Opal History, Healing Properties, Types, Uses, & Zodiac Association
History of Opal Gem
It is believed that opals have been found in artifacts that are thousands of years old and were first mined commercially in Australia in 1875. The exact origin of opals is unknown, but they may have originated in Ethiopia as early as 4000 B.C. Its name, opal, comes from the word opalus, which means to see a change in color. This enthralling gemstone has also been associated with many different meanings across cultures.
Europeans considered opals to symbolize purity, hope and truth. East Associated opal with love, passion, desire, fidelity and assurance. Ancient Greeks believed opals granted prophecy and protected them from illness. Medieval Europeans may also believe in superstition that opals were bad luck and brought misfortune and even blamed them for the Black Death.
Physical Properties of Opal Stone
Opals are hydrated silica and their chemical composition is not fixed because the amount of water they contain varies. They also contain traces of calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron and uranium. With a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 it has a refractive index of 1.44 to 1.46. With a specific gravity of 1.98 to 2.20, it also has a vitreous luster; opals don’t have cleavage and usually break in curved or irregular surfaces.
Opals can be transparent, translucent or opaque and the opals with lots of transparency and clear colors are called crystal opals. Play of color is also one of the unique physical properties of opal. Generally, it is a phenomenon where the stone shimmers and moves with flashes of rainbow colors when it is turned in the light. This is caused by light reflecting off tiny silica gel spheres within the opal.
Healing Properties of Opal Crystal
With a rich history and physical properties, these enticing crystals may also possess several healing properties. It helps in treating medical disorders like stomach and eye and helps to find love & good luck. It is also assumed that wearing an opal ring helps in enhancing creativity and passion. It is also accepted to improve the functioning of the kidneys & liver. Sometimes, it is believed to shower good fortune and provide charm, beauty and financial growth. Wearing sterling silver gemstone jewelry made of opal helps you to get out of legal matters and protects you from going to dangerous places.
Types of Opal
Black Opal: Black opal is a type of precious opal that’s black in color with a play of vibrant colors on its interior. It is also the most famous type of opal in Australia, especially the ones from Lightning Ridge, New South Wales.
Boulder Opal: A natural opal with an ironstone backing that occurs naturally.
Fire Opal: Fire opal is created when water seeps into silica-rich lava, filling it with seams and hollows.
Blue Opal: Blue opal is a type of opal that comes in shades of blue and blue-green.
Jelly Opal: Jelly opal is a type of opal that has a gelatinous appearance and a play of colors that can include red, orange, pink, green and yellow. Jelly opals can be natural or synthetic and are also known as water opals, girasol opals or jelly mineraloids.
Dendritic Opal: Dendritic opal is a rare and unique type of opal that has distinctive fern-like patterns caused by inclusions of metallic oxides such as iron or manganese. The name comes from the Ancient Greek words dendron, meaning “tree,” and opallios, meaning “to see a change in color.”
Peruvian Opal: Peruvian opal is a sort of opal that is tracked down in the Andes Mountains of Peru and is well known for its blue-green shades.
Uses of Opal Gemstone
Regardless of healing, opal is additionally used for different motives and the very first motive is the jewelry creation. They are mostly cut and polished to create mesmerizing collections of gemstone jewelry, including opal pendants, opal earrings, & many more. Abrasives are the second most significant rationale as normal opals are dug for use as abrasives. Diatomaceous opal, a type of opal that contains diatoms, is used as a fine powder abrasive on metals and other gemstones. The third use of opal is as insulation media. Opals are additionally used as fillers and fixings in earthenware production.
Another use of opal is in the creation of sewer pipe, ceramic, and refractory mixes. Some synthetic opals are being investigated as flexible semiconductors because of their ability to refract light. Some opals were also used as charms against negative powers. In order to maintain the lustrous appearance of your opal jewelry for a longer period of time, it is necessary to clean it regularly using the appropriate methods. To clean the jewelry, gently scrub it with a soft brush and warm water. After cleaning, remember to thoroughly dry the gemstone with a soft, dry cloth.
Opal As A Birthstone
Opal is the traditional birthstone for the zodiac sign Libra, which is associated with the month of October. Opals are said to symbolize creativity and hope and are believed to capture the qualities of the Libra sign, which is represented by the scales and an emphasis on balance and harmony. Wearing an opal bracelet is believed to help people resolve their issues regarding love, marriage, romance, emotions, fine arts & movies. Some crystal healers also assumed that opal is a type of gemstone that can help relieve stress, improve clarity of thought and increase spiritual awareness.
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