Opal: Opals are part of the Quartz family and the name is derived from several origins. Some suggest it came from the: the Sanskrit word “Upala”, meaning "precious stone"; while others believe it derived from the Latin word Opalus and /or the Greek word Opallios, which both mean "to see a change of color".
Early cultures were said to believe that Opals held magical qualities and when worn, were said to assist in clarifying thoughts and in seeing the boundless opportunities that are always available. In India, the Opal is often referred to as the Goddess of the Rainbows, based upon a myth where she is said to have turned to stone while fleeing from the romantic overtures of the other Gods.
Arabic folklore tells of Opal falling from the heavens in flashes of lightening, while in Greek mythology, Opals were said to be have been formed from the tears of joy that Zeus cried after his victory over the Titans. The early Greeks also spoke of the Opals' ability to impart the gift of prophecy upon its owner.
The ancient Romans regarded Opals to be rarer than diamonds and pearls and they were thought to be a token of purity and hope, as well as being a universal good luck charm with the capability of drawing great wealth to the wearer. It was also thought to act as an aphrodisiac when worn and to be helpful in preventing eye diseases. Mark Antony was said to have loved opal and legend has it that Cleopatra wore an opal to attract his attention. 1st century Roman author and scientist, Pliny the Elder, described the magnificence of opal as the combination of the beauty of all other gemstones.
Opals have been used throughout the centuries in the crowns of kings and some of the most precious ones can be found in the crown jewels of France. Napoleon presented Josephine with the “Opal of Troy”, an extraordinary Opal with dazzling red flashes.
Shakespeare described the Opal as "that miracle and queen of gems” and spoke of its magnificence in his play “Twelfth Night”. Queen Victoria was said to have loved Opals. She wore them throughout her reign and added them to the British Crown Jewels. She gave them to numerous female descendants and often gave them as wedding presents.
Opals have been found in many ancient tombs of the Aztecs and the Aborigines of Australia believe that Opals hold a spiritual value and that they are a sign from the ancestors to remind us of their presence. It is considered to be one of the seven sacred stones of the Cherokee people.
Color: Opals come in wide spectrum of colors. White Opal has a light body of colors, while Fire Opals are more yellow, orange and red in color. Black Opals are very rare and have blue, gray and black tones to them.
Traditional Birthstone: October
Zodiac or Magical Birthstone: Well suited to Virgo, Pisces and Libra
Signification: Opals are absorbent and are said to pick up on your emotional energy. It also acts as an amplifier when dealing with the karmic law of cause and affect. The energy you send out comes back to you like a karmic boomerang. You should be aware of the heightened effect on both your positive and negative emotions when wearing the gem.
Opals are excellent tools when working with the Chakras. Its brilliant spectrum of colors can help heal and clear mental, physical and emotional blocks that have occurred from past emotional traumas, allowing the Kundalini to move unobstructed through the Chakras.
Andean Opal, with its soothing grey and aqua hues, is said to increase your awareness and compassion for Mother Earth and all living things. It is helpful in healing emotional traumas and supports inner peace and growth.