Yes! Christmas delivery is still available.
Opal Guide - October's Birthstone
Opal Birthstone Guide: Meaning, Types, Jewelry & Care (October’s Gem)
October babies are blessed with one of the most mesmerizing birthstones: the opal. Known for its rainbow shimmer and rich symbolism, opal has captivated jewelry lovers for centuries. Whether you’re gifting a loved one or choosing your own birthstone jewelry, this guide covers opal’s meaning, history, types, styling ideas, and care tips — so you can wear it with confidence.
Looking for handcrafted opal jewelry? Explore our Opal Collection made with genuine stones and dainty gold settings. For a full overview of all 12 months, visit our Birthstones & Their Meanings Guide.
What Is Opal? The October Birthstone
Opal is one of nature’s most magical gems — a kaleidoscope of light formed from silica-rich water that once seeped into ancient rock. Over millions of years, that water evaporated, leaving behind tiny silica spheres that scatter light into the rainbow flashes known as play-of-color (often called “fire”).
- Birthstone for: October
- Zodiac sign: Libra & Scorpio
- Anniversary stone: 14th year
- Chakra association: Crown & Heart
- Colors: White, pink, black, fire, crystal, and boulder varieties
- Mohs hardness: 5.5–6.5 (a softer, more delicate gemstone)
- Composition: Hydrated silica with natural water content
- Etymology: From Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone,” later adopted in Latin as opalus.
Fun fact: Every opal is completely unique — no two stones ever share the same pattern or play-of-color.
Want to compare opal to every other birthstone? Take a look at our Birthstones & Their Meanings: A Month-by-Month Guide for an overview of all 12 stones.
Opal Meaning & Symbolism
| Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hope & Purity | Clears negative energy and brings emotional clarity |
| Creativity & Passion | Inspires imagination, artistry, and self-expression |
| Love & Loyalty | A talisman of romance, devotion, and heartfelt connection |
| Protection | Believed to ward off negativity and amplify good energy |
Spiritual meaning: Many believe opals enhance intuition, align the chakras, and strengthen your connection to your inner voice and the cosmos.
Across cultures, opal has been cherished as a stone of hope, creativity, and transformation. Today, it’s often seen as a symbol of inspiration, confidence, and emotional balance — perfect for those born in October or anyone drawn to luminous, mystical gemstones.
The History & Lore of Opal
- Ancient Rome: Considered a symbol of love and hope; sometimes called “Cupid’s Stone.”
- Arabian legend: Said to have formed from lightning strikes that became trapped in stone.
- Aboriginal Australia: Thought to be the Creator’s footprint, leaving a trail of shimmering color across the land.
- Medieval Europe: Associated with vision, prophecy, and good fortune.
- Ancient Greece: Believed to grant foresight and protection.
- Victorian era: Queen Victoria wore opal jewelry often and gifted opals to her daughters, helping restore the gem’s popularity after a brief period of superstition in literature.
Types of Opal: Which One Reflects You?
Each opal type has its own personality, color story, and energy. Here’s a quick guide to help you find your match:
| Type | Appearance | Personality & Symbolism | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Opal | Milky base with pastel rainbow fire | Hope, peace, clarity | Everyday elegance |
| Black Opal | Dark body with electric flashes | Mystery, strength, depth | Bold statement pieces |
| Fire Opal | Warm orange to red glow (sometimes with play-of-color) | Passion, drive, creativity | Modern, vibrant styles |
| Crystal Opal | Translucent body with strong, floating flashes | Inspiration, self-expression | Minimalist, dainty jewelry |
| Boulder Opal | Veins of color running through natural host rock | Grounding, nature connection | Boho and earthy aesthetics |
| Ethiopian Welo Opal | Pale base with soft, pastel play-of-color | Renewal, optimism | Everyday opal pieces (a Lolabean favorite) |
| Peruvian Pink Opal | Opaque blush-pink with a gentle sheen (usually without play-of-color) | Love, healing, emotional peace | Romantic, feminine styles |
How to Choose the Right Opal Jewelry
1. Pick the Metal That Complements the Gem
- Gold: Accentuates opal’s warmth and golden flashes — beautiful for classic birthstone pieces.
- Sterling Silver: Brings out cooler tones and blues for a crisp, modern look.
- Rose Gold: Enhances pink and pastel shades — especially gorgeous with Peruvian Pink Opal.
If you’re deciding between 14k gold-filled and solid gold, our guide Gold-Filled vs Solid Gold explains how each metal wears over time and which is best for everyday jewelry.
2. Choose the Meaning That Speaks to You
Each opal type carries its own “energy.” Choose your stone based on what you want it to represent:
- Creativity & Renewal: Ethiopian Welo or crystal opal
- Love & Calm: Peruvian pink opal
- Courage & Strength: Black or fire opal
- Everyday Serenity: Soft white opal with pastel fire
3. Pick a Necklace Length That Flatters Your Neckline
The same opal pendant looks completely different at 16" vs 20". For a deep dive into where each length falls and how to build stacks, read our Complete Necklace Length Guide. If you’re unsure what size you currently wear, our DIY Necklace & Bracelet Measuring Guide walks you through simple at-home measuring.
Styling Tips: How to Wear Opal Jewelry
Opal’s iridescence makes it incredibly versatile — it can read boho, minimalist, or romantic depending on how you style it.
