What Is the Birthstone for October?
October has two birthstones — tourmaline and opal — but it's the opal that has captured hearts for centuries. With its extraordinary play of colour, no two opals are ever alike, making it one of the most personal and meaningful gemstones you can wear or gift.
The Meaning of Opal
Throughout history, opal has been associated with hope, creativity, and good fortune. The ancient Romans called it opalus — meaning "precious stone" — and considered it the most powerful of all gems because it contained the colours of every other stone. In ancient Arabic legend, opals were said to fall from the sky in flashes of lightning, carrying the fire of the heavens within them.
Today, opal is widely regarded as a stone of inspiration and imagination. It's thought to amplify emotions, encourage spontaneity, and bring a sense of joy and optimism to the wearer — making it a deeply personal and thoughtful gift.
Types of Opal
Not all opals are the same. Here are the main varieties you'll encounter:
- Black Opal — The rarest and most valuable type, found almost exclusively in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. A dark body tone makes the play of colour appear vivid and dramatic.
- White or Light Opal — The most common variety, with a pale or white body tone. Still beautiful, with a softer, more delicate colour play.
- Boulder Opal — Found in Queensland, Australia, boulder opals form within ironstone rock. The natural matrix becomes part of the stone, giving each piece a unique, earthy character.
- Crystal Opal — A transparent or semi-transparent opal where you can see colour play deep within the stone. Highly prized for its clarity and depth.
- Ethiopian Opal — A newer discovery on the gem market, Ethiopian opals are known for their vivid, rolling colour play and are often more affordable than Australian varieties.
At Glitter and Gem, we specialise in hand cut Australian opals — stones we select and cut ourselves for their exceptional colour and character.
Why Australian Opals Are Special
Australia produces around 95% of the world's precious opal, and for good reason. The ancient inland sea that once covered much of the continent left behind the perfect silica-rich conditions for opal formation. Australian opals are renowned for their brightness, stability, and the quality of their colour play — from rolling greens and blues to fiery reds and golds.
When you choose a hand cut Australian opal, you're wearing a piece of geological history that took millions of years to form.
Opal Jewellery for October Birthdays
Whether you're treating yourself or searching for a meaningful gift for someone born in October, opal jewellery is a beautiful choice. Because every opal is unique, it feels genuinely personal in a way that few other gemstones can match.
Browse our handcrafted opal jewellery collections:
Each piece is made using opals we have personally selected and cut — so you can be confident in the quality and provenance of every stone.
Caring for Your Opal
Opals contain water (typically 5–10% by weight), which gives them their unique optical properties but also means they need a little extra care compared to harder gemstones. Avoid prolonged exposure to very dry conditions, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth and store away from other jewellery that could scratch the surface.
With the right care, your opal jewellery will retain its beauty and colour play for a lifetime.
The Perfect October Gift
If you're looking for a gift for someone with an October birthday, an opal is a choice that carries real meaning — and because no two opals are identical, it's a gift that is truly one of a kind. Explore our full opal jewellery collection to find the perfect piece.