birthstone for October. Opal and tourmaline are two magnificent birthstones that are used to mark the birthdays of those born in October.
In This Article...
What is the spiritual meaning of opal?
The opal stone is a symbol of amplitude, greater hope, and heavenly purity. These luminous, twirling jewels are meant to increase your sense of harmony and tranquility while also assisting you in sorting through your thoughts and emotions and getting rid of everything that doesn’t serve you. The Opal also speaks to a more profound spirituality. It may be a stunning guiding gem when combined with shamanic connections, chakra clearing, and a sense of clarity.
Opal is it a unique birthstone?
Based on its capacity to create the play-of-colors effect when exposed to white light, it is available in two varieties: valuable and common. The opal birthstone is still a coveted and cherished present, even though it isn’t as rare as it was before the discovery of abundant mines in Australia.
What good fortune does opal bring?
When gemstones are utilized or valued for their mystical qualities, it is typically for their goodness or capacity to influence the best results. Opal, black diamond, and pearl are three stones that have developed a reputation over the years as being unlucky to the owner.
While we gemmologists do not subscribe to the superstitions surrounding these equally interesting gemstones, there is no denying that such tales are highly fascinating and may be helpful for crafting eerie Halloween tales.
Opals
Opals were genuinely thought to bring good fortune for a large portion of history. Opals were regarded by the Romans as one of the lucky jewels and a representation of hope. Due to its rainbow-like mix of colors, opals were thought to possess all the beneficial qualities of colored gemstones during the Middle Ages.
Despite a lengthy history of good fortune, many myths and legends connect this vibrant stone with misfortune, the “evil eye,” and even death.
Who ought to wear an opal?
A extremely appealing milky white stone is the opal stone. Because of its elegance and “play of color” (fire) impact, opal has unexpectedly gained a lot of popularity and desire. Opal is prized for both its unparalleled beauty and astrological significance.
What is the ‘play of color’ (fire) effect in opal?
Because of the spaces between the silica spheres inside the opal, light that enters it causes a color play. Light is forced to bend as it travels through the opening, and this bending effect divides the light into the many colors of the spectrum.
What planet is associated with Opal?
According to Indian Vedic astrology, the opal is the astrological gemstone for the Venus (Shukra) planet. Venus represents wealth, extravagance, love, marriage, and materialistic ambitions. Opal is a powerful astrological gemstone for Venus (Shukra) Planet when combined with diamond. It enhances the wearer’s social standing, physical health, and financial wealth.
Who should wear Opal?
For those whose horoscopes contain the Mahadasha or Antardasha of Venus (Shukra), opal is highly advised. According to Indian astrology, the Tula (Libra) and Vrishabha (Taurus) rashis are given Opal ratna. Opal is the suggested birthstone for the Libra zodiac sign in Western astrology. The ascendants of Capricorn, Aquarius, Gemini, and Virgo can also wear an opal gem.
What are the benefits of Opal?
The most popular astrological gem for Venus is the opal (Shukra). Healthy relationships, a greater capacity for creativity, more luxury, and personal refinement are all advantages of opal. Venus also represents the general health and happiness of women. Opal is worn to encourage a couple’s love, harmony, and understanding as well as to resolve any marital problems. Opal is used to retain social status and a lavish lifestyle in addition to improving financial circumstances. Opal is thought to be very helpful for people who are struggling with creative blocks, a lack of inspiration, and life insecurities because it is connected to the planet of creativity and innovation. Astrologers firmly believe that wearing white opal aids in boosting artistic expression and bringing creative energies into alignment for improved results.
What colour Opal is preferred for astrological purposes?
The best white opal for astrological purposes is one with vivid, brilliant fire. Other colors of opal include pink, green, orange, blue, and black, among others. As they exhibit a wonderful play of color above a dark background, gemstones with dark body colors like black, blue, and green are equally appreciated. These premium opals are utilized in high-end fashion jewelry but are not recommended for astrological purposes. Surface fissures and significant black inclusions/spots are not acceptable in astrological opal.
Which country produces the best quality Opal?
The level of color “fire” play in an opal determines its quality as a gemstone. Australian opals are of the highest caliber and are quite expensive.
What is the price of Opal?
Price per carat for opals ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 7,000. The amount and pattern of the rainbow hues on the surface of the opal, as well as its quality, determine its price.
