October  has three birthstones also--opal, tourmaline, pink sapphire.  The name opal comes from the Sanskrit word "upala" and the Latin "opalus," meaning "precious stone.  It was  a symbol of love and hope. It was once believed to make its wearer invisible, so the opal was the talisman of thieves and spies.  The opal was supposed to maintain a strong heart, prevent fainting, protect against infection, and cleanse foul-smelling air.   The opal has been linked to purity, hope and innocence , as well as healing forces, friendship and emotion.

When the Black Death swept across Europe, some thought that the gem was the cause of death because when worn by someone struck with the deadly plague, it would appear brilliant only until the person died. Then it would change in appearance, losing its luster. In reality, it was the sensitivity of this stone to changes in temperature that altered its appearance, as the heat from a burning fever gave way to the chill of death.  There is are two different beliefs about opals--one that it  guides human love, and another that it is evil and lures humans to destruction.   Opals reveal all of people’s moods and emotions, and people feel relaxed and more confident when wearing it.

Another birthstone for October is the tourmaline.  When a tourmaline is warmed or rubbed, it attracts small bits of paper, lint and ash because the gem can gets with static electricity.  Among some people, the stone is known as the "peace stone," believed to dispel fear and make its wearer calm.

The pink sapphire is one of the most expensive and rare colors of sapphires.  It signifies love and creativity and clears anger and guilt.  (See September for more on sapphires).