Australian Opal Direct: Opal

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Opal Meaning: The Beauty and Symbolism Behind the Gemstone

Opal is one of the most mesmerizing and unique gemstones, known for its stunning play of color and intricate patterns. This precious stone has captivated people for centuries, not just for its beauty, but also for the deep symbolism and meaning associated with it. In this piece, we explore the various meanings of opal, its metaphysical properties, and why it holds such a special place in the world of gemstones.

The Unique Beauty of Opal

Opal rings are unlike most gemstones because of their distinctive visual appearance. Unlike a diamond or sapphire, opals don’t reflect light in a uniform way. Instead, they contain microscopic silica spheres that reflect light in various directions, creating an iridescent play of colors. This phenomenon, known as play-of-color, results in flashes of vibrant hues such as blue, green, yellow, red, and purple, making each opal stone one of a kind.

Opals come in different types, with the most popular being precious opal and common opal. Precious opals exhibit the mesmerizing play-of-color, while common opals are typically opaque and lack this iridescence. The black opal, known for its rich body color and vibrant flashes, is one of the rarest and most valuable varieties. White opals, on the other hand, offer a lighter appearance with softer hues, making them highly sought after for jewelry.

Opal Symbolism: A Stone of Transformation

Opals have been cherished by cultures throughout history, and they carry rich symbolism in various traditions. Ancient Romans believed that opals were symbols of hope, purity, and good fortune. They considered the stone a good omen, especially for those seeking love and luck. The vibrant colors of opals were thought to represent the entire color spectrum, making them symbols of balance and harmony.

In other cultures, opals were believed to have magical properties. The ancient Greeks associated the gemstone with the goddess of love, Aphrodite, linking it to love and beauty. In the Middle Ages, opals were believed to possess protective qualities, helping to guard against illness and misfortune.

Opals are also connected to transformation and emotional healing. This gemstone is thought to amplify the energies of the wearer’s emotions, helping to bring unresolved feelings to the surface. As such, opals are often considered stones of self-discovery and spiritual growth. They encourage creativity and emotional expression, making them a powerful tool for those looking to unlock their full potential and connect with their inner selves.

Metaphysical Properties of Opal

Beyond its symbolism, opal is widely believed to have metaphysical properties that can enhance personal well-being. It is often thought to stimulate the third eye and crown chakras, allowing the wearer to access deeper intuition and spiritual insight. This connection to higher consciousness is said to promote a sense of calm, serenity, and emotional balance.

Opal is also known as a stone of transformation. It is believed to help individuals through times of personal growth and change by encouraging flexibility and adaptability. Whether you’re going through a transition in your life or need assistance in breaking old habits, opal’s energy is said to assist in embracing new beginnings and letting go of the past.

For those seeking inspiration and creativity, opals are often recommended for artists, writers, and musicians. The stone’s vibrant play of color is thought to ignite the imagination and spark new ideas. It is also said to help in enhancing communication skills, making it beneficial for public speakers or those who need to express themselves more effectively.

Opal in Modern Culture

In modern times, opals continue to captivate the world of fine jewelry, with their enchanting play of colors making them a popular choice for unique and luxurious designs. Opal engagement rings, for example, have become a distinctive choice for couples seeking something out of the ordinary. This gemstone’s connection to love and beauty, combined with its stunning visual appeal, makes it a perfect symbol for a lifelong commitment.

Opals also have a place in alternative healing practices. Many people use opal stones in meditation and spiritual practices, believing that the stone can help foster a deeper connection to the divine and enhance emotional healing.

Conclusion

Opals are not just beautiful gemstones—they are deeply symbolic and full of meaning. Whether you’re drawn to the opal’s mesmerizing colors, its association with love and transformation, or its metaphysical properties, this gemstone has something special to offer. Whether worn as a piece of jewelry or used for spiritual growth, opal holds a place of significance in both the world of gemstones and the hearts of those who appreciate its beauty and energy.

Opal Jewelry: A Timeless Symbol of Elegance and Beauty

Opal jewelry has captivated admirers for centuries with its mesmerizing play-of-color and ethereal charm. Unlike any other gemstone, opals display a shifting spectrum of colors, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you're drawn to the mysterious depths of black opals or the soft pastel hues of white opals, this gemstone’s enchanting beauty has made it a favorite for engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

What Makes Opal Jewelry Special?

