OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE OPAL: Its Magic, History & Properties

Origin of October Birthstone Opal

Birthstones are gemstones associated with the months of the year. Each is believed to bring luck to those born in its respective month. For October, the birthstone is opal.

The recognition of opal as the October birthstone originated from India, where opal was highly revered. Later on, from the 15th to the 20th century, Europe likewise associated opal with October. This tradition became permanent in 1912, when the American National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) adopted an official list of birthstones. Their list designated opal as the birthstone for October, thus solidifying its status.

Physical Characteristics of October Birthstone Opal

October birthstone opal is renowned for its unique physical properties, which combine to give the gem its extraordinary beauty.

1. Play of Colors

Opal’s most distinctive feature is its play of colors, an optical phenomenon where the stone exhibits a shifting display of hues. This visual effect occurs due to the diffraction of light through the opal’s microscopic silica spheres.

2. Composition

Opal is an amorphous form of silica that contains water, ranging from 3% to 21% by weight, but usually around 6 to 10%.

3. Hardness

On the Mohs scale of hardness, opal comes at 5 to 6.5, making the stone relatively soft and more susceptible to scratching compared to harder gemstones, like diamonds and sapphires.

4. Transparency

Opals can be transparent, translucent or opaque, with precious opals exhibiting transparency and a vibrant play of colors, while common opals typically lack this optical effect and are opaque.

5. No Crystal Structure

Unlike crystalline minerals, opal is amorphous, meaning the stone lacks a defined crystal structure.

6. Fracture and Tenacity

Opal has a conchoidal fracture, which means that the stone breaks with smooth, curved surfaces. In terms of tenacity, opal is brittle, making it prone to cracking if handled roughly.

Varieties of October Birthstone Opal

In addition to showcasing multiple colors within a single stone, opal comes in a wide range of body tones, which give us several types of opal.

1. Black Opal

Black opal has a dark body tone, ranging from dark gray to jet black. This dark background enhances the stone’s vibrant play of colors, and makes it appear more vivid. Black opals – particularly those with bright, intense colors – are the rarest and most valuable. These gems primarily come from Lightning Ridge, Australia.

2. White Opal

White opal has a light or white body tone. The light background makes the play of colors softer and more subtle compared to that of black opal. Used in a wide range of jewelry, white opal is more common than its black counterpart, and occurs in many locations, including Australia and Ethiopia.

3. Fire Opal

Fire opal is known for its warm body colors, ranging from yellow, orange to red. The vibrant body color is due to traces of iron oxide within the silica structure. Fire opal may or may not exhibit a play of colors. Mainly sourced from Mexico, this gem is popular for its bright, fiery hues.

4. Matrix Opal

Matrix opal is an opal intricately interwoven with its host rock. One popular example is the boulder opal. The latter typically has a dark ironstone backing, against which the stone exhibits flashes of vibrant colors. The opal forms in cracks and fissures of ironstone, which thus serves as the natural backing that enhances the play of colors. Valued for its striking contrast and unique patterns, boulder opal primarily comes from Queensland, Australia.

5. Crystal Opal

Crystal opal is transparent to translucent with a clear or slightly colored body. The transparency allows light to penetrate and reflect off the internal silica spheres, thus producing a bright play of colors. Highly sought after for its clarity and intense display of colors, crystal opal occurs in many regions, including Australia and Ethiopia.

6. Common Opal

Also known as ‘potch,’ common opal lacks the play of colors seen in precious opals. This variety of opal occurs in a range of colors, including blue, pink and green. The absence of the ordered silica structure prevents the diffraction of light, thus resulting in a uniform color. While less valuable than precious opals, common opals, especially those with attractive hues, still figure in jewelry, as well as carvings.

Popular Shapes for October Birthstone Opal

To enhance its unique play of colors, October birthstone opal is cut into several popular shapes.

1. Cabochon

The cabochon cut is the most traditional and popular cut for opals. This shape features a smooth, rounded top and a flat or slightly domed back. A cabochon cut allows for the best display of colors, particularly for stones with a vibrant or broad pattern. This rounded shape also protects the relatively soft and brittle opal from damage. The outline of a cabochon cut can be round, oval or some other shape.

Oval

The oval cabochon is an elongated, symmetrical shape with smooth curves. Ovals are popular because they provide a classic, elegant look while enhancing the stone’s play of colors. This cut is also versatile, and works well in various jewelry.

Round

The round cabochon has a symmetrical, circular shape. Round cuts are less common for opals than oval cabochons, but they are prized for their symmetry, which can beautifully highlight the opal’s colors and pattern.

