Current:Home > Contact-usWhat is the birthstone for October? Hint: There's actually two.-LoTradeCoin
What is the birthstone for October? Hint: There's actually two.
View Date:2024-12-23 21:12:50
Calling all October birthdays: your month has arrived! If you're searching for birthday gift for a loved one, you might want to consider something related to October's birthstone.
Beyond flowers and Zodiac signs, each month is also represented by at least one gemstone. For instance, September has the sapphire, while July has the ruby. Other months, like August, have several jewel options.
October is another month that has representation from multiple gems. Here's what you need to know about the October birthstones.
October birthstone
October has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline.
Opal is the traditional birthstone for October. It is believed the stone was discovered in India and given the name "upala," or "precious stone" in Sanskrit, the Geological Institute of America reports.
The gemstone is known for its "play-of-color," or ability to shift hues. Rough opals appear white, but once polished, their surface shines a rainbow kaleidoscope.
Opals can be found across the globe, though Australia is the largest source for the stone, according to the Geological Institute of America. Opals can also be found in Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, Central Europe, Honduras, Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, Turkey and the U.S.
In ancient Greece, it was believed opals could protect against disease and bestowed prophesy powers, the Institute reports. Opal can also symbolize purity, hope and truth.
Opals are also a traditional fourteenth wedding anniversary gift.
Birthstone for October
Tourmaline is the modern birthstone for October.
The gem comes in a range of colors, such as pink, red, green, blue, violet and black. This is fitting since tourmaline's name derives from the Sinhalese word "toramalli," which means "stone with mixed colors," according to Geological Institute of America.
Tourmaline has been mistaken for other gems in the past. For instance, "Caesar’s Ruby" is not actually a ruby − it is, in fact, red tourmaline, the Institute reports.
Tourmaline is primarily mined in Brazil, but it can also be found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar and Mozambique, as well as in the U.S. in California and Maine.
The symbolism of tourmaline depends on its color. For instance, pink tourmaline has been associated with love and compassion, while green tourmaline symbolizes courage and strength, according to the Institute.
The gemstone is also a traditional gift for the eighth wedding anniversary.
Want to learn more about other month's birthstones?
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What's my Zodiac sign?" to "What are angel numbers?" to "How to make a vision board?" − we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.
veryGood! (481)
Related
- Hurricane-stricken Tampa Bay Rays to play 2025 season at Yankees’ spring training field in Tampa
- It’s time to roll up sleeves for new COVID, flu shots
- Rapper Fatman Scoop died of heart disease, medical examiner says
- How to get rid of motion sickness, according to the experts
- What does the top five look like and other questions facing the College Football Playoff committee
- Hot Diggity Dog! Disney & Columbia Just Dropped the Cutest Fall Collab, With Styles for the Whole Family
- Tropical Weather Latest: Swaths of Mexico and Florida under hurricane warnings as Helene strengthens
- Can AI make video games more immersive? Some studios turn to AI-fueled NPCs for more interaction
- Mike Tyson emerges as heavyweight champ among product pitchmen before Jake Paul fight
- Jason Kelce Defends Brother Travis Kelce Amid Criticism of NFL Season
Ranking
- Beyoncé has released lots of new products. Here's a Beyhive gift guide for the holidays
- New Jersey hits pause on an offshore wind farm that can’t find turbine blades
- Whoopi Goldberg Defends Taylor Swift From NFL Fans Blaming Singer for Travis Kelce's Performance
- Reality TV star Julie Chrisley to be re-sentenced in bank fraud and tax evasion case
- Man accused of killing American tourist in Budapest, putting her body in suitcase: Police
- WNBA playoff games today: What to know for Sun vs. Fever, Lynx vs. Mercury on Wednesday
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs laws to curb oil and gas pollution near neighborhoods
- Another Outer Banks home collapses into North Carolina ocean, the 3rd to fall since Friday
Recommendation
-
Bridgerton's Luke Newton Details His Physical Transformation for Season 3's Leading Role
-
Judge lets over 8,000 Catholic employers deny worker protections for abortion and fertility care
-
One day along the Texas-Mexico border shows that realities shift more rapidly than rhetoric
-
Reality TV star Julie Chrisley to be re-sentenced in bank fraud and tax evasion case
-
Denzel Washington teases retirement — and a role in 'Black Panther 3'
-
Mandy Moore Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby No. 3 With Taylor Goldsmith
-
Fall kills climber and strands partner on Wyoming’s Devils Tower
-
West Virginia college plans to offer courses on a former university’s campus