Opals are unique due to their ability to diffract light, creating a stunning display of colors known as "opalescence." This phenomenon makes opal jewelry incredibly dynamic, as the gemstone can shift hues depending on the lighting and angle. No two opals are ever the same, giving each piece of jewelry a distinct personality and charm.

There are several types of opals used in jewelry, including:

White Opal – The most common variety, featuring a milky white or translucent background with vibrant flashes of color.
Black Opal – One of the rarest and most valuable, with a dark body tone that enhances its vibrant color play.
Boulder Opal – Found in Australia, boulder opals have a natural ironstone backing that intensifies their colorful display.
Fire Opal – Typically found in Mexico, fire opals have a deep orange or red hue with a fiery glow, often without the traditional play-of-color.

Why Choose Opal Jewelry?

Unique Aesthetic Appeal – Opals' ever-changing colors make them stand out among traditional gemstones.
Versatile Styles – Whether set in gold or silver, opals complement both vintage and modern jewelry designs.
Symbolic Meaning – Opals are believed to bring creativity, inspiration, and emotional healing to the wearer.
Perfect for Special Occasions – From engagement rings to anniversary gifts, opal jewelry adds a touch of elegance to any celebration.

Caring for Your Opal Jewelry

Opals are relatively delicate compared to harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. To maintain their brilliance:

Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Store opal jewelry separately to prevent scratching from harder stones.
Use a soft, damp cloth to clean opals—avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.

Opal Jewelry Trends in 2025

Opal jewelry continues to be a sought-after choice in the fashion world. Some trending styles include:

Vintage Opal Rings – Inspired by Victorian and Art Deco designs, these rings offer a timeless and romantic appeal.
Minimalist Opal Pendants – Simple yet elegant, these pendants highlight the gemstone’s natural beauty.
Boulder Opal Statement Pieces – Unique, raw opals set in handcrafted designs are gaining popularity for their bold aesthetic.
Australian Opal Engagement Rings – Many couples are choosing opals over traditional diamonds for their distinctive look and symbolism.

Whether you're looking for an heirloom-quality piece or a modern, trendy design, opal jewelry is a stunning choice that never goes out of style. Its magical colors and deep symbolism make it an exquisite addition to any jewelry collection.

Opal

Opal is a type of mineraloid, a mineral-like substance that does not have a crystal structure. It is composed of hydrated amorphous silica, and its characteristic feature is its play-of-color, which involves flashes of iridescent color when the stone is viewed from different angles. This phenomenon is caused by the diffraction of light as it passes through the microstructure of the opal.

Opals are known for their captivating and unique appearance, with a range of colors often including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The play-of-color is highly valued in opals, and stones exhibiting a vibrant and diverse spectrum are considered more valuable.

There are several types of opals, including:

Precious Opal: This type displays the play-of-color and is further classified into different varieties based on the body color and patterns.
Common Opal: Lacks the play-of-color and is valued for its solid color or patterns.
Fire Opal: Known for its vivid red, orange, or yellow body color. Fire opals may or may not exhibit play-of-color.
Black Opal: Characterized by a dark body color, often black or dark gray, which enhances the play-of-color.
White Opal: Has a light body color, and the play-of-color is often against a white or light-colored background.

Opals have been used as gemstones for centuries and are often set into jewelry. Australia is a significant source of precious opals, particularly black opals, but they can also be found in other locations around the world, including Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia, and the United States.

When working with opal jewelry, it's essential to handle the stones carefully, as they are relatively softer compared to other gemstones and can be more prone to damage. Opals are also sensitive to changes in temperature and can be adversely affected by heat and sudden temperature fluctuations.

What Are Composite Opal Products

Composite opal products are gemstones made up of two or more parts that are manufactured to look like or imitate a natural mined opal. The opal component of the composites can be either a natural (mined out of the ground) opal or a manufactured synthetic or imitation opal. Composite opals can take the form of doublets or triplets. Doublet opal pendant consist of two pieces where a slice of natural opal is cemented to a dark base material. Triplet opals consist of three layers, with a slice of natural opal cemented between a dark base material and a clear quartz or glass capping.

