October Birthstone - Opal

Opal is the birthstone for October and the gemstone given to commemorate a 14th wedding anniversary. The word "opal" for this dynamic gemstone was derived from the Sanskrit "Upala" and later Greek word "opallus" which means to see a change in color. Opal comes in two forms, "Common and Precious". Common opals usually lack opalescence, any color or luster. Precious opals can come in different varieties of opalescence and fiery. White opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many colors. Black opal has a black, dark blue, dark green or gray body color with vivid flashes of color such as red, pink and bright green. The opal birthstone is a soft stone and is fragile because it has water within it that determines the gemstone's appearance. Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. Opal was considered a lucky charm that brought beauty, success and happiness to its wearer.