If you were born in October, you have not one, but two beautiful birthstones to call your own. The October birthstone is traditionally opal, while tourmaline is also recognised as a modern birthstone for the month.
Known for their beautiful colours and meaningful symbolism, these stones are a lovely way to celebrate an October birthday, whether you’re choosing personalised jewellery for yourself or looking for a thoughtful gift.
From the October birthstone colour to its history and symbolism, here’s everything you need to know about the birthstone for October.
What Is the October Birthstone?
So, what is the October birthstone? The traditional birthstone for October is opal, a gemstone loved for its unique play of colour. Tourmaline is also considered a modern October birthstone and comes in an incredible variety of shades.
At Abbott Lyon, our October birthstone jewellery is inspired by the soft, iridescent tones traditionally associated with opal, making it easy to add a meaningful touch to your everyday jewellery.
What Is the October Birthstone Colour?
Unlike birthstones associated with one distinctive shade, the October birthstone colour is a little harder to pin down, and that's part of its charm.
Opals are known for their milky, iridescent appearance, which can reveal flashes of pink, blue, green and other colours as they catch the light. Tourmaline, meanwhile, naturally occurs in a huge variety of shades, from pink and green to blue.
For birthstone necklaces and bracelets, October is often represented by a soft pale pink, giving October jewellery a subtle pop of colour that's easy to wear every day.
What Is the October Birthstone Meaning?
The October birthstone meaning is just as special as the stones themselves.
Opal has long been associated with hope, creativity and individuality, making it a meaningful stone for someone beginning a new chapter or simply celebrating everything that makes them, them.
Tourmaline has traditionally been linked with love, compassion and emotional balance, with different colours also carrying their own symbolism.
The History of the October Birthstone
Opal has been admired for centuries thanks to its unusual rainbow-like flashes of colour. Its name is often linked to ancient words referring to a precious stone, and throughout history it has been associated with good fortune, hope and beauty.
Tourmaline became a recognised alternative birthstone for October more recently. Its incredible range of colours has made it a popular gemstone in its own right, particularly pink tourmaline for October jewellery.
Together, the two stones make October one of the most colourful months in the birthstone calendar.
October Birthstone Jewellery
Whether October is your birth month or belongs to someone you love, October birthstone jewellery is an easy way to make jewellery feel that little bit more personal.
Choose an October stone to mark their birthday, or think beyond birth months and choose a stone that represents a meaningful October moment, from an anniversary gift to the month you first met.
October Birthstone Necklaces
An October birthstone necklace keeps their stone close and makes thoughtful everyday jewellery.
October Birthstone Rings
For something they'll see every day, an October birthstone ring is a beautiful choice. Wear their own birthstone or combine stones that represent the people closest to them for jewellery with a story behind it.
October Birthstone Bracelets
An October birthstone bracelet adds a subtle touch of colour to their wrist and can be easily stacked with their everyday favourites.
October Birthstone Gifts
Shopping for an October birthday? October Birthstone jewellery makes a thoughtful birthday gift.
Pick their October stone for a nod to their birth month, add their initials or personalise jewellery with a date that means something to them. It's a small detail that turns beautiful jewellery into something that's completely theirs.
Discover more gifts for her and personalised jewellery in our gifting collections.
More Ways to Make October Birthstone Jewellery Personal
Birthstones don't have to represent birthdays. Choose an October stone to remember the month you met, got married, welcomed someone new into the family or celebrated a milestone you'll always want to remember.
You can even combine several birthstones in one piece of jewellery to tell your story, with each stone representing a different person or moment.
That's what makes birthstone jewellery so special: the meaning is entirely yours.
October Birthstone FAQs
What birthstone is October?
If you're wondering what birthstone is October, there are two recognised stones. Opal is the traditional October birthstone, while tourmaline is also recognised as a modern alternative.
What is October's birthstone?
The October birthstone is traditionally opal. Tourmaline is also associated with October, giving people born during the month two beautiful gemstones to choose from.
What is the October birthstone colour?
The traditional October birthstone colour associated with opal is iridescent, with flashes of different colours. In birthstone jewellery, October is also commonly represented by soft pink tones.
What does the October birthstone mean?
The October birthstone meaning varies between its two stones. Opal is traditionally associated with hope, creativity and individuality, while tourmaline is often linked with love, compassion and emotional balance.
Is the October birthstone opal or tourmaline?
Both. Opal is October's traditional birthstone, while tourmaline is recognised as a modern alternative. This gives October babies the choice of two colourful and meaningful gemstones.