Birth Month

October

October 1 – October 31 · Air (Libra period); Water (Scorpio period from October 23) · Venus (Libra), Mars/Pluto (Scorpio from October 23)

Traditional BirthstoneOpal (in ancient Roman, Sanskrit, and Aboriginal Australian traditions); also Aquamarine (in some 15th–17th century European lists); Coral (in Hindu tradition)

Modern BirthstoneOpal / Tourmaline

ElementAir (Libra period); Water (Scorpio period from October 23)

Ruling PlanetVenus (Libra), Mars/Pluto (Scorpio from October 23)

Associated crystals

OpalOpen in the Dictionary TourmalineOpen in the Dictionary AquamarineOpen in the Dictionary Lapis LazuliOpen in the Dictionary PeridotOpen in the Dictionary

Associated herbs

RoseOpen in the Dictionary GeraniumOpen in the Dictionary Lemon VerbenaOpen in the Dictionary PassionflowerOpen in the Dictionary ThymeOpen in the Dictionary

Source Tradition

Opal has been October's primary birthstone since Roman antiquity. Pliny the Elder called opal 'a gemstone that combines the best possible characteristics of all others.' The ancient Romans associated opal with hope and purity. Tourmaline was added as a modern alternate in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, providing a more durable and less water-sensitive option. In the Hindu tradition, coral (moonga) is associated with Mars and October-born Scorpios. The dual listing acknowledges both the ancient opal tradition and modern commercial preferences.

Pliny the Elder, Natural History, Book XXXVII; Hindu Navaratna tradition; Jewelers of America, 1912; Jewelry Industry Council of America, 1952 updateExplore sourcing notes in the Appendix