Opal Ring

An opal ring is a completely unique and mesmerising piece of jewelry that functions as a gemstone that shimmers and shines with a brilliant play of colour. The opal is a nicely-loved gemstone that has been cherished for its specific splendour due to the fact that ancient times. The Australian opal jewelry made of opals had been used to embellish the arms of many human beings, and they may be acknowledged for his or her mystical and beautiful look.

Opal jewellery has a unique area in international jewellery, as they're very versatile and may be worn with nearly any outfit, whether informal or formal. They also make super engagement rings, wedding ceremony bands, or anniversary items, as they represent a near and enduring bond among humans. Opals also have residences of healing, expertise, and friendship, which makes them a completely meaningful and spiritual preference for a ring.

Opals come in a ramification of colours and feature precise styles that make every one awesome. A few opals show off a rainbow of colours, whilst others have a more subtle play of coloration this is no less fascinating. The stone is likewise taken into consideration to be a birthstone for the month of October, making it a really perfect desire for a birthday present or souvenir. whether or not worn as a fashion announcement or as a image of love and devotion, the opal ring is positive to be a loved piece of jewellery on the way to delight and inspire for decades to come.

Opal Stone

Opal is a beautiful gemstone that is known for its unique iridescence, which gives it a magical, almost otherworldly appearance. The stone is composed of silica and is formed when silica-rich water flows through cracks and crevices in the earth's crust, eventually evaporating and leaving behind deposits of silica.
Opal stone comes in a variety of colors, ranging from white and gray to red, orange, and green. The most prized opals are those that exhibit a play of colors, which is caused by the interference and diffraction of light as it passes through the tiny silica spheres that make up the stone.

Galaxy Opal is the birthstone for October and is also believed to have healing properties, such as enhancing creativity, promoting emotional balance, and stimulating spiritual growth. It is often used in jewelry and decorative objects, and is highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

Opal Engagement Rings - A Great Alternative to a Diamond Engagement Ring

Opal engagement rings are a great alternative for those who don't like to follow tradition. Opal stone is mostly mined in Australia. I say mostly, but I don't know of another place where they come from, but I don't know everything, just a lot.

When opal engagement rings are chosen as the one to give when that special question is asked, choose one that won't get damaged easily. Choosing a stone with a low cabochon is preferred. This is the size of the dome of the stone.

In terms of being harder and more durable when worn, Boulder opal is the right choice because of the natural ironstone that is part of its physical makeup. It is a type with a hardness close to 6.

Opal engagement rings are a good choice for those who want a high quality and precious stone for the perfect moment of their life.

Let's face it - buying a diamond engagement ring is one of the most important purchases you'll ever make. It sets the tone for your marriage and may be more meaningful to you than buying your first home.

Not only that, but buying an engagement ring is a big investment. Simply put, you want the best value for your money and you need to deal with someone you can trust.

Ruby - A issue For Bling

Every girl, from the tiniest tot bedazzled by her mama's diamond earrings to the delicate elders carrying their prized wedding jewellery, features a issue for bling. (After all, did not actress say that diamonds area unit a girl's best friend?)

Most people have a signature piece, too. whether or not it's a pearl, opal, amethyst, emerald, or diamond, each lady features a assets in her assortment. created in style long before Dorothy and her slippers, rubies have forever been a classic favorite.

As one of the foremost precious gems, the ruby's sparkling flash of vivid color provides it fireplace, luster, and heavy temperament. they vary in color from faint pink to blood red, supported the number of fire opal (aluminum oxide) found within the gem. Ruby carrying girls area unit robust girls. they create daring, passionate, and complicated fashion statements, and that they don't seem to be for the faint hearted or the weak.

Fall infatuated together with your lady everywhere once more on your day or special vacation. Yes, the ruby is that the ideal gift for any of the ladies in your life, whether or not or not it's your mother, sister, daughter, or companion. the flicker on her finger can cue you each of your special bond. and do not forget: if your special lady was born in Gregorian calendar month, the ruby is her opal necklace!

Choose from many various designs and cuts, as well as aristocrat, oval, marquis, round, and pear. The styles are available white or yellow gold, and therefore the settings vary from the attractive, classic solitaire to a spread of vintage and trendy designs. Custom engraving is additionally on the market for a special bit. Any of the gorgeous shapes and styles are going to be guaranteed to create her day!

