What Is My Zodiac Stone?
Libra Birthstone & Crystals: Opal
♎ September 23 – October 22 · Opal
Libra is the Venus-ruled air sign of balance, beauty and partnership. Opal, the October birthstone that shows every color at once, is its modern stone and a neat symbol of a sign that sees all sides. Peridot appears as the traditional Libra stone in older tables.
Lapis lazuli, deep blue with golden pyrite, is traditionally worn by Libras for honest communication when their instinct is to keep the peace. Rose quartz reflects the Venus rulership, and pink or watermelon tourmaline, October's second birthstone, is a hard-wearing option for daily jewelry.
Libra at a glance
- Dates: September 23 – October 22
- Element: Air · Ruled by Venus
- Primary stone: Opal
- Traditional stone: Peridot
- Supporting crystals: Lapis Lazuli, Rose Quartz, Tourmaline
- Often described as diplomatic, charming, fair-minded, indecisive
How Libras traditionally use their stones
- Opal or tourmaline as a signature piece of jewelry.
- Lapis lazuli before difficult conversations.
- Rose quartz in shared spaces at home.
About Opal
Opal is famous for its play-of-color, caused by the diffraction of light through microscopic silica spheres. Australia produces 95% of the world's opals.
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | SiO2·nH2O |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 |
| Crystal system | amorphous |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | None |
- Australia produces about 95% of the world's precious opal
- Opals contain up to 20% water
- The Romans called opal 'cupid paederos' (child beautiful as love)
How to tell real Opal at a glance
- Color: White, Black, Fire, Blue, Pink. Look at a clean, dry surface in daylight. Color zoning, banding or spots are as diagnostic as the hue.
- Luster: Vitreous. Fresh surfaces shine like glass; a dull surface usually means weathering, so chip or wet a corner.
- Transparency: Translucent. Hold a thin edge up to a bright light and note whether light passes through.
- Mohs hardness: 5.5. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
Other stones on this page
Frequently asked questions
What is Libra's birthstone?
Opal is the modern Libra stone and peridot is traditional. Sapphire (September) and opal or tourmaline (October) are the overlapping calendar birthstones.
What are the Libra dates?
Libra runs from September 23 – October 22. Cusp dates can shift by a day depending on the year and your time zone; if you were born on the boundary, check your birth time.
Can I wear a stone that isn't my zodiac stone?
Of course. Zodiac stone lists are traditions, not rules. Pick the stone whose look and story you like, then use StoneSnap's identify guides to make sure it is the real thing.
