The gemstone opal, frequently described as “milky,” holds a unique position as the traditional birthstone for the month of October. Characterized by its hydrated amorphous silica composition and often displaying a captivating “play of color,” opal has been valued for its beauty and associated with notions of luck and protection. This article will explore the identification of opal as a birthstone, its appearance in crossword puzzles, and the limited historical and gemological details available from the provided sources.
Historical Recognition and Crossword Clues
The primary focus of the provided sources centers around the identification of opal as the answer to crossword puzzle clues relating to “milky birthstones” or “milky gemstones for those born in October.” Multiple sources – including Dan Word, Daily Themed Crossword, LA Times Crossword, and Crossword-Solver.io – consistently identify opal as the solution to these clues. This repeated association highlights opal’s established recognition as the October birthstone within popular culture and puzzle-solving communities.
The sources indicate that the clue “Milky October birthstones” has appeared in American quick crosswords, Daily Themed Crossword puzzles (specifically on July 8, 2019, and September 13, 2023), and the LA Times Crossword (with a recent sighting on February 24, 2025, according to one source). This prevalence in crossword puzzles reinforces the public’s awareness of opal’s connection to the month of October.
Gemological Properties – A Limited Overview
While the sources primarily focus on the gemstone’s association with October and its role in crossword puzzles, some limited gemological information is provided. Opal is defined as being composed of “hydrated amorphous silica.” This indicates that its structure lacks a crystalline form, distinguishing it from many other gemstones. The sources emphasize the “milky appearance” of opal and its notable “play of color,” which can range “from pale white to deep red.”
Crossword-Solver.io provides a ranked list of potential answers, with "OPAL" at 98% probability and "OPALS" at 45%. This suggests that while the singular form is the most common answer, the plural form is also recognized. The same source also lists several other potential answers, including "LATEX," "TOPAZ," "COCOA," "UPAS," "MARCH," "SPACE," "LATTE," and "GEM," but these are associated with significantly lower probabilities and different crossword clues.
Symbolism and Lore – A Brief Mention
The sources briefly allude to symbolism associated with opal, stating it is “believed to bring luck and protection to its wearer.” However, this claim is presented without further elaboration or historical context. The sources do not detail the origins of this belief or its evolution across different cultures.
Opal in Crossword Puzzles: A Detailed Look
A significant portion of the provided information details the appearance of “milky birthstone” as a crossword clue. The sources offer assistance to crossword enthusiasts, providing the answer and acknowledging the challenges some players may have faced. They also encourage users to submit alternative solutions or corrections if they discover discrepancies.
Several sources include links to other clues and answers from the same puzzle editions, demonstrating a broader effort to assist crossword solvers. The inclusion of dates associated with puzzle appearances (July 8, 2019, September 13, 2023, and February 24, 2025) provides a timeline of the clue’s usage.
Additional Potential Answers and Context
Crossword-Solver.io presents a list of 40 potential answers to the clue "Milky birthstone," highlighting the ambiguity inherent in crossword puzzle clues. While opal is the most likely answer, other possibilities are listed, albeit with significantly lower probabilities. These include terms like "LATEX" (milky sap), "TOPAZ" (a November birthstone), and "COCOA" (a milky drink). This demonstrates how crossword clues can be interpreted in multiple ways, requiring solvers to consider various possibilities.
Limitations of the Sources
It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the provided sources. They are overwhelmingly focused on the gemstone’s role in crossword puzzles and offer only a superficial overview of opal’s gemological properties, historical significance, and cultural lore. The sources do not provide information on mining locations, different varieties of opal (e.g., black opal, fire opal), or the scientific explanation behind the “play of color.” The limited scope of the sources prevents a comprehensive exploration of this fascinating gemstone.
Conclusion
Based on the provided sources, opal is firmly established as the “milky” birthstone for October, primarily through its frequent appearance as the answer to crossword puzzle clues. While the sources offer a glimpse into its composition (hydrated amorphous silica) and appearance (milky with a play of color), they lack the depth needed for a truly comprehensive understanding of this gemstone. The belief that opal brings luck and protection is mentioned, but without supporting details. The sources are heavily skewed towards a specific application – crossword puzzle solving – and do not provide a broad, authoritative overview of opal’s gemological and historical significance.