And our styles don't stop with rings. we have a tendency to conjointly provide a large style of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and pendants. the probabilities area unit endless, and regardless of what her age is, each lady can fall infatuated with our endless array of items to decide on from.

How does an opal get its color?

Would you suspect that until the 1960s, almost no one knew how the opaque gemstone got its color? first of all, let's answer the question, what unit of color area? the solution is simple: every color you can think of. Black opal direct cover the entire color spectrum.

Then there's around every color mix you can easily think of. I don't suppose I can name a color I haven't seen in an opaque opals nickname.

It's easy to know why some gems get their color. generally it is a form of crystalline structure, or it would be, and is largely the result of there being some part, such as iron, copper, aluminum, or some other thing, largely associated with the impurity of nursing, which gives the stone its color . Why is the surface unit ruby red? Why is the area unit emerald green? Well, a common example, it's the metal element, the V or the iron parts in the stone that create that rather inexperienced color. Why Are Area Unit Diamonds Clear?

Most miners did not assume, and many still do, that the color of an opaque gemstone comes from impurities in the colloid. the colored parts that seeped through the rock became trapped in the opal bracelet gel and, as they hardened, became responsible for its color. often this is simply not the case.

The opal color comes from its unusual structure and the way the white lightweight is tortured to break into its spectral colors. in the 1960s, Australian scientists, victimization technology not previously on the market, discovered that the opaque gem is composed of submicroscopic spheres, which are the area unit responsible for the magical play of colors. this arrangement of spheres makes the opaque gemstone the only stone with the ability to split light weight.

Getting on gemstone jewelry is now so easy

The advent of online shopping has had a huge impact on the way people dress and accessorize now, and choice is one of the good reasons. In the past, if a person was interested in buying and wearing quality gemstone black opal jewelry, they were largely at the mercy of the jewelry stores and the people who worked in them.

Getting real information from a jewelry salesperson was like pulling teeth because all they wanted you to know was what they had in their cases and the prices that were listed on the overpriced jewelry they had for sale. However; now when you shop online, your choices are endless and tons of information about gemstones and designer gemstone jewelry are easily available at the click of a mouse.

The fact is, there are a lot of options when it comes to deciding what specific gemstones to wear in your opal rock, and people are quickly discovering that many of the cheaper gemstones look just as fabulous as other types of stones they cost. many times more.

This is why before you start shopping for designer opal gemstone jewelry, you should spend some time doing some real research on the wide variety of gemstones and semi-precious stones that are now so readily available online. Thanks to online shopping, it's now a buyer's market, so take advantage of that fact and work to get the best deals possible.

Opal is that magical stone you just can't help but adore!

The best thing about opal gemstone is the mysterious, mystical and magical effect it has on our being. As one wears the gemstone, it represents a lush play of colors. All colors shine at different angles.

One of the main factors that sets the Opal gemstone apart from other gemstones commonly encountered is that Opal is not crystalline, but is made of hardened silica gel.

ORIGIN OF OPAL:

Black Opal is mined mainly in Australia and 10% of opal stones are mined in Brazil and Mexico. While pure opal stone is colorless, pure opal stone is almost impossible to find.

It is its impurities that give the opal stone its colors, which range from black, red and blue.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Since ancient times, opal has been considered a very lucky stone. This is especially true for black opal.

The gem allows you to ward off the evil eye. And this works especially well to protect those travelling to distant lands.

EFFECTS OF OPAL STONE ON THE PSYCHE:

This gemstone works especially well when blocking bad dreams or nightmares. It brings back the focus on mental abilities and propels one forward in life by offering motivation and energy.

One feels trust at a deeper level and this trust is independent of all external entities. Confidence comes into place when an individual is empowered to understand his true inner self.

So when one adorns the opal gemstone, one can overcome all self-defeating behaviors.

EACH TYPE OF FIRE OPAL HAS DISTINCTIVE HEALTH BENEFITS:

FIRE OPAL allows you to overcome all disorders related to blood. One also gets out of lethargy and depression.

With BLACK OPAL, the impact of all reproductive disorders such as erectile dysfunction is reduced. Thus, the Opal gemstone allows overcoming the physical and mental causes of the problem.

If someone has been afflicted with neural disorders or imbalances, WHITE OPAL works best for them.

