Top 10 questions you asked us about opal

Opals are the kind of gemstone that stops you in your tracks. One glance, and you’re pulled into a swirl of mesmerizing, galaxy-like hues. Hence, it’s no surprise that opals also come with a bit of mystery.

Some say they’re lucky, others say fragile, or some think they're meant only for October babies. But you don’t need a birth month excuse to fall for an opal.

Whether you're browsing for your first piece or wondering which opal stone is best for astrological reasons, you’re not alone. We get asked tons of questions about opals all the time and for good reasons only.

So, we’ve rounded up the top ten questions you often ask about opals and answered them in detail. If you’ve ever been opal-curious, consider this your all-access guide.

Q 1: Opal is the Birthstone of Which Month?

Opal is the traditional birthstone for October, often associated with transformation, creativity, and emotional healing. It's said to reflect the shifting light of autumn and the inward-turning energy of the season. October-born individuals are thought to carry a natural sensitivity and depth, and opals, known for their shifting flashes of color, mirror that emotional and spiritual complexity.

Q 2: What Planet is Associated with Opal?

Opal is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, luxury, and harmony. Venus governs not only romantic relationships but also our aesthetic tastes, creativity, and the way we express affection and receive pleasure.

Wearing an opal is believed to strengthen the influence of Venus in one’s astrological chart. That means it’s often recommended to those seeking to:

• Deepen romantic connections
• Attract love and devotion
• Enhance charm and magnetism
• Improve artistic expression and sensuality

For those with Venus placed unfavorably in their birth chart, an opal may be prescribed to balance this energy, often worn in silver on the middle or index finger.

Q 3: Who Should Wear Opal?

From an astrological perspective, opal is most suited for individuals whose horoscopes are ruled by Venus. It particularly includes Libra and Taurus, whose natives are naturally attuned to beauty and balance. However, its benefits may extend to anyone who:

• Needs to strengthen Venus in their birth chart
• Works in creative fields (art, music, design, writing)
• Struggles with self-expression or low self-worth
• Seeks love, emotional healing, or peaceful relationships

That said, because opals are considered emotionally amplifying stones, it’s important not to wear them casually for astrological purposes. Always consult with a qualified Vedic or Western astrologer before wearing an opal for planetary benefit.

In Vedic astrology, opal is also seen as a substitute for diamond, which is the primary stone for Venus. For those who cannot wear a diamond due to its intense energy or cost, opal offers a gentler, more affordable option.

Q 4: What Are the Benefits of Opal?

Opals are known not just for their kaleidoscopic beauty but also for their energetic and emotional benefits. Here are the most commonly attributed powers of opal:

For Emotional & Relationship Healing

• Promotes loyalty and devotion in relationships
• Helps to release past traumas, heartbreaks, or emotional blockages
• Encourages self-love and openness to romantic experiences

For Creative Awakening

• Stimulates imagination and original thinking
• Great for artists, performers, and writers – anyone needing an inspirational boost
• Helps reconnect with dreams and inner visions

For Luck, Luxury & Prosperity

• Enhances financial opportunities, especially in the arts, luxury, or beauty industries
• Attracts abundance, good fortune, and pleasurable experiences
• Balances material desires with emotional wisdom

For Spiritual & Psychological Balance

• Reflects emotions, making it a mirror of the inner world
• Boosts clarity and self-awareness
• Often used in meditation to connect with higher realms or inner guidance

Metaphysically, opals are believed to amplify what already exists within you. So, they’re excellent for people who are ready to grow, transform, and embrace their authentic selves.

Q 5: What Color Opal is Preferred for Astrological Purposes?

The most favored is the white or milky opal, as it’s associated with the planet Venus (Shukra). It is said to enhance the positive effects of a well-placed Venus in one’s birth chart.

White opals are safest and most effective for general astrological use, especially when enhancing love, creativity, and emotional clarity. However, the choice of opal often depends on the purpose or area of life you’re seeking healing for, such as:

White Opals

These symbolize purity, balance, and peace. Their calm glow makes them ideal for Venus-related remedies. They’re often set in silver and worn on the index or little finger of the right hand (as advised by astrologers).

