Australian Opal Direct: Opal As a Precious Jewelry

This opal stone has indeed been a source of fascination for mankind because of its amazing variety of colors and textures. This is one of the only gemstones with a relatively high volume of water, with a structure similar to quartz. Opal ring is a soft stone and, although prone to breakage, has been very popular over the years. This gem is mined throughout the United States, Australia, and West Africa. Wearing opal close to the skin is thought to enhance its wearability as it absorbs moisture and oil from the skin.

History

This stone has a long history dating back thousands of years to the ancient Romans but did not have a major impact in modern times until the end of the nineteenth century. At the beginning of the twentieth century there was an increase in the movement of art deco and opals gained a remarkable reputation. Easily carved and constructed, this stone was popular as a sculpture and was often used to create cameo-white pieces in black with an outstanding combination of color freedom. The use of opal continued to reach a period known as retro. Both the artistic movement accentuated the flowing lines as well as the smooth curves and the carved opal gave a good impression of these times. Considered a desert gem, the opal of unusual colors is found in Australia and has long been highly regarded by Australian natives.

Birthday Information

Topaz is known as the October birthstone and is associated with the Cancer star sign. People born under the sign of Aries are thought to have increased their fortune by wearing black opal.

New Age and Power Beliefs Throughout the Age

The belief has persisted throughout history that this stone could bring misfortune to its ruler. In contrast, the ancient Greeks and Romans said that the superpowers of opal and the Greeks believed that the stone could transmit great power of prophecy and understanding. In Asia and the Middle East, this stone was thought to be the heavenly gift. In modern times it was thought that misfortune could befall those who wore opal or received it as a gift. This belief was considered true especially if the wearer was not born under the sign of the Aries star or was not born in the month of October.

Development Action Forms

There are several techniques used to enhance the color and appearance of opal stones that occur naturally. To fill cracks and other imperfections, stones are often oiled or waxed or plastered. To produce black stones, smoking is often hired with the use of chemical dyes since the stone tends to absorb liquids and retain color.

General Scientific Information

The chemical name is SiO2. nH2O. Opal can be six to ten percent water and can be as high as 20 percent.

5.5 to 6.5 hardness of Mohs scale - Mohs scale measures the hardness of metals, minerals, gemstones and crystals on a scale of 1 to 10. For example the hardness properties of many equartz crystals fall to about 7 on the scale, as it happens. iron and titanium. Diamonds are the heaviest known material in the Mohs scale which comes in 10 solid. For many consumers hardness often indicates stones that are resistant to scratching and cracking.

No cleavage found in opal.

The refraction index is between 1.44 and 1.47 and usually indicates the purity of the stone.

Specific gravitational force of 1.99 - 2.25.

The crystalline system is amorphous.