Sep

October birthstone: Opal

Did you know?

Opal takes its name from the Latin word “opala” meaning precious stone.
Opals actually contain up to 30% water, so they must be protected from heat and chemicals, both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence.
In modern legend it is said that opal is one gemstone that has an eerie ability to project the wearer’s energy back to the wearer.
Almost all opals used in jewelry are Australian precious opals and Mexican red fire opals.

Mexican Opal

Mexican Opal

Mexican Opal
For the ancient Romans, opals symbolized hope and good luck.
This October birthstone is believed to be beneficial to eyesight. Attracts inspiration and diminishes fear. Balances the male/female energies in the body, as well as the mind and chakras.
The Arabs believed that opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning.
Ancient Greeks also believed the opal had the power of giving foresight and the light of prophecy to their owners.
The Wangkumara people have a legend which tells how their people gained fire from opal stones, with the assistance of a Muda – a Creator who changes from human form to pelican.
In 19th century Britain, thanks to one of Sir Walter Scott’s novel in which the main character dies because of an opal, people considered that this gem would bring bad luck to anyone
White opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many colors.
Black opal has a black, dark blue, dark green or gray body color with vivid flashes of color such as red, pink and bright green.
Opal stones
Opal is a high vibration stone. It assists memory, promotes leadership and attracts energy like a magnet. Opal creates balances, clarifies and equalizes.
Shakespeare wrote of it in the Twelfth Night as the “queen of gems.”