Fire Opals (orange or reddish hues)

Sometimes used for energy, vitality, and passion, especially when Mars and Venus are both significant in your chart.

Black Opals

Although incredibly rare and prized for their dramatic look, they carry intense energy. Because they intensify emotions, they’re rarely recommended unless your astrologer suggests them specifically for transformation or protective purposes.

Opal’s shifting colors are more than magic – they’re physics. Find out how it works the science behind opal’s unique beauty and play of color.

Q 6: Are Black Opals Completely Black Like Onyx?

No, black opals are not fully black like onyx. While onyx is a solid black stone with little to no play-of-color, black opals have a dark body tone (ranging from deep grey to jet black) that serves as a backdrop for brilliant flashes of color.

In fact, black opals are some of the most valuable and visually stunning opals in the world. Their dark base makes the color play even more dramatic. Visually, you can think of neon greens, electric blues, and fiery red hues dancing across a cosmic canvas.

Black opals are typically found in Lightning Ridge, Australia, and are highly coveted for their rarity and mystique.

Q 7: Does Soaking an Opal in Rose Water Enhance the Color?

Soaking an opal, whether in rose water, plain water, or any liquid, will not improve its color. In fact, it could do quite the opposite. This is because opals are porous and water sensitive. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause:

• Loss of color or clarity
• Cracking or "crazing" (fine internal fractures)
• Separation of layers in doublet or triplet opals

Instead of soaking, opals should be cleaned gently with a soft, damp cloth and stored in a slightly humid environment (like next to a glass of water) to prevent drying out.

Q 8: Does Triplet Opal mean “Opals” with Three Colors?

Not exactly. The word triplet refers to the construction, not the number of colors. A triplet opal is a composite stone made from three layers:

• A thin slice of real opal (middle layer)
• A black base (bottom layer) that intensifies the color
• A domed clear top (usually quartz or glass) that protects the opal and adds shine

Triplet opals often appear very vibrant because of this backing and the magnifying effect of the clear top. However, they’re not solid opals and are less valuable than solid or doublet opals.

They may show multiple colors, but the name “triplet” doesn’t refer to red-green-blue flashes. It’s strictly about structure.

Q 9: Does the Light Causing the Opal’s Colors Come from Within the Stone?

The light causing the colors in an opal does not originate from within the stone itself. Instead, the vibrant colors are produced by the interaction of external light with the opal's internal structure.

Precious opals contain microscopic silica spheres arranged in a regular, grid-like pattern. When external light enters the opal, it diffracts and bends as it travels through these silica spheres and the gaps between them. This diffraction splits the light into its spectral colors, creating the phenomenon known as "play-of-color" that gives opals their characteristic rainbow-like appearance.

Because of this, no two opals reflect light in the same way, making each one completely unique.

Q 10: Will Warming an Opal in Your Hand Enhance Its Brightness?

Warming an opal in your hand will not enhance its brightness or color. The display of color in opals is caused by the reflection and diffraction of light within the microscopic silica spheres in the stone, and this phenomenon is entirely independent of temperature.

You Asked, We Answered

From their mesmerizing color play to their one-of-a-kind personalities, it’s easy to see why this stone inspires so much fascination. Hopefully, we’ve answered the burning questions that brought you here and maybe even sparked a deeper appreciation for opals along the way.

Still have questions about opals? Don’t hesitate to reach out or leave a comment as we love talking gems!

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q1. What is the meaning of the Opal gemstone?
Opal symbolizes hope, creativity, and love, and is often associated with emotional healing.

Q2. Is Opal a birthstone?
Yes, Opal is the traditional birthstone for October and is cherished for its vibrant play-of-color.

Q3. Can Opal be worn every day?
Opal is a softer gemstone, so while it can be worn daily, it’s best to handle it with care to avoid scratches.

Q4. How do I clean and care for my Opal jewelry?
Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners to keep your Opal shining.