October is that magical month where autumn is in full bloom—crisp leaves, glowing sunsets, pumpkin spice everything, and a sense of transformation in the air. And no stones reflect this season of change and possibility better than Opal and Tourmaline, the two traditional birthstones for October.
Unlike many months that have just one gem, October is extra special: it gives you a choice between the kaleidoscopic fire of Opal and the rainbow versatility of Tourmaline. Both are mesmerizing in their own right, and each has fascinated humans for centuries with its color, symbolism, and mystery.
At Oberia Jewelry, we believe every gemstone has a soul. Let’s dive into the magic behind October’s gems.
🔥 Opal jewelry: The Stone of Light & Imagination
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Color: Famous for its play-of-color—flashes of fiery red, green, blue, and violet dancing within a single stone. No two are alike.
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Hardness: 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale (handle with love and care).
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Symbolism: Creativity, passion, inspiration, and emotional balance.
Opals have been called “pieces of lightning trapped in stone.” Ancient Romans adored them, believing Opal to be the most powerful of all gems since it carried the colors of every other stone. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to bring great luck and even invisibility to its wearer.
✨ Fun Opal Facts:
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Australia produces about 95% of the world’s precious Opal, including the famous Black Opal from Lightning Ridge.
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Queen Victoria adored Opals and gifted them to her daughters.
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Some Opals contain water within them—up to 20%!
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The name comes from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone.”
🌈 Opal Energy:
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Awakens creativity and artistic expression
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Enhances intuition and inner vision
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Encourages passion and spontaneity
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Inspires joy and optimism
🌸 Tourmaline: The Rainbow Gem of Balance
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Color: Found in nearly every hue—pink, green, blue, red, black, and even multicolored “watermelon” Tourmaline.
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Hardness: 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale (durable for everyday wear).
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Symbolism: Healing, protection, balance, and love.
Tourmaline’s name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning “mixed gems,” because early traders often confused it with other stones. Its dazzling variety made it a favorite in royal collections across Europe. Catherine the Great of Russia was even a devoted collector.
✨ Fun Tourmaline Facts:
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One of the only gemstones that can become electrically charged when heated or rubbed, attracting dust and small particles—a phenomenon called pyroelectricity.
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“Watermelon Tourmaline” displays pink and green zones, resembling the summer fruit.
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Tourmaline is often gifted as a token of friendship and reconciliation.
💖 Tourmaline Energy:
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Grounds and balances emotions
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Offers protection from negativity
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Boosts compassion and empathy
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Strengthens the heart and promotes self-love
🍂 Final Thoughts
October’s gems are a perfect reflection of the season: bold, colorful, and full of magic. Whether you’re drawn to the fiery flashes of Opal or the rainbow versatility of Tourmaline, each carries a story of transformation and beauty.
At Oberia Jewelry, our birthstone pieces are more than jewelry—they’re meaningful, handcrafted treasures that celebrate your story every day.