The Enigmatic Beauty of Opal – The October Birthstone

For you sparkling people born in the month of October, did you know that you are some of the lucky few who have more than one birthstone associated with your birth month? There are actually two official October birthstones, opal and tourmaline. For now, we’re going to focus on the opulent opal.

Why Does October Have Two Birthstones?

Opal and tourmaline go hand-in-hand in the world of birthstone jewellery, both equally beautiful and both symbolising the crisp month of October. Having two birthstones to choose from offers a broader range of colours and styles for those born in this month. Traditionally, opal was October’s sole birthstone, prized for its captivating play of colours. However, tourmaline was later added as an alternative due to its wide variety of hues, greater versatility (opal was once thought of as being ‘too feminine’), and superior durability, making it a more adaptable option for jewellery. This dual birthstone tradition allows individuals to choose a gemstone that best resonates with their personal style and preferences.

Tell Me More About Opal

October’s original birthstone, opal is a gemstone of stunning beauty and uniqueness, known for its mesmerising colours. Associated with mystery, luck, and creativity, opal has captured the imagination of many throughout history. Unlike any other gemstone, the opal’s most distinctive feature is its “play-of-colour,” a phenomenon where flashes of colours like blue, green, red, and orange seem to dance within the stone. This effect is caused by the internal structure of silica spheres in the gemstone, which diffract light in different wavelengths.

The most common type of opal is the White Opal which is known for its milky appearance with flashes of colour, whilst Black Opals are the rarest and most valuable opals recognised and feature a dark body tone that enhances the gemstone’s play of colour. Other types of opal include Fire Opals which are known for their fiery orange, red, or yellow hues, and Boulder Opals which are found within ironstone boulders and have a natural, earthy appearance.

Where Are Opals Found and Formed?

Through a process that takes millions of years, opals are formed in the Earth’s crust when water, rich in silica, seeps into cracks in the rock. Over time, the water evaporates, leaving behind silica deposits. These deposits eventually form opals. Most opals are found in Australia, particularly in regions like Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge, making it the leading producer of high-quality opals in the world.

What Is the History of Opal and What Does It Symbolise?

Rich in symbolism and history, opal, the October birthstone, has long been a gemstone of fascination and reverence, and has in certain times been considered one of the luckiest and most powerful stones due to its unique play of colours, which was believed to encompass the virtues of all other gemstones. Throughout the years, however, the opal has had a somewhat chequered history when it comes to how it has been viewed by particular civilisations. The ancient Romans, for example, cherished it as a symbol of hope, purity, and truth. And in Arabic legends, opals were thought to have fallen from the heavens in flashes of lightning, which explained their vibrant, shifting colours. The ancient Greeks also believed that opal could grant the power of prophecy and protect its wearer from disease.

However, during the Middle Ages, in some places opal was in fact associated with bad luck, due to its ability to mimic the colours of other precious stones. This belief picked up steam again when in 1829 Sir Walter Scott published the novel Anne of Geierstein, which notoriously linked the opal to tragedy and misfortune. This superstition gained popularity and indeed led to a temporary decline in the opal’s own popularity. Thankfully, in more recent years, this superstition has waned, and the opal has regained its status as a symbol of creativity, inspiration, and emotional balance. Today, it is celebrated as a gemstone that enhances imagination and self-expression, often associated with love and passion. Whether revered or feared, opal’s rich symbolism and shifting colours have made it one of the most captivating gemstones throughout history.

The Beauty of Opal Birthstone Jewellery

The opal’s sheer aesthetic brilliance make it a favourite in the world of gemstone jewellery. Whether set in rings, pendants, or earrings, opal adds a touch of enchantment and elegance to any piece. Its vibrant colour patterns can range from subtle pastel hues to bold, vibrant flashes of light, making each opal unique.

When choosing opal jewellery, it’s important to note that opals are softer and more delicate compared to other gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. The Mohs hardness of opal ranges between 5.5 and 6.5, making them more susceptible to scratches and damage. Please let us know if you would like any advice on caring for your opal pieces.

For now, take a look at our stunning selection of modern and antique opal jewellery, perfect as a birthstone gift to someone special, a 14^th wedding anniversary symbol, or simply as a treat to yourself!

Browse our full selection of October birthstone opal jewellery here!