# October birthstone: Opal

> The October birthstone is opal. Its meaning and history, alternatives at gift-friendly prices, October star signs and pieces you can buy in the UK.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/october
Updated: 2026-10-30

The birthstone for October is opal. The full list is opal and tourmaline. Opal shows a play of colour from tiny silica spheres. Tourmaline grows in more colours than almost any other gem. Opalite is a man-made glass, not opal.

## October birthstones at a glance

- [Opal](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/opal)
- [Tourmaline](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/tourmaline): traditionally linked with compassion and balance; October birthstone
- [Opalite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/opalite): traditionally linked with gentle transitions; a made glass, not a natural opal

## Where birthstone lists come from

The idea of a stone for each month goes back to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, described in the Book of Exodus. The modern list was set by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912, and Britain's National Association of Goldsmiths published its own list in 1937. That is why some months have more than one stone.

## October star signs

October birthdays fall under [Libra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/libra/crystals) (23 September – 22 October) and [Scorpio](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/scorpio/crystals) (23 October – 21 November), so a sign stone is another gift option.

## Gift ideas at every price

- Under £10: a tumbled opalite or opal in a pouch with a card.
- £10–£30: a pendant, bracelet or point in the birthstone colour.
- £30 and over: a sphere, a larger point or a set with a candle and incense. Orders over £40 travel free.

## Care

Hard stones (7 and above on the Mohs scale) can be washed in warm soapy water. Softer and porous stones need a dry cloth only. Each stone page gives specific care.

## Questions

**What is the October birthstone?**

Opal and tourmaline.

**What colour is the October birthstone?**

Opal shows a play of colour from tiny silica spheres.

**Is there a cheaper alternative to opal?**

Yes: tourmaline and opalite give a similar look or tradition at a lower price.

**Can I wear a October birthstone if I wasn't born in October?**

Yes, anyone can wear a October birthstone. Birthstone lists are a modern jewellers' tradition (set in 1912 in the US and 1937 in the UK), not a rule, and many people choose stones for their colour or meaning. Opal, Tourmaline and Opalite are the usual choices.

**What is the zodiac stone for a October birthday?**

A October birthday falls under two star signs, and each has its own traditional stones. Check your exact date, then see the [crystals for October](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals-by-month/october) page, which lists both signs' stones. Many people give the birthstone and a sign stone together.

## Related

- [September birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/september)
- [November birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/november)
- [All birthstones](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones)
- [Crystal gift finder](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/gift-finder)

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Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.