive energy are said to spark imagination and emotional harmony, making it not only a striking gem but a meaningful one, too. For those born in the opal birthstone month, wearing opal jewelry or carrying an opal stone is believed to bring good luck and personal strength.

Opal as The Libra Birthstone

Opal is also the symbolic gem for the zodiac air sign Libra, known for harmony, beauty and creativity. With its shifting kaleidoscopic hues, this gemstone reflects Libra’s love of balance, thoughtful nature and artistic expression. With its ethereal glow and spiritual energy, opal is more than just a beautiful rock—it’s the perfect stone to celebrate this zodiac sign's spirit.

Opal Birthstone Benefits:

• Symbolises hope, purity and truth

• Encourages creativity and inspiration

• Enhances emotional expression and self-awareness

• Believed to bring good fortune to its wearer

• Aligns with Libra traits: harmony, balance and aesthetic appreciation

 

October Birthstone Meaning

Opal is one of the most spiritually significant and symbolically rich gemstones in the world. For Australia’s Indigenous peoples—who have the world’s oldest living culture—it is a deeply spiritual stone. In Dreamtime stories, they are seen as the creator’s footprint, marking the land with divine energy. The stone’s flashes of colour are believed to represent ancestral fire and a connection to the spirit world.

Opal has also held powerful meaning in ancient cultures—the Romans saw it as a symbol of hope and purity, believing it contained the virtues of all gemstones. The Greeks believed they gave the gift of prophecy and protection, whie Arabic legends recount them falling from the sky in lightning, capturing their bright, magical colours.

Opal Birthstone Colors

Famous for their stunning rainbow-like appearance, opals are treasured for a unique optical effect called ‘play-of-colour’—a dazzling display of shifting flashes in green, blue, red, orange, purple and more as the gem moves in the light. No two opals are ever the same, each one revealing a one-of-a-kind colour pattern. Because of this natural variation, there’s no single opal colour—just a mesmerising blend of hues that dance and change with every angle. It’s this ever-changing beauty that makes the ‘Queen of Gems’ such a meaningful and eye-catching choice.

 

Benefits of Wearing Opal Birthstones

Opals are not only beautiful but are also saie to offer several metaphysical and emotional benefits, which are believed to pass onto those who wear birthstone opal jewelry or carry opal stones with them:

• Boosts creativity and originality

• Enhances intuition and insight

• Supports emotional healing and balance

• Stimulates love and passion

• Encourages spontaneity and joyful living

• Protects against negative energy

• Amplifies personal power and self-worth

Wearing your birthstone is a beautiful way to feel more connected to your identity and inner energy. For those born in October, adorning yourself with opal isn’t just symbolic—it’s also a stylish way to showcase the stone’s kaleidoscope of colour and individuality.

Types Of Opal Birthstone Jewelry

October Birthstone Necklace

A necklace to celebrate the opal birthstone month is a beautiful way to keep the gem's energy close to your heart. Whether set in sterling silver, white gold, or rose gold, pendants can be worn every day or saved for special moments. Choose a simple solitaire necklace for elegant minimalism, or opt for a more ornate design accented with diamonds for added sparkle. Layer with other pieces or wear alone as a standout accessory that radiates personal meaning.

October Birthstone Ring

An opal ring is a stunning and symbolic gift for October-born individuals. From dainty stackable bands to bold statement rings, these pieces can suit any personal style. The shifting colours catch the light with every hand gesture, making it a captivating piece to wear daily. Whether chosen as a birthday gift, engagement ring or personal talisman, an October birthstone ring adds a meaningful and magical touch to any jewellery collection.

October Birthstone Earrings

October birthstone earrings bring a radiant pop of colour to any look. Studs offer timeless sophistication, while drop or hoop styles add movement and drama. Perfect for birthdays or simply celebrating someone special, earrings flatter every face shape and can be dressed up or down for all occasions. Lightweight and luminous, they’re an easy way to wear your birthstone every day with grace and charm.

October Birthstone Bracelet

An opal bracelet makes a thoughtful and elegant gift that wraps the wrist in the beauty of the Queen of gems. Whether featuring a single or multiple stone linked in a row, these bracelets add a subtle sparkle that complements both casual and formal wear. Worn alone or stacked with other bracelets, they offer a wearable way to enjoy the positive energy and vibrant colours of your birthstone all day long.

Is the Birthstone of October Valuable?

opal is a highly valuable gemstone—particularly the finest quality stones from Australia. Its value is determined by several factors, including colour, pattern, clarity, cut and origin. Australian black opals, especially those from Lightning Ridge, are the most prized and can fetch extremely high prices. Boulder and crystal types are also highly sought-after for their striking colours and natural beauty.

 

Valuation is a complex process that involves analysing a combination of characteristics. Here are the main factors:

• Play-of-colour: The most important aspect. Bright, broad flashes of multiple colours are most valuable.
  

• Body tone: Ranges from black (most valuable) to white or crystal. Darker body tones tend to enhance colour vibrancy.
  

• Pattern: Desirable patterns include harlequin, pinfire, and rolling flash.
  

• Clarity: Opals should be free from inclusions, cracks, or cloudiness.
  

• Cut and shape: Well-cut stones with symmetrical shapes and smooth surfaces command higher prices.
  

• Size and carat weight: Larger stones are more rare and valuable.
  

• Origin: Australian opals, particularly black and boulder types, are the gold standard.

Why Choose Australian Birthstone Gifts?

Choosing Australian opal means you're investing in a gemstone that's both naturally beautiful and responsibly sourced. It's considered the highest quality in the world for good reason:

• Ethically mined by small-scale miners
  

• Superior colour, durability, stability and variety
  

• Rich in cultural and geological history
  

• Strict quality standards ensure authenticity

As evidenced in this article, opal means far more than just a gorgeous gem—it’s a symbol of personal expression, emotional depth and spiritual connection. As the birthstone of October and a reflection of Libra’s balance and beauty, it's easy to see why it carries a special significance for those born in this month.

About the Author

Growing up on the opal fields of Lightning Ridge and working in her family’s opal business for much of her life, Black Star Opal founder Olivia Deskoski brings deep, first-hand knowledge and rare expertise to Australia’s opal industry. Her qualifications include gemmology and diamond technology studies with the Gemmological Association of Australia, a Master’s in Journalism, and extensive experience in e-commerce and marketing communications. In 2015, Olivia created the world’s first opal-themed light installation for Vivid Sydney and has helped raise $1 million for the new Australian Opal Centre at Lightning Ridge.