Opal's Meaning, Colors, and More

October's birthstone glimmers with many colors

IN THIS GUIDE

image of opal gemstone pendant necklace

October's Birthstone

October’s birthstone, the luminous opal, has a storied history as one of the world’s most coveted gemstones. Opals glimmer with many colors and make for excellent jewelry. With a popular selection of opal, we consider ourselves a bit of an expert on the subject, so we compiled everything we know about opal’s history, meaning and symbolism, and spiritual associations. Learn more about opal below!

Did You Know

In 1956, the large and valuable “Olympic Australis” opal was discovered in Coober Pedy, Australia, and was named for the Olympic Games being held in Melbourne that same year.


Opal History

Louis Leakey, a famous anthropologist, uncovered opal artifacts in a Kenyan cave. These artifacts date back to 4000 B.C.E. and most likely come from Ethiopia. Ancient Romans are considered the first real market for opal. In 75 A.D., Pliny, the Roman scholar, compared opals to volcanoes. Mark Antony adored opal and apparently banished the Roman Senator Nonius for refusing to sell his opal.


Theophrastus, the ancient Greek philosopher, quoted his friend Onomacritus as saying “the delicacy of opal reminds me of a loving and beautiful child.”


Conquistadors introduced opal to Spain in the early sixteenth century, and Shakespeare later deemed the opals in a Holy Roman Emperor’s crown a “miracle” and “Queen of Gems.” Opals were also set in the Crown jewels of France. Napoleon presented Empress Josephine with a red opal known as “The Burning of Troy.”


In 1849, Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester, passed an opal ring that had belonged to Queen Charlotte to her niece, Queen Victoria. Later, Queen Victoria made opals even more popular due to her fine personal collection.

image of raw opal stone with an opal pendant and stud earrings

Did You Know

The “Virgin Rainbow” is the world’s most expensive opal. It was first discovered in 2003 and is worth more than $1 million.


image of an opal pendant necklace

Opal Meaning and Symbolism

There are three languages from which the word “opal” may be derived. The first is the Latin term “opalus,” meaning “precious stone.” The second is the Greek word “opallios,” meaning “to see a change of color.” The third is the Sanskrit word “úpala,” also meaning “precious stone.”


Early on, people believed opal has magical qualities and said that it aids its wearer in seeing limitless possibilities. It was thought that opal clarifies and amplifies feelings, emotions, and desires. Opal has also been associated throughout history with lessened inhibitions and increased spontaneity.


Early Greek people believed opal provided foresight and prophecy, while Arabian folklore claims that opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning. Romans took opal as a token of hope and purity, and Europeans used opals as symbols of hope, purity, and truth.


In the Middle Ages, opal was known as the “eye stone” due to the belief that it aided in good eyesight. Some also believed carrying an opal in a fresh bay leaf would render its carrier invisible. This association labeled opal as “patronus forum,” the Latin term for “patron of thieves.”

Did You Know

Opal forms from rain seeping into the earth and leaving behind a silica deposit as the water evaporates.

Opal Spiritual Associations

Opal holds many spiritual associations even today. Many believe it encourages both freedom and independence. Others think it reflects the mood of the wearer. Opal is also said to intensify emotions and release inhibitions.


Many consider using opal to enhance cosmic consciousness and induce psychic visions, while others wear opal to stimulate originality and creativity. It’s said that opal releases anger while aiding in accessing one’s true self. Still others believe that opal strengthens memory and encourages an interest in the arts. It’s thought to provide loyalty, faithfulness, and spontaneity. 


While not medically supported, some people throughout history held the belief that opal could strengthen the will to live, treat infections, and cure fevers. Other lore includes the idea that opal purifies blood, eases childbirth, and alleviates PMS.

image of an opal stud earrings

More Fun Facts About Opal

  • In addition to being October’s birthstone, opal is also the gemstone for the 14th wedding anniversary.

  • Opal holds a 5.5 to 6.5 ranking on the Mohs scale of hardness.

  • Opal is the national gemstone of Australia.

  • Opal has even been found on Mars!
image of opal pendant necklace

Opal Jewelry at Shane Co.


At Shane Co., we offer opal jewelry set in various metal types. Find the perfect piece of jewelry to complement your wardrobe or gift to someone with an October birthday. We also recommend checking out our zodiac charms to go along with the opal — October signs include Libra (September 23 – October 22) and Scorpio (October 23 – November 22).


If you need assistance finding opal or other jewelry, book an appointment online or in-store today. Our expert jewelry consultants are happy to help you find something you love!