October Facts

Birth Flower -Marigold

Meaning:	Sacred Affection
Botanical Name:	Calendula Officinalis
Availability:	August through September
Fragrance:	Spicy fragrance
Special Notes :	Garden flower also used in cooking and herbal remedies

Birth Stone - Opal

White opal has a white or light body with flashes of many colors. The prized black opal is black, dark blue, dark green or gray with vivid flashes of red, pink and and bright green.

The well-known Roman naturalist Pliny, described the opal as being made of the glories of the most precious gems...the gentler fire of the ruby, the rich purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, glittering together... Long-known as the Wish Stone, opal is supposed to promote love and romance and to grant wishes and personal happiness. Medieval writers believed opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose. It was also said to have a beneficial effect on eyesight and banish evil spirits.

Opal sources are Australia, Mexico and the U.S.

Sometimes tourmaline, another multi-colored gemstone, is used as a birthstone for October, as it is not as fragile as the opal and is sometimes prefered by those who want a faceted stone.