The gemstone consistently identified as the birthstone for October is opal. While primarily known today as a beautiful and varied gemstone, its prominence is also reflected in its frequent appearance as an answer to crossword puzzle clues, a testament to its cultural recognition. This article will explore the association of opal with October, its recurring role in crossword puzzles, and a summary of its basic identification as presented in available sources.
Historical Usage in Puzzles
The provided sources demonstrate a significant pattern: opal is a common answer to the crossword clue “October birthstone.” Multiple crossword publications, including the New York Times Crossword, USA Today Crossword, LA Times Crossword, Vox Crossword, and Daily Pop Crossword, have featured this clue with “OPAL” as the solution. The frequency of its appearance, spanning from March 2025 back to September 2024, highlights its established association with the month of October in popular culture. Sources indicate the clue appeared in puzzles as recently as August 24, 2025, and as early as September 24, 2024. The Word Craze Mini crossword also featured the clue “The birthstone for October is this gemstone,” with “OPAL” as the answer on September 13, 2024. This consistent use in crossword puzzles reinforces opal’s position as the recognized birthstone for October.
Identification and Basic Properties
The sources consistently identify opal as a “translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color.” It is noted as being a gemstone used in jewelry. The sources specify that the answer to the crossword clue is a four-letter word, confirming “OPAL” as the correct solution. Beyond this basic definition, the provided materials do not delve into the gemological properties of opal, such as its hardness, refractive index, or specific chemical composition.
Crossword Clue Variations
The phrasing of the crossword clue varies slightly across different publications. Examples include “Birthstone for October,” “October birthstone,” and “October birthstones.” Despite these minor variations, the expected answer remains consistently “OPAL.” The sources also provide definitions of related terms found alongside the clue, such as “OCTOBER” (the month following September and preceding November) and “GEMSTONE” (a crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelry). These definitions serve to contextualize the clue and aid solvers.
Source Tracking and Publication Dates
The sources provide a detailed record of when the “October birthstone” crossword clue has appeared in various publications. This information is valuable for tracking the longevity of this association and understanding its continued relevance. The earliest date mentioned is September 24, 2024, in the Thomas Joseph Crossword, while the most recent is August 24, 2025, in the New York Times Crossword. This demonstrates a sustained presence of opal as the answer to this particular clue over a period of more than a year.
Limited Scope of Information
It is important to note that the provided sources are limited in scope. They primarily focus on the use of “opal” as an answer to a specific crossword puzzle clue. They do not offer a comprehensive overview of the gemstone’s history, geological formation, cultural significance, or metaphysical properties. The information is largely confined to its identification as the October birthstone and its frequent appearance in crossword puzzles.
Conclusion
The available sources unequivocally establish opal as the gemstone most commonly associated with the month of October, particularly within the context of crossword puzzles. Its consistent appearance as the answer to the clue “October birthstone” across numerous publications demonstrates its widespread recognition. While the sources provide a basic definition of opal as a hydrated silica mineral, they lack the depth of information necessary for a comprehensive gemological discussion. The data primarily highlights the cultural connection between opal and October, reinforced by its recurring role in a popular word game.