Legend of the Opal Stone
Many cultures throughout the world have attributed supernatural powers to opal. The ancient Greeks believed that opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them against disease. Arabic legends say opal falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning.
Romans believed that opals were a combination of the beauty of all the precious stones, and it is well documented in Roman history that Caesars gave their wives opal for good luck. Also, the ancient Romans wore opal as a symbol of hope and purity and believed it could cure illness. In ancient India, opal was referred to as the Goddess of the Rainbow, turned to stone.
Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth. Some writers have even compared opals to the milky way galaxy. In the Middle Ages, opal was considered a stone that could provide great luck because it was believed to possess all the virtues of each gemstone whose color was represented in the color spectrum of the opal.
There are many reports of opal bringing people luck, including the many opal miners who have made their fortunes and have lived long and prosperous lives. Opal is one of the most beautiful and mysterious precious stones in the world and it's colors are truly magical!
Opal Gemstones Have Magic Properties
According to an old Australian Aboriginal myth, the Creator came down from the heavens on a rainbow and delivered a message of peace for all mankind. The stones which were near the place where his foot touched the ground suddenly became alive and began to sparkle - this was believed to be the birth of opal stone. Opal stones are said to stimulate originality and creativity. The term opal is from the Latin Opalus, but is believed to originate from the Sanskrit Upala, meaning “Precious Stone.”It is said that opals elevate cosmic consciousness and stimulate intuition and insight, raising self-awareness, assisting in stilling the mind info peace for meditation. It is also seen as being a protective stone with deep inner meanings. It is because of black opal's ability to display such vivid and intense colors that it is considered to be the most valuable type of opal available today.
This stone ranges in color from blue-white to deep blue. It is said that this stone enhances communication skills, providing the user with the courage and freedom to speak at the right time and it helps stimulate connections between people.
Sources of Opal
Black opal is by far the most valuable and appreciated of all opal varieties, especially those from Australia's famous Lightning Ridge, where unique geological conditions allowed the formation of this rare gemstone. Most light opal is found in South Australia, and black opal is found in New South Wales - especially Lightning Ridge.Most of the world's precious natural opal is mined out of Australia where unique geological conditions allowed the formation of this rare gemstone. Most light opal is found in South Australia, black opal in New South Wales - especially Lightning Ridge. Also opals are mined in different parts of the United States, Brazil, Ethiopia and Mexico (where the famous 'Fire Opal' is mined).
Types of Opal
Types of opal include:- Black Opal
- Light White Opal
- Boulder Opal
- Matrix Opal
- Cristal Opal
- Fire Opal.
Natural opals are those which have not been treated in any way, other than by cutting and polishing. Natural opals are usually described as light, dark/black, boulder, and matrix. Although boulder opal has an ironstone backing, it is regarded as a solid natural opal because this backing occurs naturally.
The variety of natural opal is determined by the two characteristics "body tone" and "transparency". Every gemstone collector should own an opal. There are many varieties that are still affordable. The sole sigh of this magnificent stone brings joy to the beholder!
