Gemstones for October: Opal, Tourmaline, Aquamarine and more

The gemstone types commonly known as October's birthstones are Tourmaline and Opal, making them popular choices for birthstones by October. However, these aren’t the only stones that are special to those born in October. The Zodiac signs within October, Libra and Scorpio, have additional gems associated with the month.  

Shop Tourmaline and Opal at GemSelect

Allow us to define a couple of terms:
Planetary Stones – In ancient times Gemstones were believed to be associated with different planets. Some of these planets were deemed to be ruling planets for the time in which individuals were born. A belief stemmed that wearing the stone of the 'ruling planet' at your time of birth would bring positive effects to your life!

Talismanic Stones – Talismans are amulets which have been cut or engraved as jewelry. Wearers of these stones are said to have protection by the magical powers the Talismans posses. These engraved Talismans are supposed to protect from evil, but they must have engravings on stones corresponding to the Zodiac sign of the barer.

Additional Stones for the Zodiac signs.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

• The Zodiac sign Libra has many gems associated with it: Peridot, Lapis Lazuli, and Opal.
• The Planetary Stone for Libra is Loose Sapphire.
• The Talismanic Stone for Libra is Agate.

Libra's Zodiac, Planetary, and Talismanic Stones

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

• The Zodiac sign Scorpio has more stones associated with it: Emerald, Morganite, Cat's Eye Aquamarine, Goshenite, Golden Beryl, Coral, Aquamarine, Obsidian, and Topaz.
• The Planetary Stone for Scorpio are Ruby, Garnet
• The Talismanic Stone for Scorpio is Amethyst

Scorpio's Zodiac, Planetary, and Talismanic Stones

Why are Tourmaline and Opal the Birthstones of October?

Opal has 'been associated' with October since the 15th century! Traditionally the concept of Astrological Birthstone Gems traces back to the Bible, in particular, the breastplate of Aaron. Aaron was the brother of Moses and a prophet. He was also the first high priest of the Israelites.
Aaron’s ‘ceremonial breastplate’ is the Origin of Birthstones. His plate held twelve precious gemstones one to represent each of the twelve Israeli tribes. Over time the ‘types of gems’ may have changed as they originally had no names and were only named after the areas in which people found them.
The New American Standard Bible describes the breastplate having stones in different places and now appearing with names: ruby, topaz, emerald, turquoise, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and Jasper.

The Modern Birthstone List

The American National Association of Jewelers created this list, and it became the official Birthstone list in 1912. There was some controversy, and purists criticized the new-list as some stones 'were moved,' and others 'were dropped' altogether; however, The Modern Birthstone List is now the agreed upon chart for astrological Birthstones.

What is the legend about how these Birthstones came to earth?

People born in October can choose from two birthstones to wear: Tourmaline birthstone or Opal birthstone. Each of these stones has remarkable color properties as they’re both able to display a rainbow of shades and colors. In legend, both of October's birthstones arrived on earth in journeys that involved rainbows.
The legend of Tourmalines journey to earth comes for the Egyptians who said the stone earned its array of colors on its voyage to the planet. Beginning in the earth’s center Tourmaline passed through a rainbow giving it the remarkable color properties we appreciate it for today.
The Australian Aborigines believed the earth’s creator traveled by rainbow and left colorful Opals wherever he stepped. Based on the lovely example we see above one may believe that story today.  

Are Tourmaline and Opal related to Libra, Scorpio, water, or air?

Tourmaline and Opal are both considered stones of the Astrological sign Libra. Tourmaline is the spiritual birthstone of both Libra and Scorpio but particularly ‘Pink Tourmaline’ for Scorpio. Both Tourmaline and Opal are incredibly radiant stones which posses beautiful qualities in their appearance.
Libra is an air sign, and during the time between September 23rd and October 22nd, there is a connection with Tourmaline and the Spiritual energy of Libra. Our planet during these dates receives massive outpourings of spiritual power from the Temple of Liberty which is the main temple of Libra.
Tourmaline is said to be attractive to this energy and the radiation of this temple.  Thus, all who are born under the Libra or Scorpio sign can get a boost by choosing Tourmaline as their Birthstone.

Who are the famous people who have birthdays in October?

1. Buster Keaton: October 4, 1895 - American actor, producer, film director, and more.
2. John Lennon: October 9, 1940 - English singer, songwriter, and peace activist.
3. Eleanor Roosevelt: October 11, 1884 - American political figure, diplomat and activist.
4. Molly Pitcher: October 13, 1745 - Nickname given to a woman said to have fought in the American Battle of Monmouth.
5. Bela Lugosi: October 20, 1882 - Hungarian-American actor who played Count Dracula.
6. Pablo Picasso: October 25, 1881 - Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, poet, and more.
7. Mahalia Jackson: October 26, 1911 - American gospel singer.
8. Teddy Roosevelt: October 27, 1858 - The 26th President of The United States of America.
9. Sylvia Plath: October 27, 1932 - American poet, novelist, and short story writer.
10. Emily Post: October 27, 1872 - An American author famous for writing about etiquette.