How to wear an Opal ring as per astrology?
Silver or any other white metal alloy, such as white gold and platinum, should be used to set opals. On Friday, an opal should be placed on the index finger. For maximum performance, opal needs to be properly energized, activated, and cleansed.
What makes opals unique?
Possibly the most distinctive, varied, and lovely birthstone is the opal. Opal is amorphous, which means it lacks a clearly defined crystalline structure, unlike the majority of gemstones. It can take on a variety of forms and hues, making it somewhat surprising.
Opals are really fascinating, but there are certain fallacies surrounding them that you should be aware of as well. Even while you read about this interesting gemstone, you can admire some amazing specimens we have here.
What does the biblical word “opal” mean?
Long believed to have originated from the Latin word “opalus,” which means “valuable stone,” and the Greek word “Opallios,” which means “to perceive a shift in hue,” the term Opal really derives from the ancient Sanskrit word “Upala.” This term first appears around 250 BC, when Opal is said to have surpassed all other gemstones in value. Early Opal findings have been dated to more than 10,000 years ago in North America and 6,000 years ago in Kenya by archaeologists. Given that Ethiopia borders Kenya to the north, the source initially believed that the latter discovery was Ethiopian. However, both of these deposits must have been forgotten by Roman times because, until significant finds in Australia in the late 19th century, the only known source was in Slovakia, in a town called Cervenica.
Because it had the colors of many other revered gemstones, opal was for a long time considered the most precious of gems. A full rainbow of colors will sparkle from fine grade specimens, reminding one of many other sought-after jewels. Pliny the Elder, a Roman scholar who lived around 2379 AD, wrote about many of the gems he came across and included an entry on Opal in his Natural History encyclopedia. He stated: “You will see the blazing red of the Carbuncle or Ruby, the magnificent purple of the Amethyst, and the emerald-colored sea all sparkling inexplicably together in the Opal. Some opals have such a brilliant sheen that they can match the boldest and richest hues used by painters. Other opals are said to represent the dazzling blaze of burning oil as well as the fiery inferno of brimstone.” The term “carbuncle” at this time in history most likely referred to exceedingly fine red garnet.
This captivating diamond has carved a path through time and influenced several cultures and civilizations around the world. Indigenous peoples in South America sought after Fire-Opal after its discovery at least 6,000 years ago. The gem was revered by the Aztecs, who gave it the name “quetzalitzlipyollitli,” which translates to “stone of the bird of paradise.” Ancient India and Persia revered Fire Opal as a representation of passionate love. The stone was revered as a cure-all in Ancient Greece, and in Arabian folklore, opals are said to have fallen to earth from the heavens during lightning storms. In addition to its beauty, Opal has long been prized in many European nations for its reputed capacity to bolster the values of chastity, hope, and sincerity.
The Opal’s vibrant colors pleased the Romans, who used the stone to flaunt their wealth and social standing. They obtained their opals from mines in eastern Europe, outside of their borders. The Roman commander Mark Antony approached another general with an offer to purchase his spectacular stone in order to purchase an opal to gift to Cleopatra of Egypt as a token of their connection. The general, known as Nonius, chose to flee Rome rather than sell it, leaving behind his house and the majority of his belongings. But he was able to keep his Opal! One Roman emperor is reputed to have given up one-third of his entire realm in exchange for a single stone because opal was so valuable to the Romans. Shakespeare used the title “queen of jewels” and referred to Opal as “a wonder” in his play Twelfth Night, which he wrote between 1601 and 1602. Napoleon, the French emperor, presented his first wife Josephine with a reputed 700 carat Opal that became known as “The Burning of Troy” because of its intense red flashes. Despite the stone’s extensive documentation and widespread acceptance as a genuine gem, it has regrettably been lost to history ever since Josephine’s death in 1814.
Despite Opal having many positive characteristics over the years, there were also some drawbacks. Opals can dry out if they are not handled carefully (see the part below on care and cleaning), which can cause the stone to become dull and, in severe situations, even break. Before the science of opal was completely understood, this dulling and crazing of opal led many to believe that opal was a sign of bad luck. The latter occurrence is known as crazing. Opals have historically been associated with both good and bad luck. The Ancient Greeks valued them on a par with diamonds, and the Romans used them in jewelry, but the Tsars in Russia thought the stone represented the evil eye. The Aztecs of South America were mining the diamond when European explorers first arrived in the New World, and since it was so rare and exquisite, they sent many of them back to Europe to be displayed at regal courts. The bad luck attributed to the stone had slightly outgrown itself by the early 19th century, and Opal had nearly completely lost its appeal.