Opal gemstone is also known to reduce pain related to childbirth. One could go for any Opal gemstone and anything would work well in that regard.

CLASSIFICATION OF OPAL GEMSTONES

Some of the factors that make the Opal gemstone different from other gemstones are that it has a non-crystalline structure.

Opal is created from hardened silica gel.

It contains 5-10% water.

Opal gemstone is either

A precious opal that shows flashes of color or iridescence.

Or it could be

Common opal, which is opaque and shows no iris.

The iridescence of an opal gemstone depends on the way the tiny quartz spheres bend light.

YOUR OPAL GEMSTONE NEEDS CARE!

Care must be taken when cleaning an opal gemstone. Cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner can cause the stone to crack.

This is mainly due to the structure of the opal.

They are tiny balls of amorphous silica gel that make up the Opal gemstone. And thanks to this, Opal offers a sparkling play of colors.

Almost 30% of the weight of the Opal gemstone can be caused by water. And this is the main reason why the precious stone Opal is delicate.

If exposed to too much heat, the opal could lose its luster. This is the main reason why a crack can appear in an opal gemstone when one moves outside from a warm interior into the cold.

Opal Unique and Movable World

If boring and white-on-white is what comes to mind when you think of opal, think again. Sure there are stones that are fierce and hidden in their fire, but there are also those who will set you on fire for their glory. Opals is a truly unique gem. Really! No two are the same in pattern and color. You can confidently say that no one else has an opal pendant like this one.

History and Myth

This opal gemstone got its name because of its maridescent appearance. Like many gemstones, the myth attaches a mysterious power to opal. The ancient Greeks believed that it gave a person an ability to foretell the future. Some believe that opal helps to prevent the effects of aging. If it helps, why not slip on an opal wall or an opal bracelet? It certainly wouldn't hurt!

Origin and Chemistry

Opal necklaces are mainly from Australia. In fact, about 95 percent of the world's supply of land comes from Australia's four largest mines. Rock crashes occur in Mexico, Brazil, Nevada and Idaho.

Opal is very soft and soft. Their composition is actually silica gel, which is what happens when silica is introduced into water. Opal hold water and about 6-10% of its water composition. Due to its adaptable nature, it grows wherever there is space and takes on the shape of that space. Because it is very soft- 5.5 on the Mohs scale, the opal ring is less effective, certainly for everyday wear. The opal pendant stands out better because it is less likely to hit and scratch it when worn.

Birth stone and species

This unique and soft gemstone is likely to be the October birthstone. There are so many colors and styles to choose from to celebrate your birthday or someone else’s. For a bold piece of birthday stone jewelry, you can combine a black opal bracelet with a diamond with black opal diamond earrings. Black opal is the most bold of all species because black acts as a striking contrast of blue, green, red and yellow. However, it is also very difficult to find and, as a result, very expensive.

Instead of planting a strand of pearls, why not look for white opal and diamond pendants. They are just like the old ones, but also the unexpected and beautiful. White opals are not as bold as black, but very beautiful. Instead of bright and vibrant, the colors come in as soft and pastel.

Between black and white lay semi-black and light opals with different shades of bright and pastel colors. Crystal opal has no color- not black or white. It is also clear that the only color you see is fire, the difference in light.

Whatever part of the opal jewelry you choose, take care of it. The opal ring makes for a beautiful family heritage, but not when it is scratched or cracked. Follow your instructions on cleaning the jewelry so that your opal jewelry will last for generations to come.

Opal Engagement Rings - Another Great Way to Make a Diamond Engagement Ring

Opal engagement rings are a different option for those who do not like to follow the tradition. Opal rock is widely mined in Australia. I mean a lot but I don't know where they come from, but I don't know everything, just very much.

As a scientist I will appreciate the facts. Opal is a soft gemstone. Diamonds are counted as 10 on the Mohs scale while opal is between 5 and 6. Opal is compared to modern glass. Opals are rarer than diamonds. Although the diamonds are set as solitaire with prongs, most opals are set with gold paint on the outer edge to help protect the stone. Although diamonds reflect all the colors of the rainbow in the same way as a prism that reflects the repetition of light, opal actually has all the colors of the rainbow in the gem itself. As one looks at the opal stone, the moment of color is in an unexpected pattern and is called the color match.

