Q 01/05

October takes its name from the Latin word for which number?

A) Six

B) Twelve

C) Ten

D) Eight

Answer · why

D) Eight

The early Roman calendar began in March, so October really was the eighth month until January and February were inserted at the front.

Q 02/05

How many days does October have?

A) 28

B) 29

C) 30

D) 31

Answer · why

D) 31

It was one of the four 31-day months even in the ten-month calendar attributed to Romulus, alongside March, May and Quintilis (later July).

Q 03/05

Which two gemstones are the birthstones for October?

A) Sapphire and peridot

B) Garnet and amethyst

C) Topaz and citrine

D) Opal and tourmaline

Answer · why

D) Opal and tourmaline

The second of the pair can be green at one end and pink at the other, a variety sold as 'watermelon' stone.

Q 04/05

Which country produces around 95 percent of the world's precious opal, its national gemstone?

A) Mexico

B) Ethiopia

C) Australia

D) Brazil

Answer · why

C) Australia

The largest gem opal ever found, the 3.4-kilogram Olympic Australis, came out of the ground at Coober Pedy in 1956.

Q 05/05

October's birth flower, the calendula, is better known by what common name?

A) Chrysanthemum

B) Aster

C) Marigold

D) Dahlia

Answer · why

C) Marigold

Its Latin name comes from calendae, the first day of the month, because it seems to be in bloom at the start of every one; cooks once used the petals ...