Thankfully, Queen Victoria began wearing the stone later in the century, putting an end to any talk of bad luck and superstition that had gotten engrained in the tale of Opal. Queen Victoria was a bit of a trendsetter, and her devoted followers frequently looked to her for dress and jewelry inspiration. She contributed to the stone’s resurgence in popularity and helped dispel any unfavorable associations it could have had. In Australia, opal was originally discovered in the 1840s, and Black Opal of superior grade was found there in 1877. As the nineteenth century gave way to the twentieth, Australia continued to discover fresh reserves. Opal mining started in Andamooka in 1930, Coober Pedy in 1915, and Lightning Ridge in 1905. The Great Artesian Basin is a sizable region of Australia that contains all of these deposits as well as additional ones. Simply put, the basin, which makes up about 22% of the entire nation, is composed primarily of incredibly porous rocks that can hold a lot of moisture, a key component in the production of opal. Up until very recently, nearly 90% of the world’s Opal came from Australia. However, in 1994 and 2008, Ethiopian Opal of extraordinary quality was uncovered in a separate site.
OPAL GEMSTONE INFORMATION
Opal is the stone presented on a 14th wedding anniversary and is one of the October birthstones, along with tourmaline. Tiny amounts of moisture and silica that have been trapped inside the stone give off the distinctively vivid hues that are given off by opal. The precious gemstones are Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald, while all other stones are classified as semi-precious. Gemstones are frequently divided into precious and semi-precious categories. One look at a top-quality stone will show you why some jewelers consider opal to be the fifth precious gem, which is a very uncommon distinction. Opal is one of the most well-known and sought-after gemstones that we have ever sourced, regardless of how you categorize it.
The most exquisite opal specimens have every color in the rainbow, making them stunning gems. One of nature’s most captivating visual effects, known as “play of color,” is the distinctive interior colors of these organisms. Opals are doubly appealing due to the frequent presence of a stunning iridescence known as opalescence. Refraction of light is what gives gem-quality opals their stunning color play. Each opal’s body is comprised of closely spaced silicon balls, and the spaces between them are filled with moisture and hardened acids. Light enters the gem, reflects off the silica’s curved surfaces, and exits the gem again. Different colors will be refracted depending on the size of the silicon balls. For instance, silicon balls with a width of 0.2 microns will reflect blue light, 0.25 microns will reflect green light, and 0.32 microns would reflect red light.
When water-based silica solutions deposited gel-like substances in cracks and crevices in rocks, opals were generated from hydrated silicon dioxide. They are frequently discovered next to hot springs or geysers. This natural occurrence truly happens rather frequently, however the stone that results is frequently a dull “common Opal” with its atoms scattered randomly throughout the stone, indicating that there is no crystal structure. Common Opals also come in a wide range of basic hues, but frequently have little to no color play. Opals of gem quality do, however, typically feature a play of color and a well-organized crystal structure.
Opals are prized for their vivid color palette and intrinsic light flashes. The labels given to different types of gem-quality opal by the gemstone industry can be very perplexing. When you hear the terms “White Opal,” “Grey Opal,” or “Black Opal,” the labels are referring to the Opal’s background hue (sometimes known as its matrix or host rock). Consider this to be the canvas on which the stunning colors are exhibited. Opals still contain moisture, which can range from 3 to 20 percent of the stone, even after being set in jewelry. As a result, opals are rated between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making them a somewhat soft stone. Opals of lower quality are usually mined in Australia, whereas common opals are found all over the world. According to some sources, this region is the source of 97 percent of the world’s gem-quality opals, while relatively recent finds in Ethiopia (in 1994 and 2008) are beginning to have an impact on the market. Other body colors are also available, and not all opals are opaque. Mali and Peruvian opals are green and pink, respectively, whereas Fire opal exhibits vivid yellows and oranges.