- Layer necklaces: Combine a dainty opal pendant with simple gold chains at different lengths. Try a 16" opal necklace layered with 14" and 18" chains for an effortless stack. (Our necklace length guide shows exactly where each size falls.)
- Mix gemstones: Opal pairs beautifully with moonstone, pearl, and rose quartz for a soft, dreamy look.
- Minimalist tip: Let one opal statement piece shine — like a single iridescent drop necklace or a delicate opal bracelet you never take off.
✨ Stylist idea: Stack a pink opal bracelet with a white opal necklace for a romantic monochrome set. Rose gold brings out opal’s warm flashes, while sterling silver or white gold highlight cooler tones.
✨ Ready to build your stack? Explore The Opal Collection for dainty necklaces, bracelets, and earrings designed for layering and gifting.
Opal Care Tips
What to Avoid
- Extreme temperature changes (rapid heat or cold can cause “crazing,” or tiny cracks).
- Harsh chemicals (perfume, hairspray, lotions, household cleaners).
- Swimming or showering in opal jewelry.
- Ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Prolonged direct sunlight and bone-dry storage — opals contain natural water and can dry out over time.
Everyday care tip: Store opal jewelry away from harder gemstones to prevent scratches. Keep it in a soft pouch or lined box, and avoid leaving it in steamy bathrooms or very hot, dry places. Remove your opal pieces before workouts, swimming, or long showers to help preserve their color and iridescence.
Is Opal a Good Gift?
Absolutely. Opal is meaningful far beyond October birthdays and makes a beautiful gift for:
- October birthdays (especially white or pink opal)
- 14th anniversaries
- New beginnings and fresh chapters (symbolizing rebirth and renewal)
- Creative spirits and artists
- Anyone drawn to mystical, spiritual stones
If you’re not sure which stone to pick, you can always cross-check with our Birthstones & Their Meanings Guide and choose a piece that reflects their month, personality, or favorite color.
Shop Our Handmade Genuine Opal Jewelry
At Lolabean, we handcraft real gemstone jewelry in our New York studio using dainty, high-quality materials like:
- 14k gold-filled, sterling silver, rose-gold-filled, and 14k solid gold chains
- Genuine Ethiopian opals and Peruvian pink opals
- Minimalist, layering-friendly designs you can wear every day
Each piece is infused with meaning and made to last. Shop some of our most-loved styles:
- Dainty Opal Necklace – October Birthstone Best Seller
- Pink Opal Bracelet – Delicate October Birthstone Bracelet
- Pink Opal Stud Earrings – Everyday Wear
You can also browse all birthstones together in our Birthstone Jewelry Collection for layered, multi-stone looks.
Common Opal Questions (FAQ)
Can opals get wet?
Opals contain natural water (often 3–10%), so avoid long exposure to water. Occasional splashes are usually fine, but constant moisture can dull the stone or lead to cracking over time.
Are opals durable enough for everyday wear?
Opal is 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, softer than many gems. Daily wear is possible in protective settings (like bezels), but it’s best to remove opals during workouts, heavy cleaning, or rough activities.
What makes opal so unique?
Its rainbow “play-of-color” comes from microscopic silica spheres that diffract light — no two opals ever look the same.
Why do some opals look cloudy or lose color?
Long exposure to heat, dryness, or intense light can reduce brilliance. Store opals in a cool, slightly humid environment and avoid strong heat.
What’s the difference between Ethiopian and Australian opal?
Australian opals usually form in sedimentary rock and are known for their stability. Ethiopian Welo opals are often hydrophane, meaning they can absorb water and temporarily change appearance when wet.
Are opals lucky or unlucky?
Despite a brief superstition in the 19th century, opal has long symbolized love, creativity, and protection. Queen Victoria wore and gifted opals often, helping restore the gem’s positive reputation.
How should I clean my opal jewelry?
Use a soft, damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and high heat. Dry fully before storing.
How should opals be stored?
Keep opal pieces in a soft pouch or lined box, away from harder stones. For long-term storage, a slightly humid environment helps prevent drying or crazing.
Opal vs. Tourmaline — Which October Birthstone Is Right for You?
Both opal and pink tourmaline are recognized as October birthstones — but they offer very different looks and wear characteristics.
| Feature | Opal | Tourmaline |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Milky or translucent body with iridescent play-of-color | Transparent, vibrant hues (often pink, green, or watermelon) |
| Symbolism | Love, inspiration, creativity | Balance, strength, compassion |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5.5–6.5 (more delicate) | 7–7.5 (more durable for daily wear) |
| Common Origins | Australia, Ethiopia, Peru | Brazil, Afghanistan, USA |
| Best For | Dreamy, ethereal, romantic styles | Bold, bright color and everyday wear |
If you love soft, luminous color shifts and a touch of magic, choose opal. If you prefer bright, durable color for daily wear, tourmaline is a fantastic choice. You can always layer both for a completely personalized October stack.
✨ Explore: The Opal Collection
Final Thoughts: Why Opal Captures the Heart
With its ever-changing flashes of color and deep emotional symbolism, opal remains one of the most captivating gemstones. Whether you’re drawn to its spiritual meaning, its rarity, or simply its soft, ethereal glow, opal jewelry has a way of feeling instantly personal.
From dainty opal necklaces to pink opal bracelets and earrings, each piece at Lolabean is handcrafted with care so you can wear your story every day — or gift it to someone you love.