Opal’s meaning stands far more than just beauty and wealth. It is valued for its healing and spiritual properties as well. These gems are believed to enhance creativity and passion. Wearing them as jewelry offers you protection from negativity and brings happiness. This gemstone appears in various colors, including white, grey, and pink. The amazing play of colors exhibited by some of the varieties is an exclusive feature of these gems. The most sought-after are the ones sourced from Australia. Black opal sourced from Australia is considered the rarest of all varieties. These gems mined from this region can cost you $60 to $10,000 per carat.
About
The word “opal” comes from the Greek word “opallus” which means “to see a change”. Some say it is derived from the Sanskrit word “upala,” which refers to “ a precious stone.” Opal stones are formed within sandstones and mudstones. These are extremely fine-grained sedimentary rocks that release silica in groundwater on weathering. As cracks started developing within these rocks, the groundwater containing silica particles moved downwards. These particles get trapped within the other rocks. Slowly and gradually, they hardened into a gel, forming opals. This is how these amazing gems are formed. Chemically, they are silica minerals with the formula SiO2nH2O.
History
This gemstone was compared to fireworks and galaxies because of the stunning “play of color” it features. In ancient Rome, opal stone was regarded as precious and was ranked along with other popular gems like emeralds. Its beauty was expressed as the richest colors of painters, referring to the opal types. In many cultures, it is the gem that represents hope, purity, and truth. Ancient Greeks considered them as the stone of protection, whereas others believed them to be the lights falling from heaven. Today, it is a cherished birthstone for October and is a 14th anniversary stone.
Benefits
Opal’s meaning refers to love and purity. It is the stone of amplification, which means it strengthens good and bad traits. The stone absorbs negative energy and reflects positivity, amplifying it simultaneously and offering it back to the wearer. This gem enhances confidence, self-expression, and creativity. Thus, artists, writers, and painters can be benefited by this. It is a protective stone that shields you from negative energy. White opal is said to be the gem of love. It strengthens the couple’s bond, removes conflicts, and opens communication. Opal healing properties include boosting the immune system. It soothes eye health and renews the cells, nails, and hair. These gems activate the body’s chakras. Blue opals unblock the throat chakra, enhancing communication.
Who Should Wear
In Indian astrology, opal stone is associated with the planet Venus, which signifies love and beauty. So, individuals seeking a good married life are suggested to wear this gem. Zodiac signs such as Libra and Taurus can wear this gemstone. Working professionals or students who want to increase their confidence can wear these gems. If you are a business person who wants to attract wealth and good fortune, this stone is for you. Individuals suffering from anxiety, stress, and depression can wear opallus.
Quality and Price
The price of this amorphous stone depends upon its type. For instance, the black variety is the most expensive and ranges from $50 to $1000 per carat.
Color: Common opal colors range from white, cream, black, grey, and pink. The most beautiful are those which feature iridescence or a “play of colors.” When light reflects, the gem shows a phenomenon of “opalescence.” This property is particular to this stone and is caused due to the tiny spheres of silica. The wider color pattern and higher intensity of the opalescence phenomenon make the stone more expensive. When buying the rarest gems like black opals, one must look for the sequence of the color called a harlequin. The more uniform the black hue, the higher the quality. Thus, these Australian gems are considered the most desirable.
Clarity: The clarity ranges from completely transparent to opaque. These gems are free from inclusions. Blemishes on the surface are common. Those with darker color bases, like black, have an opaque background. This opacity is important as it showcases a vibrant play of color. A cloudy or milky background lowers the quality of the stone. Since these gems lose moisture, they develop cracks and break. Opal hardness is between 5-5.5 and is less durable. Thus, it’s important to take care of your jewelry.
Carat Weight: You can comfortably wear a larger size opallus as it has low density. Higher carat weight stones are priced higher. These gems are given grades such as heirloom (AAAA), which comprise 1% of the total. Stones that qualify for this grade are opaque and showcase intense play of color. AAA-grade stones are those with medium iridescence and opaque. AA grade is low, while B grade is low and displays no play of color.
Cut: The finest cuts are those with high symmetry and intense play of color. Moreover, the ones who save weight and maximize the hue are top-quality stones. Oval, round, and pear are the popular cuts, and if it is a cabochon, it should be shaped perfectly from the above surface.
Origin: The most common are found in Australia. 95% of these gems are found in this country. Other sources include Mexico, Ethiopia, Canada, Brazil, the United States, Indonesia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.