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The opal gemstone brings a rainbow of shimmering colors to every piece of jewelry it adorns. The birthstone for October, it symbolizes purity, innocence, and hope, and offers many properties highly valued in crystal healing. A delicate gemstone with mesmerizing iridescence - making it a prized choice in fine jewelry for creating exceptional pieces and sets.
There are two theories on the origin of the name "opal." The first points to a Latin etymology with "opalus," or a Greek one with "opallios." In both cases, the meaning is "to see a change of color." The second theory traces the origin to Sanskrit, with the word "upala" meaning "precious stone." Mysterious and deeply symbolic, opal has fueled legends across civilizations, the vast majority of which perceived it as solidified cosmic light.
While this gemstone is considered a true good-luck charm by the Greeks and Romans, it also holds a place in Aboriginal mythology in Australia. On the land of the opal, this gemstone is associated with the deity of the famous Rainbow Serpent, who descended to Earth to spread peace. According to the myth, wherever it touched the ground as the sun rose, the rocks began to shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow and transformed into multicolored precious stones with iridescent reflections. The Aboriginal peoples also attribute powerful healing powers to it.
A Hindu legend tells of a woman coveted by three gods who was transformed into a cloud by the Eternal. The first, Brahmâ, tinted it blue; the second, Shiva, tinted it red; and the third, Vishnu, granted it the golden light of the sun. The Eternal then chose to place the cloud underground, giving birth to the opal stone.
In his Natural History, Pliny the Elder describes opal as follows: "In it, glows the soft flame of the carbuncle, the brilliant purple of the amethyst, the splendid sea-green of the emerald, the golden yellow of the topaz, the deep blue of the sapphire, and thus all colors shimmer within it in an incomparable mosaic…". A truly exceptional stone with extraordinary luminosity that also symbolizes 21 years of wedding.
Opal forms in particularly dry and arid regions, where rainwater carries silica spheres that accumulate primarily in the hollows of volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The main deposits of this unique gemstone are located in Australia, where 95% of the world's opal production is carried out at mining sites, some of which are well known, such as the town of Coober Pedy. Although extraction is less significant elsewhere, other countries mine this gemstone, including Brazil, Mexico, Peru, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, and Ethiopia.
Thanks to its impressive play of color, opal is today primarily used in jewelry, where it enables the creation of remarkable pieces and designs. Its iridescent reflections are also employed in certain decorative objects and architectural ornaments, though this is less common.
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Opal is composed of hydrated silicon dioxide and naturally contains 3 to 30% water. It also comprises three distinct mineral species: cristobalite, tridymite, and hydrated amorphous silica. This varied chemical composition, reinforced by an amorphous crystal structure, explains the uniqueness of its aesthetic qualities. Furthermore, this gemstone has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and a density of 1.9 to 2.5 depending on the specimen.
Its resinous to waxy luster comes in two kinds of gemstones: "noble" opals and "common" opals. The former offer a unique play of color due to the microscopic silica spheres that make up the stone. Its tone is then milky white, transparent, or gray, with - depending on the variety - a pronounced iridescence and shifting hues depending on the viewing angle. This type of opal can also be black or "fire" opal, with yellow, orange, or red tones. "Common" opals, on the other hand, are perfectly uniform and therefore hold considerably less value in the fine jewelry market. The various opal specimens thus offer a wide choice of gemstones and shades to adorn jewelry and suit every personal taste.
The metals paired with opal are equally varied, with pieces crafted in yellow or white gold, silver, or even platinum. Here too, the wide range of opal colors allows for diverse combinations, resulting in exceptional jewelry pieces that never fail to dazzle.
Opal strengthens friendships, nurtures romantic relationships, and helps those who wear it rediscover genuine self-confidence. It is therefore ideal for the most reserved personalities, releasing inhibitions with a positive and uplifting energy. It also plays a beneficial role in sleep quality and dreaming. These calming properties promote self-control and naturally stimulate creativity, intuition, reflection, and concentration.
On a physical level, opal offers powerful healing properties by contributing to recovery and fighting infections. Healing is thus accelerated and this rainbow gemstone's anti-inflammatory power enables a recovery under the best possible conditions. Opal also acts positively on gastric issues, digestive disorders, as well as bladder and kidney dysfunction. This unique gemstone also possesses notable benefits for eye health.
Opal has low resistance to impact, scratches, heat, and does not handle sudden temperature changes well. It is therefore a fragile and sensitive stone that must be handled with care to preserve its aesthetic appeal and its crystal healing benefits. For optimal protection, it is advisable to store it in a dedicated pouch or box. This way, any friction or impact with other gemstones or jewelry is avoided.
Regular cleaning can also help preserve its singular brilliance and the beauty of its reflections over the years. Simply use a little cold water and dish soap with a soft brush and gentle strokes. After rinsing, a soft cloth is the ideal tool to dry and buff the gemstone without risking damage.
When searching for an opal jewelry piece to purchase, it is worth noting that noble opals remain the most sought after and will therefore carry a higher price tag. Value depends on the color of the iridescence, with a preference for red, violet, pink, and turquoise, as these are particularly rare. While the transparency of the stone and the intensity of the iridescence are also important criteria - with greater value placed on the most vibrant hues - the patterns of the gemstone matter just as much, with a real passion for the rare and magnificent Harlequin opal.
With many pieces featuring a cabochon or more distinctive cut, the online jewelry store Ocarat offers a wide variety of opal jewelry from the greatest fine jewelry brands. Certified authentic and set in exceptional precious metals, our rainbow and colored gemstones are the perfect opportunity for a one-of-a-kind jewelry piece that will exceed all your expectations and elevate any outfit with effortless elegance.
The opal should be transparent to semi-transparent and display characteristic iridescent reflections that shift depending on the viewing angle and light. The gemstone should therefore feature numerous inclusions for a brilliant and unique appearance. Furthermore, as with all precious stones, it is important to turn to a professional or a reputable jeweler who can provide certificates of authenticity confirming the value and rarity of your jewelry.
Particularly delicate, an opal stone requires special care when you are not wearing it. Your jewelry should be carefully stored in a pouch or box that keeps it separate from your other pieces and gemstones. This protects it from knocks and scratches that could damage the iridescent reflections of your gemstone and its incomparable charm. It is also important to avoid sudden temperature changes or intense heat in order to preserve its brilliance over time. Finally, a gentle clean with water and dish soap - wiping and buffing with a soft cloth - can restore your opal's full radiance.
Opal offers a wide range of iridescent hues and nuances. When shopping for an opal jewelry piece, it is advisable to first identify the type of iridescent reflections you are looking for to guide your search. Beyond that, the style of jewelry you have in mind, your budget, as well as the size and cut of the stone, are all key factors to consider in finding a piece that perfectly suits you - meeting your expectations both aesthetically and in terms of its natural properties when worn.
With deep expertise in precious and semi-precious stones, Ocarat guarantees quality pieces and a wide range of jewelry to help you find the opal that fits your style and budget. With stones in various sizes and qualities, you can compare necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets in just a few clicks on our online jewelry store. A seamless shopping experience with zero compromise on quality - we carry renowned fine jewelry brands and every opal piece is certified authentic, making it the perfect exceptional gift or a special treat for yourself.
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