Opal is gemstone and is the birthstone of October. Composed mainly of silica and water. Commonly found in Australia. There is variety among opal as there different types of opal that can be discovered on Earth. Some examples would be fire opal, girasol opal, and Peruvian opal. The word opal is often said to be deprived from Sanskrit word úpala.
Opal an relatively rare rock composed mainly with silica and also has water
OPAL STONE MEANING[]
Made from silica-rich waters, Opal is the birthstone for October and is the stone usually given in celebration of 14 years of marriage. This beautiful gemstone can give you a plethora of different colors with quality and intensity that can rival the fire of a diamond.
Back then, this stone was perceived to bring bad luck but has now been linked to desire, love, passion, and even eroticism. This seductive stone can intensify your emotions and encourage you to release your reservations while, at the same time, becoming your emotional stabilizer.
Wearing any form of jewelry with Opal can inspire faithfulness and steadfastness. This is why opting for an opal engagement ring or a set of opal wedding rings instead of a diamond ring is becoming more popular nowadays.
Opal Spiritual Meaning[]
Opal has been eminent throughout history due to its lovely colors and magical properties. It was poetically called "Pandora," "Light of the World," and "Queen of Gems."
In ancient times, this stone was believed to possess all the characteristics of all gemstones and is used because it represents hope, clarity, and truth. Queen Victoria is thought to have gifted her five daughters’ opal jewelry at their wedding because of the stone's meaning.
Opal Emotional Meaning[]
The emotional significance of opal is oriented toward establishing harmony and a sense of balance.
As a supportive stone, it channels encouragement and positive energy so you can look into yourself deeper and bring out your best qualities.
Opal is focused on amplification, so everything you feel intensifies when you wear an opal necklace or a set of opal rings. Opal also helps you let go of old connections and wounds that no longer serve you. Instead, it invites new positive change for you while helping you balance and sorts out your feelings.
This stone makes you emotionally stronger and accountable for your responsibilities and the consequences of these actions.
Opal Wellness Meaning[]
Often referred to as an amplification mineral, Opal is both an absorbent and reflective stone that can gather your feelings and thoughts, intensify them, and then direct them back to you.
This stone promotes energy, clarity, and better vibrations that boost favorable attraction. In terms of physical healing, Opal helps treat infections, alleviate fever, and strengthen your immune system.
It also provides relief if you are experiencing constrictions and pressure in your chest and respiratory system. Even those with chronic medical conditions can find support from the Opal stone on their journey to improved health and wellness.
Opal Birthstone[]
Opal is October’s birthstone. The name of the stone comes from the Sanskrit word “Upala," which means precious stone. In Latin, it came from "opalus," which shares the same meaning.
Most of these precious stones are appreciated and valued because of their kaleidoscope of colors. When hit by light, a rainbow of colors manifests, and this spectacle is known as the "play of color." Because of that unique color dance, opals are often likened to galaxies, fireworks, lightning, and jellyfish.
With so many kinds of opals, each has its own colorful story to share. Precious opals are well-known for their flashy and animated iridescent colors, making them one of the top choices for jewelry. Opals are soft stones that can be easily altered using pressure and heat.
And the designer of these stones is Mother Nature herself, specifically the waters. The amount of water that every Opal has will impact its overall aesthetics.
Cultures from the Bedouins, the desert nomads of North Africa, believe this beautiful stone carries the power of lightning, given that it directly comes from the sky during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, the Greeks see Opal as the bearer of the gift of prophecy, which acts as a shield against diseases.
Opal History[]
The name "opal" comes from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning precious stone. In Indian mythology, the virgin Goddess of the Rainbow was turned into an opal by the Mother Goddess because she was being chased by suitors Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Ancient Greeks thought the stone could give people the gift of prophecy and protected them from disease. During Roman times, the Latin word opalus came into use.
Opal is now associated with the birthstone of October (along with pink tourmaline) and as the gemstone of the 14th marriage anniversary. While some people believe it is unlucky for people not born in October to wear opal, the gemstone has actually long been valued as a stone of luck and magic. Opal is also an alternative birthstone for April babies.
Learn about the magic and mystique of opals with our host, Susanne. She's inviting Patti to share how to make a celestial-themed opal necklace that anyone can create in minutes.
Opal Metaphysical Properties[]
It is said that precious opal, with its display of fire, can spark creativity, and that the "dance" of its fire can help people enjoy their lives. The light-colored gemstones have long been associated with helping people become less visible to others and also in improving eyesight. The gemstone has been associated with the sacral chakra, imbalances of which can cause problems with addictions. Some people believe that opal can help moderate and harmonize sexual desires. European cultures have long believed opal is a symbol of hope, purity and truth.
Opal Geological Properties[]
Opals come in three natural varieties: opalescent precious opal, fire opal (yellow to red-orange) and the generally opaque common opal. A French manufacturer, Gilson, created the first "opalescent" imitation opal in 1973 though synthetic opals have been created since the '30s. Natural opals are non-crystalline, hydrated silicon dioxide gemstones that contain up to 30% water. It's possible for opals to dry out and crack, and they are relatively soft, fragile gemstones.
Precious opals display a unique opalescence. Depending on the angle of view, rainbow-like flashes of different colors appear, caused by light reflecting off of extremely small spheres of cristobalite within the silica gel. The phenomenon is called interference. The flashing of color is often referred to as "fire" or "play of light." Precious opals appear in a range of white to black (usually dark gray, green or blue backgrounds).
Fire opal is named for its color and does not display opalescence. It can range in color from yellow to red. It is usually milky, but the best examples can be transparent.
Opals are found in the veins and cavities of igneous or sedimentary rock. The best quality opals are found in Australia, but the gemstone is also found in Brazil, Mexico, Czech Republic, Slovakia, southern Africa and Nevada of the United States.
Proper Care of Opal[]
Opal is a fairly soft stone and can be damaged by steam or ultrasonic cleaning machines and harsh chemicals. The best way to clean opal is with a soft, untreated cloth and mild soapy water. It is recommended to not submerge the gemstone in soapy water. While solid opals won't be damaged by submersion, doublet or triplet opals (non-solid, man-made opal stones) can be. Gently pat dry and be sure jewelry is completely dry before storing or wearing. Store opal jewelry away from other pieces of jewelry as metals and harder gemstones can cause damage to the softer stone.
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Designing with Opal[]
Precious and Gilson imitation opals display a unique visual phenomenon--they flash rainbow-like colors. Depending on the background color and the predominant "fire" display color, opals can be "framed" by either silver or gold. The natural iridescent luster of pearls complements the fire of opals. White opals work well with light, pastel-colored gemstones. Dark opals can be beautifully mixed with darker stones that match the opal's background color or that pick up the flashing colors. Natural opal gemstone is soft and works better in earrings or pendants than when used in bracelets or rings that could experience impact and scratches.
Fire opals are yellow to orange-red and do not display fire. For a startling complementary color scheme, mix the orange-red fire opal with a greenish-tinted turquoise or Crystal Passions®. Or, try combining fire opal with gemstones that are close in hue: citrine, carnelian and red aventurine. A beautiful harmony is created by a split-complementary scheme: fire opal with blue and green aventurine.