Pear

An opal cabochon can also come in a pear or teardrop shape, which combines a rounded side with a pointed tip on the other end. Often used for pendants and earrings, this elegant cut offers a sophisticated look that complements the opal’s play of colors.

Marquise

The marquise cabochon has an elongated shape with pointed ends. This cut can create the illusion of a larger stone, and is particularly striking in rings and pendants.

Trillion

The trillion cabochon has a triangular shape. This modern cut adds a contemporary flair to opal jewelry, and showcases the stone’s colors and patterns in an eye-catching design.

2. Freeform

Freeform cut typically follows the natural shape of the rough opal, thus creating unique and asymmetrical pieces. This cut often applies to boulder opals and opals of irregular shapes. A freeform cut maximizes the weight of these stones, while showcasing their natural colors and beauty.

Historical Use of October Birthstone Opal

Throughout history, opal has captivated people with its stunning visual effects. Its unique characteristics have made opal a timeless gemstone, cherished across different eras and civilizations.

1. Ancient Rome

Romans adored opals for their play of colors, and gave them immense value. The Roman author Pliny described opal as a gemstone that combined the best qualities of other gems, as opal displays all their colors. The opal was popularly set in a ring.

2. Ancient Greece

In Greek mythology, opals formed from the tears of joy that the supreme god Zeus shed after his victory over the Titans. The Greeks thus highly valued opal, which they considered to be a stone of prophecy and protection.

3. Middle Ages

Opals were popular in medieval Europe. Set in regal jewelry, the stones were believed to possess possibly all the virtues of other gemstones. Besides bringing its wearer great luck, Europeans thought that opal held the power to grant invisibility if wrapped in a fresh bay leaf.

4. India

In Indian culture, opal was associated with the goddess of the rainbow, who supposedly have turned into the gem to escape the pursuit of other gods. Opal thereafter served as a talisman of protection and good fortune.

5. Victorian Era

In the 19th century, particularly during the Victorian era, opals saw a resurgence in popularity, with Queen Victoria herself being an avid collector and wearer of opals. Thus, despite some superstitions about opals bringing bad luck, the stones were still cherished for their beauty and set in various jewelry, from brooches to rings.

6. Modern Times

Opal continues to be a favorite in contemporary jewelry, where the stone dazzles with its unique play of colors.

Metaphysical Properties of October Birthstone Opal

Opal’s play of colors and its deep-rooted significance across various cultures make it a gemstone of profound beauty and meaning. In addition to its physical attributes, opal enjoys admiration for its metaphysical properties.

1. Hope and Purity

Opal is often a symbol of hope, purity and truth. Its radiant play of colors signifies the beauty and light within the wearer.

2. Creativity and Inspiration

Associated with creativity and inspiration, opal sparks imagination and original thinking.

3. Emotional Amplification

Opal is known to amplify emotions and release inhibitions, thus promoting freedom and independence.

4. Harmony and Balance

Thought to bring harmony and balance to the wearer, opal aligns emotional states and fosters inner peace.

5. Intuition and Insight

Opal enhances intuition and insight, thus aiding in spiritual growth and providing clarity in one’s spiritual journey.

6. Protection

Opal is a protective stone, guarding against negative energy and physical harm.

7. Good Fortune

In ancient times, opal was believed to bring good fortune to the wearer. Due to its rainbow-like play of colors, the stone possesses the virtues of all other gemstones.

8. Invisibility and Protection

European folklore suggested that opal could grant invisibility and protect its wearer from harm, especially if wrapped in a fresh bay leaf.

9. Myth of Bad Luck

In the 19th century, Sir Walter Scott’s novel, ‘Anne of Geierstein,’ propagated the idea that opal brings bad luck. This belief, however, was not historically grounded, and has since been largely dispelled.

10. Emotional Healing

Opal helps with emotional healing, soothing feelings of anxiety and depression. Thus, the stone fosters a sense of calm and stability.

11. Physical Healing

Some believe that opal can aid in physical healing, particularly in relation to eye health, detoxification and boosting the immune system.

12. Spiritual Awakening

Opal aids in spiritual awakening and enlightenment, helping individuals connect with higher realms and access deeper spiritual truths.

October Birthstone Color

What is October birthstone color? It’s primarily associated with the unique play of colors seen in opal. This phenomenon known as ‘opalescence’ allows the stone to display a spectrum of colors that shift depending on the angle of light. The colors come in a wide range, including blues, greens, reds, yellows and purples.

It is these dynamic flashes of colors that define opal’s characteristic beauty. Indeed, while opal’s base color can range from white to black, the quintessential birthstone color of October is a dazzling array of shifting rainbow-like hues. Thus, October birthstone color is best described as multicolor.

