If October is a month of luck and magic, it is no exaggeration. Not only does it bring the vibrant colors of autumn, but it also presents us with two enchanting birthstones—opal and tourmaline. These two gemstones, with their unique colors and energy, have become symbols of good fortune for those born in October.
October's birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline
Opal: A Natural Wonder Like a Rainbow
Opal is the traditional birthstone for October. Known for its unique natural iridescence, the gemstone displays ever-changing rainbow colors when exposed to light, earning it the nickname “rainbow gemstone.” This phenomenon is primarily caused by the regular arrangement of silica spheres within the gemstone, which interfere with light to create the effect.
Opal is a gemstone with a very long history, with records dating back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Rome, opal was called “opalus,” and its name may derive from the Sanskrit word “upala,” meaning “precious gemstone.”
Different cultures have interpreted opal in various ways:
• Ancient Greeks believed opal could grant prophetic abilities and prevent diseases
• Bedouins believed opal contained lightning and would fall from the sky during thunderstorms
• Europeans viewed opal as a symbol of purity, hope, and truth
In modern times, opal is also commonly used as the gemstone for the 14th wedding anniversary, symbolizing the richness and diversity of marriage.
The primary source of opal is New South Wales, Australia, though it is also found in Central Europe, Honduras, Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, Turkey, and the United States.
Tourmaline: An energy gemstone with a variety of colors
Tourmaline, another birthstone for October, is also a relatively new addition to the list of October birthstones. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word “toramalli,” meaning “a gemstone with mixed colors,” which aptly describes the characteristic of tourmaline—a single crystal containing multiple colors. The most popular varieties include pink and red tourmaline, emerald “chromium” tourmaline, and fluorescent green and blue-violet “Paraiba” tourmaline.
The history of tourmaline is equally colorful:
• The “Caesar's Ruby” on the Russian crown is actually a red tourmaline.
• In the 16th century, the Spanish discovered green tourmaline in Brazil and mistook it for jade.
• It was not until the 19th century that scientists confirmed tourmaline as a separate mineral species.
Tourmaline is also used as the gemstone for the eighth wedding anniversary, symbolizing the colorful and lasting nature of marriage.
Tourmaline is mainly produced in Brazil, but it can also be mined in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar, and Mozambique. California and Maine are historically important sources of tourmaline in the United States.
The energy connection between October birthstones and zodiac signs
Two zodiac signs are born in October: Libra (September 23–October 23) and Scorpio (October 24–November 22). These two signs each have their own characteristics and form an interesting energy connection with October's two birthstones.
Libra (September 23 - October 23): The elegant mediator
Libra is an air sign, symbolized by the scales, representing balance, harmony, and justice. Libras are typically elegant, fair, and seek balance and beauty—all hallmarks of the sign. Opal, with its rainbow-like hues, aligns with Libra's pursuit of balance, enhancing the sign's interpersonal charm and fostering growth in both relationships and career.
Tourmaline symbolizes harmony and balance, which aligns perfectly with Libra's traits. Pink tourmaline can help Libras achieve a more fulfilling love life. Its unique and vibrant appearance allows Libras, who seek beauty, to stand out in social settings.
Scorpio (October 24 - November 22): The Mysterious Explorer
Scorpio is a water sign, symbolized by the scorpion, representing mystery, passion, and deep emotions. Scorpios are typically passionate, insightful, and possess strong willpower. Scorpio has produced numerous famous individuals, such as Scarlett Johansson, who portrayed Black Widow, and the artistic master Pablo Picasso, among others, all of whom are Scorpios.
Sensuality, mystery, a spirit of exploration, strong willpower, and powerful bursts of energy are all characteristics of Scorpio. Opal is often considered a gemstone that can stimulate creativity and intuition. Its powerful energy field helps those who wear it to better focus on their emotions and energy, avoiding excessive depletion.
Tourmaline, with its vibrant colors, resonates with Scorpio's passionate nature, especially red and black tourmaline. It helps Scorpios strengthen their willpower and determination, stay focused and persistent in pursuing their goals, and assists wearers in establishing healthy psychological boundaries.
The Feng Shui Significance and Application of October Birthstones
In Feng Shui theory, gemstones are regarded as objects with special energy that can influence the surrounding environment and a person's fortune. The two birthstones for October—opal and tourmaline—have unique meanings and applications in Feng Shui.
The Feng Shui Significance and Applications of Opal
Opal's Five Elements Attributes: In Feng Shui, opal is believed to primarily embody the energy of the water element, symbolizing calmness, strength, and purification. It enhances intuition and insight, boosts creativity, and evokes a sense of having the third eye opened, as described in Eastern culture, making it ideal for work that requires inspiration and creativity.
In matters of the heart, opal can help people manage complex emotions, alleviate stress, and reduce anxiety. Additionally, as a symbol of good fortune, it attracts positive energy and opportunities for love and prosperity for the wearer, while also protecting them from harm.
The Feng Shui Significance and Applications of Tourmaline
The Five Elements Attributes of Tourmaline: Due to the unique properties of tourmaline, its Five Elements attributes are relatively complex and vary depending on its color:
• Red tourmaline belongs to the Fire element, symbolizing passion, vitality, and creativity
• Green tourmaline belongs to the Wood element, symbolizing growth, health, and wealth
• Blue tourmaline belongs to the Water element, symbolizing wisdom, communication, and inspiration
• Yellow tourmaline is associated with Earth, symbolizing stability, reliability, and abundance.
• Black tourmaline is associated with Water or Earth, symbolizing protection, grounding, and the elimination of negative energy.
It is widely believed that tourmaline has the ability to dispel negative energy and emotions, and to provide protection. Its diverse colors should be matched according to the wearer's energy.
Read More：
August Birthstones: A Link Between Constellations and Feng Shui Fire Energy
September Birthstone Decoded: The Energy Code of the Blue Star
November Birthstones: Unraveling the Energy of Citrine and Topaz
