By Kaaren Bedi
Opal is a gem surround by history and mythology. History considered it to be the most powerful of all gems because it can contain all the colors of nature in one stone. As far back as Roman times it was thought to protect the wearer with all the powers of all the gems known in the world.
Many cultures have credited opal with supernatural origins and powers. Arabic legends say it falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth
Opal is the October birthstone. Some people think it’s unlucky for anyone born in another month to wear an opal. But that particular superstition comes from a novel written in the 1800s (Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott), and not from any ancient belief or experience. In fact, throughout most of history, opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because it can show all colors. Once, it was thought to have the power to preserve the life and color blond hair.
Opals are stabilized silicate- in essence petrified water. Opal is formed from Silica-bearing water and can be found inside any type of rock or ‘parent stone’. Throughout the world silica gel precipitates at low temperatures to form layers or nodules of opal in fissures, veins and cavities of volcanic and sedimentary rock. Opal is an amorphous form of silica, chemically similar to quartz, but containing 3% to 21% water within its mineral structure. Gem quality opals contain anywhere from 6% to 10% water.
While Australia is the best-known source of opal, gem quality opal comes from all over the world. Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia and Romania and even Idaho are known to produce fine opal. Each comes with a unique look and color spectrum.
Explore the world of opal- and don’t worry if your birthday isn’t in October. You can always evoke the ancients and be protected by the beauty of the rainbow of colors in the heart of each opal.
Smith & Bevill, your local family jewelry store, has AGS certified appraisers on staff as well as master gold smiths and factory certified watch makers. We also buy gold, silver and platinum jewelry.
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