The Opal Gem is a group IX mineraloid (silicates, tectosilicates), according to the Strunz classification. It has a composition similar to that of quartz, from which it differs because it has water molecules inside. Its formula is SiO2nH2O. Very often they are found filling cavities of rhyolites or sedimentary rocks. There are numerous varieties of opal that have different appearances.
Origin of your name
Opal owes its name to an ancient Greek word «upalo» that in its original meaning and in its translation means «precious stone»; Another Greek term that is also related to the stone is «opalus» which has the translation of «something that changes color», referring to the rainbow colors that this stone has in its composition. There is a great link with people born in October and the opal, so it is said that these people carry the rainbow and light without the need for the stone in their hands.
Colors
Opal can be colorless, blue, orange, red, yellow, purple, gray, green, black, and brown. These are base colors only, as some stones may show more than one color depending on which direction they are viewed, when rotated, or by changing their light.
The fluorescence of the opal offers what is known as color play, a series of flashes of light of different shades that the stone projects. This fluorescent game is different in each gem, for this reason we do not lie when we say that there is no opal equal to another.
History
It is said that the opal enjoys the virtues of the other gems because it offers all its colors. The old magic books affirm that it has the virtue of concentrating energies, helping to control anger and giving power to the wearer.
They also say that there is nothing better than a soft-boiled opal to catch the elusive love. Sometimes called the firmament stone, it is estimated that its power over the elements is directly related to the beauty and size of the piece.
The Greeks attributed to opal powers to predict the future, while the Romans believed that it increased a person’s virility, attracted fortune and prosperity, and protected against serious illnesses. For their part, the Arabs said that the opal had its origin in Paradise because of its wonderful colors.
The Orientals consider that the opal is the key to hope and that its bearer is protected from all evil, by placing it in the hands of God. They believe that its greatest effect is achieved in those people who have had the fortune to receive it as a gift from a loved one.
Since the ancient Greeks and Romans highly valued opal, associating its brilliance and iridescence with Glory, generals used to carry opal-topped canes for good fortune on military campaigns.
The opal became so mythologized that in the Middle Ages it was considered that whoever wore one of these stones wrapped in a laurel leaf could, under certain circumstances, achieve invisibility. Naturally, no one ventured to offer clues as to the mysterious circumstances that had to occur.
hindu legend
A Hindu legend tells that Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were consumed with love and jealousy for the same beautiful woman. Enraged, the eternal decided to punish them and turned the lady into a ghost of the mountains. However, the loving gods did not want to lose her in the mist, so each one lent her her color: Brahma, the blue of the sky, Vishnu, the brightness of gold and Shiva, the red of fire.
But even so, that innocent spirit was a victim of the mountain winds, carried here and there with its multicolored wake. The eternal took pity on the ghostly lady and turned her into her opal, a mysterious and transparent stone locked in the heart of the mountains.
Deposits
Common opal (opal without color play) is very common and occurs all over the world. It is beyond the scope of this guide to list all the important occurrences of this mineral.
The most precious opal is mined in Australia, the United States and Mexico. Some of the most famous opal deposits are found in Australia.
Other important deposits of the precious mineral worldwide are found in Ethiopia (Menze Gishe), the Czech Republic, Slovakia (Dubnik), Hungary, Brazil (Piaui) and Honduras (Gracious O Dios).
Where to locate the opal
Most opals have water energy and this is traditionally found in the northern part of the hearth. Keep the opals there to enhance your career and life.
Fire opals have more fire energy and these can be placed in the southern part of the house or room where the gemstone will encourage passion, action and energy.
If you work in the creative industry, then put one on your desk or in your pocket to help you come up with innovative ideas.
Properties
Anxiety and panic attacks
People who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks should perhaps keep an opal with them as it speeds up recovery time after prolonged illness or after surgical procedures.
Creativity
Opal is also used by artists to get a better imagination and increase creativity and inspiration for artistic works.
Hope
It is believed that an opal stone is a «stone of hope» and that it has the ability to protect its wearer from all evil. Its protective energy is intensified if the stone has been received as a gift from a loved one.
Diabetes
It has the ability to regulate the production of insulin, significantly improving the disease of diabetes.
Nervous system
Speaking of its healing benefits, they are normally associated with the treatment of nervous system ailments. In fact, some people seek out the mineral white opal to treat Parkinson’s disease. It is also related to the balance of insulin levels and the calming of tachycardia.
Emotions
Due to its strong power, it has the ability to make us feel peaceful due to its vibration. The mineral acts both in the wake of emotions, intuition and problem solving.