Any famous people from the jewelry business born in October?

Yes, there are. We can think of one famous Jewelry designer and entrepreneur who we would love to highlight this month. David Yurman is a renowned jewelry designer who currently owns 33 boutiques in the USA and 11 international boutiques. He was born October 12, 1942, in New York City.

How the month divided by Zodiac signs?

As we know, October is divided by two Zodiac signs and has two Birthstones that are entirely separate of the Zodiac signs themselves. The separation of Gemstones among the two groups is as follows:

Libra: Tourmaline, Opal, Peridot, Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, and Agate.

• These stones belong to those who were born in October from the 1st to the 22nd; moreover, anyone who has the Zodiac sign Libra.

Scorpio: Tourmaline, Opal, Emerald, Morganite, Cat's Eye Aquamarine, Goshenite, Golden Beryl, Coral, Aquamarine, Obsidian, Ruby, Garnet, Amethyst, and Topaz.

• These stones belong to those who were born from October 23rd to the 31st; additionally, all Scorpio born individuals have significance relating to these stones.

How is October connected to September and November?

The Zodiac signs differ from the traditional monthly Birthstones so individuals who are of the same Zodiac sign will share Zodiac Stones; however, they will not share the corresponding monthly birthstones. For example, someone who was born in September and is Libra will not have the same stones as Libra who is born in October. In the same manner, a Scorpio born in October will not have the same gems as a Scorpio born to November.

What wear October birthstones? Protection, Luck, Power?

The one thing GemSelect Guarantees people about wearing Birthstones is that they will look stunning. October birthstone color, in particular, can range in a multitude of colors, opacities, and shapes so when crafted into jewelry are sure to look gorgeous.

Due to the variety of color in these Gemstone groups, one will be able to select just the right stone to compliment their features whether it be their eye color, hair color, or flesh tone. However, many beliefs or meanings go beyond the appearance of the gems and the way they will compliment your look.

What are beliefs associated with wearing Opal - Tourmaline?

Tourmaline: Tourmalines are believed to be a cognitive gem. Some beliefs say this stone will increase self-confidence and psychic energy in addition to aiding concentration, communication, and one's ability to understand and interpret information with regards to others and themselves.

Tourmaline 'is revered' for having the ability to become a source of energy as it is piezoelectric and pyroelectrical. When the stone becomes charged by one of many actions or events, it emits infrared rays and negative ions. Therefore, the gem is believed to have the ability to remove harmful elements from the human body.

Tourmaline is 'highly regarded' as a healing stone for the reasons mentioned above. In addition to these beliefs, the gem is also thought to bring joy, happiness, spirituality, and kindness to those who wear it. Tourmalines health and wellness benefits go beyond these bounds as well. The stone is also thought to detoxify the mind and each organ of the body.

Tourmaline has been known to improve emotions increasing one's ability to feel calm. Additionally, mental strength and protection from depression are also benefits of this stone. Tourmaline also is believed to; strengthen the nervous system, bring joy and happiness, bring success and wealth, and increase kindness.

The stone is known to be particularly beneficial to creative people like artists, musicians, writers, actors and any other who are in a creative field. It has also been used historically in India to bring insight and help people to discover the good in life and figure out what needed to change. Therefore, giving it soothing, calming, inward abilities which prompt meditation, spirituality, and wisdom.

Opal: Opal has throughout history been a healing stone for numerous reasons. It is said that Opal can help those who wear it down the path to self-discovery. It's believed that Opal will enhance self-worth, confidence, self-esteem and help you unlock your hidden potential. The stone is also said to bring lightness and spontaneity, increase creativity, and encourage bearers to develop artistically.

Opal is said to hold these qualities because it is reflective and absorbent therefore allowing you to amplify your surroundings to understand them more deeply. Once the wearer of the stone analyzes understandings, it then allows them to put the thoughts or feelings back into the environment.

This stone 'is associated' with love and passion. It 'is said' that this stone is seductive and hold the ability to reduce inhibitions but is also known to bring about loyalty and faithfulness. The physical benefits of the gem are fever reduction and treatment of infection. Opal had also been said to increase memory, purify the blood, regulate insulin, ease PMS, and help during childbirth.

Opal is beneficial to the eyes and aids in overall health by strengthening the immune system and making the body stronger to battle infection. Lastly, Opal had been known to help those who struggle with addiction. This battle is one of the mind body and spirit, and this stone 'is revered' for its ability to put control back into the hands of addicts and allow them to take their lives back.