Learn About October's Birthstone

A flashy stone that captures the colors of the rainbow, Opal is one of the few mineraloids used in fine jewelry making. Considered by Australians as their national gemstone, Opal can occur in the fissures of almost any kind of rock and have even been found embedded with fossils.

Most Opal from around the world comes in a variety of colors, each having its own classification. Dark or Black Opal, White or Light Opal, Milk or Crystal Opal, Boulder Opal, Opal Matrix, "Picture Stones" and Mexican or Fire Opal are all different types based on their different appearances. Each category of Opal has its own signature color spectrum. An Opal which displays the most color reflection is most prized by the jewelry industry and those that wear it.

Additionally one of the birthstones for October, Opal is thought to bring about good fortune and melt away sadness and negative feelings from its wearer.

Opal is a softer gemstone, ranking 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness) and should be worn with care.