If you were born in October, lucky you — your birthstone is one of the most dazzling and unique gems in the world: opal. Known for its rainbow flashes of color and mysterious beauty, opal has been admired for thousands of years. It’s a stone that seems to hold a little piece of magic, making it a favorite not just for October birthdays, but for anyone who loves jewelry with personality. 

Let’s dive into what makes opal so special, from how it forms to its history, meaning, and fun facts you can share at your next dinner party.

Opal isn’t like most gemstones. Instead of growing in neat crystals like sapphires or emeralds, opal forms when water carrying tiny bits of silica slips into cracks and spaces in rocks. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind layers of silica. Sometimes, those silica particles line up in just the right way to bend light and create the incredible flashes of color opal is known for. That shimmering rainbow effect is called play-of-color, and it’s the reason opals look like they’re alive with fire.

Not all opals are the same. A few types you’ll hear about:

• Precious opal – the classic opal with rainbow flashes.
• Black opal – dark background with colors that pop even brighter.
• Boulder opal – opal mixed with its host rock.
• Fire opal – glowing orange, yellow, or red, sometimes with play-of-color.

The name “opal” originates from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning “precious stone,” and later evolved from the Latin word opalus, which means “to see a change in color.” People have always been fascinated by opals:

• The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy.
• Romans saw opals as a symbol of hope and love.
• In Arab legends, opals fell from the sky during thunderstorms, trapping lightning inside.
• Medieval Europeans thought opals contained the power of all other gemstones because of their many colors.

Opal’s reputation took a bit of a hit in the 1800s, when a popular novel linked it to bad luck. But that myth is just a story — in reality, many cultures have considered opal to be incredibly lucky.

Today, Australia produces most of the world’s precious opals, though other sources such as Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil are also known for beautiful varieties.

Throughout history, opals have been connected with:

• Hope and purity
• Creativity and inspiration
• Truth and protection

It’s also the traditional gift for the 14th wedding anniversary. And of course, it’s one of the official October birthstones (the other is tourmaline).

Here are a few things you might not know about this magical stone:

• No two opals are alike — each one has its own unique pattern.
• NASA found opal-like deposits on Mars, hinting that water once flowed there.
• Some opals can actually dry out if they lose too much water, which is why jewelers say to handle them with care.
• Queen Victoria was a big fan of opal jewelry and often gave it as wedding gifts.

Opal is more delicate than many gems, so taking a bit of extra care can help it last for years to come:

• Clean it gently with warm, soapy water. Skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes — they can make opal crack.
• Store it away from harder gems that might scratch it.
• Rings and bracelets with opals should be in protective settings since the stone is softer.

Opals are endlessly fascinating because they’re so personal — no two look alike, and each one seems to tell its own story. Whether you love them for their shifting rainbow colors, their rich history, or the symbolism of creativity and hope, opals are a gem that truly stands out.

If you’re celebrating an October birthday (or simply want a distinctive piece of jewelry ), an opal is a timeless and meaningful choice. Find a perfect opal piece at our eBay store, Adina by Empire Jewelers  where your shopping experience will exceed your expectations.