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Virgo Birthstone: The Complete Guide to Virgo Stones & Crystals

Stones & crystals for Virgo — meaning, properties & how to wear them

October is one of the most gemologically rich months on the calendar — its birthstones include the colour-shifting Opal and the rainbow-hued Tourmaline. For Australians in particular, October’s birthstones carry special significance: Australia is the world’s leading source of Opal, producing over 90% of the global supply.

What Is the October Birthstone?

October has two official birthstones: Opal (traditional) and Tourmaline (modern alternative). Opal is Australia’s national gemstone, mined primarily in Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, and Queensland. Tourmaline is a newer addition to the list but has earned its place for its extraordinary range of colours and widespread availability.

Opal: Australia’s National Gemstone

Opal Colour & Appearance

What makes Opal extraordinary is its play-of-colour — the way it diffracts light to display a shifting, dancing rainbow across its surface. No two Opals are alike. Black Opal, found only in Lightning Ridge, NSW, is the rarest and most valuable. White Opal, Boulder Opal, and Crystal Opal each have their own unique character. Remarkably, Opal is essentially solidified water and silica — up to 20% of an Opal can be water.

Opal Meaning & Symbolism

Ancient Romans considered Opal the most precious of all gemstones because it contained the colours of every other gem. Aboriginal Australian tradition regards Opal as a sacred stone connected to the Dreamtime. Today, Opal symbolises creativity, imagination, inspiration, and hope — a gem as complex and beautiful as the person who wears it.

Opal Properties & Benefits

Amplifies creativity
and artistic expression

Encourages
spontaneity and joy

Associated with hope, optimism, and positive transformation

Believed to enhance emotional expression and self-confidence

A deeply Australian stone with a strong connection to the land and the Dreamtime

Tourmaline: The Rainbow Birthstone

Tourmaline Colour & Appearance

Tourmaline is one of the most colour-diverse gemstones in the world, available in virtually every colour of the rainbow — from deep forest green and vivid pink to teal, yellow, and the sought-after Paraiba blue-green. Some Tourmalines show multiple colours in a single stone (bi-colour or watermelon Tourmaline), making each piece truly one of a kind.

Tourmaline Meaning & Symbolism

Tourmaline is known as a stone of protection and healing. Different colours carry different energies: pink Tourmaline is associated with love and compassion; black Tourmaline with grounding and protection; green Tourmaline with vitality and abundance. Whatever colour speaks to you, Tourmaline is believed to shield its wearer from negative energy.

How to Wear October Birthstone Jewellery

Opal ring or pendant

The shifting colours make every piece unique; no two look the same

Tourmaline earrings

Choose a colour that complements your wardrobe or your energy

Opal and gold pieces

Warm gold tones enhance Opal’s fire beautifully

Tourmaline bracelet

Layers beautifully with other natural gemstone jewellery

Caring for October Birthstone Jewellery

Opal (Mohs 5.5–6.5) is delicate — handle with care and avoid sharp impacts

Never soak Opal in water or expose to ultrasonic cleaners — it can cause cracking

Clean Opal with a soft, barely damp cloth only

Tourmaline (Mohs 7–7.5) is more durable — clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush

Store both stones separately in soft pouches away from harder gems

Shop October Birthstone Jewellery at Serendipity

Whether you are drawn to the fiery play-of-colour in Australian Opal or the vivid hues of Tourmaline, Serendipity has pieces that celebrate the extraordinary beauty of October’s birthstones. Explore our Opal jewellery and Tourmaline jewellery collections — each piece handcrafted to honour the gem and the person who wears it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the official birthstones for October?

October has two official birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline. Opal is the traditional October birthstone and is especially significant in Australia, while Tourmaline was later added as a modern alternative due to its wide variety of colours and availability.

What does Opal symbolise?

Opal is associated with creativity, inspiration, imagination, hope, and emotional expression. Throughout history, it has been regarded as a stone that contains the colours and energies of many other gemstones.

What is the rarest type of Opal?

Black Opal is considered the rarest and most valuable variety of Opal. It is primarily found in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, and is prized for its dark body tone and vivid flashes of colour.

Is Tourmaline a durable gemstone for everyday wear?

Yes. Tourmaline ranks between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for regular wear in rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets when cared for properly.

Can Opal jewellery be worn every day?

Opal can be worn daily, but it requires more care than many other gemstones. With a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6.5, Opal is softer and should be protected from impacts, extreme temperature changes, and harsh cleaning methods.

What metal pairs best with Opal and Tourmaline?

Both gemstones look beautiful in solid gold, Gold Vermeil, and sterling silver. Gold settings tend to enhance the warm flashes and fire within Opal, while Tourmaline’s diverse colours can complement both gold and silver tones depending on the stone’s hue.