October Birthstone: Opal

The birthstone for October is the opal, a gorgeous gem. White opal is very light in color, shot through with flashes of many colors. Black opal is black, dark blue, dark green or gray, with accents of red, pink or vivid green. Opal is a very rare stone and is often replaced by pink tourmaline or morganite.

The Lucky Stone of Libra

Opal is found in Australia, Mexico and the United States. Australia accounts for around 95% of the world's production of this gem. Opal is common, but only a small part of it reaches true gem quality. This birthstone forms as it fills cracks and cavities in rock and during the formation of fossils.

There are several theories about the origin of the name. The most likely comes from Sanskrit, where "upala" means "precious stone," while in Greek "opal" means "to see a change," which may refer to the shimmering colors of this stone.

Properties of Opal

Opal symbolizes creativity, hope, stress relief, protection against nightmares and invisibility. It makes us optimistic, creative, joyful and spontaneous. The stone also has a strong connection with love and passion, increasing appreciation for beauty and interest in art. Its unique colors add vitality.

History of Opal

In the Middle Ages, young, fair-haired, wealthy women wove opal into their hair to preserve the light color of their locks. In those days it was believed that opal gave its owner beauty, luck and success.

The Romans called opal the "queen of gems" and considered it a symbol of purity and hope, while the Greeks believed it could foretell the future. The tribes of the Andamooka region in South Australia believed the creator came down to Earth on a rainbow and turned all the stones into opals in the colors of the rainbow.

The Lucky Stone of Libra

Besides being the October birthstone, opal is also linked to the zodiac signs Libra and Scorpio. If you like, you can use this stone to create jewelry inspired by your zodiac sign.

Libra September 23 – October 22: sapphire and opal

Scorpio October 23 – November 21: opal and topaz

So Libra can choose between the September birthstone, sapphire, and the October birthstone, opal. Scorpio can go for the October stone or opt for topaz instead.

Opal at Mama Jewels

Besides jewelry with the October birthstone, our store offers a wide collection of birthstone jewelry. If you would like to create a one-of-a-kind piece with opal, you can do that in our studio. One of our experienced goldsmiths will work with you to explore the possibilities of setting an opal in a ring, pendant or bracelet.

Order the Libra Stone Online

Gemstone jewelry is often one of a kind and not available in a range of standard sizes. If you want to order an opal ring online, we will make it to size in our studio. Take a look at our tips to find the right ring size. Opal is also a wonderful stone to wear in a beautiful pendant or bracelet.