If opal engagement rings are selected as the ones to be given when that special question is asked, then choose the one that is not easily damaged. Preference is given to a stone with a low cabochon. This is the size of a stone dome. The lower the dome, the less likely it is that accidental damage will occur.

When it comes to being tough and durable when worn, Boulder opal ring is the right choice because of the natural metal that is part of its physical structure. This is a type with a maximum of 6.

Opal engagement rings are a great choice for those who want a high quality and rare stone for that perfect moment in their lives.

Let's face it - buying a wedding ring is one of the most important things you can do. It will set the tone for your wedding, and it may be more meaningful to you than buying your first home.

Not only that, but buying a engagement ring is a great investment. Simply put, you want the best value for your money and you need to deal with someone you can trust.

A Master's Piece: Stunning Opal Inlay Ring

An extremely impressive opal inlay ring can be skillfully made by a jewelry artist. Generally, an artist's favorites are black opal and crystal opal. He can also opt for tanzanite, diamonds or other precious stones to be inlaid in his chosen metal setting. Of course, his designs will vary depending on what's stylish or if clients will request custom made designs.

Some makers offer after-sale services like opal inlay repairs and re-polishing. Collectors and consumers should be excited because most makers adapt their workmanship and services to tailor fit our need for quality and creativity in our jewelry.

If you are really lucky, you can find a really terrific jewelry maker that can fashion a design that will look so much more its real worth. There are designs that only he can create. Try as you might, chances are you will see a similar design but at a much higher and dearer price.

I am so happy to own this band ring for many years now. This ring attracts so much admiration with an inlaid Peruvian blue opal, accented by shiny diamonds; the overall design is that the ring is in a twisted pattern. I find the setting very unusual and exceedingly gorgeous. I just can take my eyes off my finger sometimes. By the way, I found it best (well, I read somewhere) to wear this on the right hand. It's more meaningful that way as what experts say.

But one thing that my jeweler reminded me, even nagged me, was I have to remember that an opal is a fragile gem. So, I have to take care of it: no dropping it accidentally, no wearing it when I'm doing my gardening, not even getting it in frequent contact with my make up. Of course, cleaning it with harsh chemicals or storing it with harder stones is a big no.

Purchasing this ring took all of my salary, so I'm definitely following his advice. I was especially convinced with following his tips when I recently noticed that the Peruvian blue inlaid opal became as deep blue as the sea when I wore a blue dress to my company's Christmas party.

Likewise, this made me think that if I continue to treat it well, handle it with care, I will be able to save this for my children to appreciate. If opal rings are currently popular as engagement rings, certainly it fits as an heirloom piece as well.

Opal Myths and Superstitions?

You have never heard of a wedding ring designer for opal ring experts, or anyone looking for the perfect opal for the centerpiece of their wedding band. Allegations and myths about opal are so numerous and so widespread that it is difficult to recall the good descriptions of the stone, such as its effect on eye development and the ability to prophesy if used properly.

Opal gemstone has been widely associated with evil forces since stories of witches of ancient times and those who used it to charge their black magic began. Hungarian opal mines added to the superstition around the stone when the Roman Emperor was presented with an opal. The crown is said to have represented his evil eye as he looked to Europe for a new place to invade and conquer.

Despite the constant fear that opal came to the minds of many, some people tried to erase the name of the stone and started a controversial myth. The counter folklore backed down and in an attempt to convince people that opal was the opposite of the ugly and unholy stone of their reputation seemed fruitless. Myths and legends continued to be believed and people really thought that opal was actually a symbol of evil.

Opal saw a brief period of liberation in the late nineteenth century when Queen Victoria brought the stone a certain thunder and often wore opal in its jewelry during its reign of England. It is true that the opals did not find the worst machine in history. The Romans did not think badly of this stone but rather believed that opal was a combination of all the beautiful and precious stones. Roman emperors were also known to give their wives opal as a sign of good luck because for them the gemstone represented hope and purity.

Stone has been struggling to dispel rumors of its bad luck for years and has undoubtedly been a heavy machine. Even today, although superstitions have fallen and many wedding ring makers are making beautiful opal pieces, superstition still holds some people aside. Theory is certainly irrefutable and it is up to you to make up your own mind, but if opal attracts you, find yourself the designer of a wedding ring in a non-believer's camp.

