Opal: Meaning, Healing Properties, Benefits, Hardness, and Types

Imagine this: a young woman named Priya, turning 25 years old, receives an astonishing pendant. The stone shines like an ethereal light that changes color depending on the angle of the sun's rays against it.

Fascinated, Priya instantly connected herself with the opal stone, wondering whether its beauty hid deeper meanings. This gift leads her not only to the elegance of the stone but also to its rich history, unique properties, and many profound benefits.

Would it be interesting to know about the meaning of opal and why it is sometimes called the "queen of gems"? Let's enter this fascinating world of stone and uncover all its secrets.

What is Opal?

The opal stone is one of the most fantastic gemstones for its play-of-color phenomenon: rainbow-like colors that dance on the surface of this stone. It is not a gemstone created like any other, for silica-rich water filled cracks in rocks and, through time, solidified. Such a stone carries unique patterns and dazzling colors.

• Composition: Opal is a water content hydrated silica mineral, typically up to 20%.

• Hardness : On the Mohs scale of hardness, 5.5-6.5, in comparison to how soft diamonds and sapphires are.

Opals mean hope, purity, and creativeness. Such stones are enjoyed not only due to their loveliness but also because of their ability to bring positivity as well as keep life in proper balance.

Historical Value

Opals have been a precious stone for many ages across different cultures. In the Roman era, opals were believed to symbolize hope and luck. Ancient Greeks believed that opals provided the ability to grant prophecies. During the Middle Ages, opals were believed to offer the quest for good luck and protection.

• Royal Jewelry: The identification of opals with Queen Victoria itself has popularized this gemstone as a luxury resource.

• Superstitions: Opals have been associated with superstition in certain cultures. In fact, people believed that they brought bad luck. The belief has disappeared with time, and only appreciation for the beauty of the stone remains.

Types of Opals

Different colors and origins characterize different kinds of opals. These are the popular ones:

According to Origin

• Australian Opal: It's the most quality opal since it has vibrant play-of-color.

• Ethiopian Opal: Typically translucent with rich colors, these opals are relatively recent in the market but in big demand.

• Mexican Fire Opal: These opal stones are famous for their bright red and orange coloration. While they lack the typical play-of-color, they are quite striking on their own.

Know more: The difference between Fire Opal and Ethiopian Opal 

By Color

• White Opal: Light milky background with brilliant displays of colors

• Black Opal: The most valuable and scarce kind of opal. Dark background, enhancing the display of colors

• Boulder Opal: The opal earthy tones that shine with vibrant colors embedded into the ironstone

• Crystal Opal: This kind of opal is clear or semi-transparent. Very brilliant display of color.

Benefits of Opals

There are so many benefits from an opal gemstone, whether they are emotional or physical. This is how it can benefit you:

Emotional Benefits

• Opal healing properties consist of emotional balance, reduction in stress, and a rise in self-confidence.

• It is said that it sparks the individual's creativity and enables him to convey his inner emotions more openly.
  

Physical Benefits

• Some people believe that opals help detoxify and strengthen the immune system.

• They are believed to eliminate eye-related problems and also help in improving general health.

Spiritual Significance

• Opals are associated with increased intuition and spiritual development.

• They are believed to assist in the process of connecting to higher self.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Opal Stones

Now that we know the opal meaning and significance, let's also explore about the advantages and disadvantages of opal crystals:

Opal as a Birthstone (Zodiac Libra Stone)

Libra people love all things beautiful and harmonious in life, that is, what can best depict opals and the harmony Libras achieve as a whole when wearing these beautiful stones.

Benefits of Wearing Opal with Zodiac Sign: Libra-wearers adorned with opals seem to find the inner selves very closely associated within them. Thereby, there will be much emotional balance gained.

Opals are also the traditional gemstone for October, so they make a meaningful gift for those born in this month.

Quality: How to Choose a Quality Opal

Choosing the quality of an opal gemstone can be challenging, but read these for an easy selection of high-quality opals:

• Play-of-Color: Opt for colorful flashes covering the whole stone surface.

• Transparency: Crystal and Ethiopian opals often have a transparency that makes them very radiant.

• Base Tone: Black opals are often the most valuable because they often provide a striking contrast.

• Durability: Since opals are softer, ensure they have no cracks or imperfections that could diminish their lifespan.

Opal Price

Opal stone price is determined by several factors: type, size, color, and quality. The following is an approximate guide.

• White Opal: $20-$200 per carat

• Black Opal: $500-$10,000 per carat; rare pieces more expensive

• Ethiopian Opal: $50-$500 per carat

• Mexican Fire Opal: $30-$300 per carat

Looking for real opal stones? Check out the handpicked range at GemstonesForSale.

Factors Affecting Pricing

• Rarity: Black and boulder opals are considered among the rarest and costliest.

• Origin: Australian Opals are selling for higher values due to higher quality.

• Crafts-manship: The backdrop and the way the jewelry is cut can add extra cost.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

Opals must be treated with extreme care to stay beautiful and resilient. Here are some tips for keeping your opal stone at its best.

• Keep Away from Water: Since an opal consists of water, too much wetness can create cracks.

• Storage: Store them in a padded, soft box to avoid scratch marks.

• Gentle Cleanliness: Rub your opal with a damp, soft cloth. Avoid strong chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.

• Regular Servicing: One should always check the opal jewelry setting periodically to ensure that the stone is safe.

Significance in Jewelry

The opal is trendy and lovable in the jewelry industry because of its versatility and captivating beauty. Be it ring, pendant, or ear stud, opals are an epitome of elegance and individualism.

• Fashion Statement: Dynamic play-of-color makes the opals identifiable in all types of jewelry.

• Emotional value: Opals are given to mark anniversaries or significant milestones. This stone symbolizes love and commitment.

Conclusion

Opal stone undoubtedly is one of the most peculiar stones due to its historic importance and hypnotic beauty. Whether the charm lies in its aesthetic beauty or its opal healing properties, this gem certainly has something magical for each of us.

As Priya discovered, owning an opal is not merely a matter of displaying jewelry but embracing a story, connection, and curiosity for life.

So, wait no more. Take a trip today into the enchanted world of opals and learn how this gemstone will work its magic on your life.

FAQS

What is an opal stone?

The opal stone is a gemstone created from hydrated silica. It's known for the sight of play-of-color: the rainbow-like hue shimmering across its surface. It symbolizes hope, creativity, and emotional balance.

What are the opal benefits?

Research shows that opals enhance emotional stability, boost creativity, and eliminate stress. Opal healing is also associated with spiritual growth, improves intuition, and makes everything positive.

How to clean opals?

To clean opals, gently rub the surface using a soft, damp cloth. Do not expose opals to harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or excessive water since they are moisture and scratch-sensitive.