Fine layers of opal that naturally developed on ironstone rock make up boulder opal. Similar to ammolite, it is taken off from its host rock and then put back on it thereafter. As a result, the polished gem for the majority of Boulder Opals is actually a doublet or triplet. Many experts claim that Queensland’s Boulder Opal has the best beauty and brightness of any Australian Opal. Opals of excellent grade can occasionally occur spontaneously but in thin layers that would never withstand daily usage in jewelry. We refer to this as Crystal Opal on Ironstone when these thin slices are obtained and afterwards strengthened with ironstone.
There have been other new sources of Opal in recent years besides the 2008 Ethiopian finding. Pink Opals from Peru have recently been found to be one of the top finds. Pink is one of the most sought-after colors and gives jewelry a very feminine touch, therefore gem hunters all over the world are constantly on the lookout for pink gemstones that are naturally colored. Beautiful Pink Opal that we recently acquired from South America. Additionally, we discovered a trader in Mali with whom we were already acquainted as Garnet suppliers and who had discovered an opaque green gem. It had an unusual appearance for this region in that it visually resembled jade, and sure enough, tests in the lab proved that it was Green Opal. We gave Mali Opal’s discovery its name after where it came from. We also had acquired a single parcel of Yellow Opal from Tanzania, but regrettably, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to locate any additional gemstones.
OPAL CRYSTAL HEALING
Gemstones have existed for as long as recorded history, and in the years since their initial discovery, they have attracted a lot more admirers than just mineralogists and loving collectors. Even if there is no proof that any of these traits are true, many have acquired stories about their lore, legends, and healing abilities. Nevertheless, it is intriguing to investigate the occult side of Mother Nature’s wonders. We should consider the question, “Does something have to be real if you truly believe it to be true? The response is false in terms of science, but what about in terms of a more intimate, spiritual level? Are you more likely to have that influence if you honestly believe that anything in your home is having an impact on you? It’s really not up to us to judge, but it’s a highly intriguing idea that merits more study. The following material is provided solely for your knowledge; once again, studies have never discovered any medicinal effects or characteristics in gemstones.
Opals have long been prized for the spectrum of colors they contain, and this explosion of color has given the stone a variety of meanings. As well as creativity and optimism, Opal has also been associated with hope, happiness, love, luck, and innocence. The stone is said to assist in bringing one’s suppressed bad emotions to the surface and aiding in their purging. Every form of opal also has a unique significance, with Fire opal being associated with creativity and Crystal opal with wisdom and joy.
HOW TO CLEAN OPAL
When it comes to cleaning, this lovely jewel is quite delicate. Therefore, how do you clean Opal? The ideal way is still to immerse it in warm, soapy water; however, avoid doing so. Some opals have been strengthened for use in jewelry by being doubled or tripled with another gem or even a synthetic substance. These layers may eventually split if submerged in water. Instead, lightly rub the gem with a wet, lint-free microfibre cloth. To remove any remaining moisture, wring out the cloth and use the dry side. Use water that is at normal temperature since opal dislikes rapid temperature changes. With all Opal, stay away from ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
What medical properties does opal possess?
Opal is a sensitive stone that conveys the wearer’s emotions.
It heightens feelings and dissolves restraints.
promotes independence and freedom.
Opal stimulates psychic and mystical perceptions while enhancing cosmic consciousness.
It encourages creativity and uniqueness.
aids in discovering and expressing one’s inner self by assisting with anger release and self-worth claims.
Opal improves memory.
It promotes appreciation for the arts.
Opal symbolizes devotion, fidelity, and spontaneity.
Opal boosts willpower and relieves fevers and illnesses.
Opal controls insulin in addition to cleansing the kidneys and blood.
Both labor and PMS are made easier by it.
What does the word “opal” mean?
Opal, the birthstone for October, represents loyalty and assurance. The name is derived from the Greek word opallios, which means “to observe a shift in color,” and the Latin word opalus, which means “valuable jewel.” Learn more about the birthstone for this month!
What birthstone has the rarest stone?
While some birthstones are more accessible than others, precious gemstones in particular are thought to be relatively scarce. However, given that some really expensive stones are not all that rare and vice versa, price tags can be deceiving when it comes to rarity. For instance, although expensive, April’s diamond is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. Speaking of alexandrite, it is now the most expensive and rarest gemstone on the list of birthstones. Additionally extremely rare, black opals are.
Birthstones provide an intriguing way to select jewelry. They enable people to investigate jewels that they might otherwise avoid. However, birthstones are not always what people think they are, so make sure you are buying birthstone jewelry for the right reasons while making your selection.