Whatever your view of the stone — superstitions and rituals have been debated and debated for centuries. The stone is considered precious and beautiful in that regard but if you believe in witches and curses it may be to tell your designer of the engagement ring to avoid it.

Opal is October's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday, you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we bet you don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be bestowed about you by wearing it.

October Birthstone: Opal

Birthstone Properties: Enhances insight and dispels fear

Alternative Birthstone: Tourmaline

Opal is the birthstone for October and the gemstone given to commemorate a 14th wedding anniversary. The word "opal" for this dynamic gemstone was derived from the Greek word "opallus" which means to see a change in color...because it is, after all, opal's ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light that make it so special. In fact, there are more than a dozen varieties of fiery and iridescent opals.

Opal is a non-crystallized silica, a mineral found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. Romans called the magnificent gemstone "Cupid Paederos," meaning a child as beautiful as love. They believed that opals fell to earth from the heavens in a flash of lightening.

However they arrived in on Earth originally, today opals must be mined from deposits found primarily in Southern Australia, although other sources exist in Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia, and Nevada.

Crown Jewels

Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. During the Middle Ages, fair-haired young women put sapphires in their tresses to protect the lovely blond color of their hair. Physicians ground opals into a powder that was ingested to ward off nightmares.

Since the 14th century, many cultures have considered this stone to be an Eye Stone, a stone that watches over royal families as well as a stone that strengthens the eyesight. They believed it to be the "king of gems" because an opal holds within its fire all the colors of the rainbow...and all other gems, as well. And like many birthstones, opals were treasured by ancient monarchs for their appearance AND their powers.

Opals were routinely set into the crowns and necklaces of rulers who believed the protective powers of the gemstones would ward off evil. Writers of the period believed the opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose.

The Russians had the complete opposite belief in opals, viewing them as nothing but bad luck..

Always the Right Gift

A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence. And the wide range of choices in opal make them a perfect gift for anyone:

Black Opal - the stone has a dark body tone in comparison to a white opal.

White Opal - also known as 'milky opal', featuring light white body tones

Boulder Opal - very dark and beautiful in color

Crystal Opal - any opal with a transparent or semi-transparent body tone. Forms of crystal opal include black crystal and white crystal.

Fire Opal - an American term meaning any opal that displays a significant amount of red coloring. Mexican fire opal is a different kind of opal, which displays orange coloring)

Australian Opal Direct

Website: https://australianopaldirect.com

USA Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Australia Address: 59 Elderslie St. Winton, Queensland Australia, 4735

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Spotlight on October's Birthstone - Opal

What is the meaning of the Opal Gemstone? Opal is the birthstone for October. Opals are beautiful and unique in that they can change their coloring. The word Opal comes from the Greek word "opallios" which means to see variations in color. There are many different types of opals. There are lots of opal varieties including fiery colored ones and lighter, more iridescent opals. You can find opal's that are colorless, white, yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, green, gray, brown, and black or multi-colored. However, the color is more visible when the opal is clear, or "crystal," rather than cloudy.

Caring for your opal is important. Opal is a living stone and should be taken care of. It is best to protect opals from extreme heat, temperature changes and household detergents that could damage the gem. It is probably better just to avoid wearing any opal jewelry while cleaning or performing household tasks. To clean an opal, just wipe it with a clean, soft dry cloth. In general, you do not want to place your opal jewelry in water. Opals can get dehydrated after being mined, with a tendency to craze, which means to crack or developing webbing. If the opal survives several months without crazing, it is to be expected to last. Some opals can even maintain their original state for centuries.

Where do most opal's come from? Australia is the major supplier of Opal's worldwide. In fact, close to 95 per cent of all Opals come from mines in Australia. The remaining five per cent come from Mexico and Brazil, and sometimes the United States.

What re opal gem's made of? Opals are composed of a mixture of silica and water. Basically, opals are a gel from silica, with varying percentages of water.

Opal's make a great gift! Because each opal can be very different, they are considered a rarity and can be a romantic gift. You could purchase a gift for someone who is born in October and incorporate the opal in the jewelry. Or if buying a romantic gift, you could get a piece of opal jewelry, such as a pendant necklace or opal gemstone bracelet. Take your time and choose the type of opal appearance you want. Since there are so many varieties, you can take your pick.