Modern Uses of October Birthstone Opal

Opal’s captivating play of colors makes this gem a popular choice in modern jewelry — from everyday wear to high-end pieces — and even in art and collectibles.

1. Rings

Often set in gold or silver, opal is popular for rings. Engagement rings with opal as the center stone have gained popularity for their distinctive and vibrant appearance.

2. Necklaces and Pendants

Pendants and necklaces showcase the beauty of opal, often cut en cabochon to highlight its colors. These jewelry can be simple solitaires or elaborate designs incorporating multiple stones. One famous example is the Andamooka Opal, which Queen Elizabeth II received in 1954. The stone is a large, oval-shaped opal with an impressive array of colors.

3. Earrings

Opal earrings range from elegant studs to dangling designs, often paired with diamonds or other gemstones to complement the opals’ colors.

4. Brooches

Both vintage and modern brooches often feature opal, whose colorful appearance creates stunning decorative pieces.

5. Bracelets and Bangles

Opal figures in bracelets and bangles, where the stone adds a touch of elegant colors to wristwear.

6. Art and Sculpture

Opal, particularly boulder opal, sometimes appears in artistic creations and sculptures, where the stone provides a natural yet dramatic visual effect.

7. Collectibles

High-quality opals serve as investments and appear in collections for their rarity and beauty. One famous example is the Olympic Australis, one of the world’s largest and most valuable opals at 17,000 carats. Discovered in Coober Pedy, Australia, this stone is renowned for its exceptional size and beautiful display of colors.

Sources of October Birthstone Opal

October birthstone opal occurs in several locations around the world. These global deposits offer diverse varieties of opals, each with distinct characteristics influenced by their geological formation.

1. Australia

Australia is the biggest source of opals. Lightning Ridge in New South Wales is particularly famous for its black opals. Coober Pedy in South Australia, on the other hand, is known for high-quality white and crystal opals, and is often referred to as the ‘Opal Capital of the World.’ Besides white opal, Andamooka, also located in South Australia, produces matrix opal, while the opal fields in Queensland are known for their striking boulder opals formed within ironstone boulders.

2. Ethiopia

Ethiopia is another significant source of opals. The stones come particularly from the Wollo Province. The bright Welo opals range from crystal opal to hydrophane, a variety that absorbs water and changes appearance when wet.

3. Mexico

Mexico is renowned for its fire opals, which come particularly from the volcanic regions of Querétaro.

4. United States

In America, the Virgin Valley of Nevada is known for black opals, similar to those found in Australia, as well as crystal and fire opals. Spencer in Idaho also produces opals with bright play of colors.

5. Brazil

Brazil also contributes to the opal market with common and precious opals, including some fire opals.

6. Honduras

Honduras is known for its black and matrix opals with unique patterns and glittering display of colors.

7. Slovakia and Czech Republic

Though production is minimal today, Slovakia historically produced opals in the Carpathian Mountains, particularly in the Dubník area. Neighboring Czech Republic is also known for its historic opal mines.

Care and Maintenance of October Birthstone Opal

It’s a misconception that opals are overly delicate and cannot be worn regularly. With proper care, opal jewelry can be used frequently. By understanding these tips, one can maintain the beauty and longevity of their opal.

1. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes

While normal day-to-day changes in temperature are generally safe, opals are sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations, which can cause the stones to crack. Thus, avoid exposing your opal jewelry to extreme temperatures or rapid temperature changes.

2. Keep Away from Harsh Chemicals

Avoid contact with harsh chemicals – including household cleaners, perfumes and hair sprays – which can damage the surface of an opal.

3. Moisture and Humidity

To prevent dehydration and cracking, hydrophane opals, which can absorb water, should be kept in a stable environment with enough humidity. Storing opals in a cloth bag or padded jewelry box with a small dish of water nearby can help maintain moisture.

4. Cleaning

Clean opals gently with a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, use mild soapy water and a soft brush, but avoid soaking an opal for extended periods.

5. Handling and Storage

To prevent scratches and fractures, handle opal jewelry with care. Store opal separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to keep the stone from contact with harder gemstones or metals.

6. Regular Inspections

Have your opal jewelry inspected regularly by a professional jeweler, especially if the stone is set in a ring or other, frequently worn piece. This ensures that the settings are secure and the opal is in good condition.

The Magic of October Birthstone Opal

With its mesmerizing play of colors and rich history, opal not only dazzles the eye but also carries deep emotional and symbolic significance, making the gem a timeless and meaningful addition to any collection. Today, opal remains a popular gemstone in jewelry. Despite common misconceptions, opal is durable enough for regular wear.

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