October’s birthstone is the opal, loved for its kaleidoscopic displays of fiery iridescence. A gemstone which has inspired myths and legends for centuries. The opal is a symbol of good luck and good fortune, making this magical gemstone perfectly aligned to the deep-thinking spirits of Libras and Scorpions. Believed to give the wearer strength, this beautiful opal birthstone pendant is the perfect thoughtful birthday gift.
According to legends, opals fall from the heavens in flashes of lightning.
Shop Our selection of Opal birthstone jewellery gifts- perfect for your Libras and Scorpions.
What does October’s birthstone opal symbolise?
Opal is believed to balance and harmony and is often described as the stone of hope. This magnificent gemstone has a long history of inspiring writers and poets, with its magical play of colour and light capturing imaginations for centuries.
Where are opals found?
More than 90% of the world’s opals come from Australia, and the rest can be found in other parts of the world such as Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, and USA.
Australia’s unique geological landscapes are perfect for the formation of opals. The formation of these beautiful opals began about 140 million years ago. At that time, an inland sea, abundant with silica-rich sands, covered much of central Australia. This sea eventually receded and formed what is now known as the Great Artesian Basin.
Around 30 to 40 million years ago, heavy weathering began to dissolve the silica. The holes that formed in the rock began to collect silica-rich water. Over time, the silicates trapped in these spaces formed opals.
Opals in folklore
- Arabic legends say it falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning. The lore states that opals have supernatural powers and origins.
- The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. A true gemstone of protection.
- The ancient Greeks also believed that opal came from the tears of Zeus the God of lightning after winning a battle against the Titans.
- Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.
- The Romans believed that Opals were the most magical of all the precious stones, and Caesars gave their wives Opal for good luck.
Ten opal gemstone facts
- Opal is one of only six types of precious gemstones found on planet earth, alongside diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and pearls.
- Writers and poets have compared opals to volcanoes, galaxies, and fireworks.
- Opals tend to be found close to the Earth’s surface. Often where hot springs have flowed
- Opals exquisite play-of-colour is defined as “a pseudoachromatic optical effect resulting in flashes of coloured light from certain minerals, as they are turned in white light.”
- In 75 AD, the Roman scholar Pliny described opal as having a true magic within, “Some opals carry such a play within them that they equal the deepest and richest colours of painters. Others…simulate the flaming fire of burning sulphur and even the bright blaze of burning oil.”
- Opals were particularly popular in the Art Deco era, when gemstone artists preferred them to all other stones, due to the gemstones decorative and irredentist nature.
- William Shakespeare mentioned Opal as ‘a miracle’ and coined the term ‘queen of gems’ in his play Twelfth Night, which he wrote between 1601 and 1602.
- Opals can be given as a 14th wedding anniversary gift
- It is believed that wearing an opal will bring renewed hope, good karma, bright balance, and regulation. The ultimate good luck charm.
- For centuries, opal has been celebrated for its magical qualities and bewitching colours, which have led to the stone being poetically named ‘Pandora’ and ‘Light of the world’
Discover the perfect Molly Brown London opal jewellery gift
Perfect for all those Libras and Scorpions Molly Brown London’s thoughtfully curated October birthstone collection is the perfect way to celebrate the special birthday of someone you love.
Our beautiful collection of opal jewellery is sure to add a little magic to someone’s day. With timeless designs, these keepsake opal jewellery pieces are gifts to treasure and include lockets and bracelets offered with complimentary engraving. Allowing you to select a name or sentimental meaning of your choice to create a truly personalised jewelry gift. From silver baby bangles to elegant lockets for girls, you are sure to find the perfect gift for that special girl in your life, whatever her age.
Molly Brown London follows a strict safety procedure with every jewellery design to ensure every item of jewellery is made to the highest safety standards. From using the highest quality materials to advanced safety testing. Find out why Molly Brown London is the UK’s leading children’s brand. Learn more about Molly Brown London’s jewellery safety process.
