Opal takes its name from the Latin word Upala meaning precious stone. The Roman scholar Pliny described opal as having the fire of carbuncle (a deep red garnet) and the brilliance of amethyst with the green color of emerald. The Romans believed opal was the symbol of hope and purity. They called it cupid paederos (child as beautiful as love) and thought the wearer safe from disease. The Arabs believed that opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning. Ancient Greeks also believed the opal had the power of giving foresight and the light of prophecy to their owners. Cleopatra is said to have worn an opal to attract the attention of Mark Anthony.
Aborigines believe they have lived in Australia since the beginning of all
creation. This culture has produced many myths and legends about opals over the
span of time and believe that the opal has a spiritual value. It is their belief
that the opal represents something an ancestor left behind as a sign of his or
her presence. The Wangkumara people have a legend which tells how their people
gained fire from opal stones with the assistance of a Muda - a Creator who
switches from human form to pelican.
Since the best Opals originate in Hungary and New South Wales (the black
variety), they are often considered lucky gemstones for these countries and
those of Hungarian or Welsh ancestry.
Most often the Opal is associated with the gift of prophecy. The Chinese believe
the wearer must also be "pure of heart" to receive the gift of the
stone. The Romans also believed opal could instill the gift of prophecy. It is sometimes
associated with facilitating Astral Projection.
Opals are said to impart bad luck on those who stray in love or attempt to use the power of the stone for selfish or evil purposes. It is sometimes said to bring bad luck to a person if it is not their birthstone, mainly due to a novel written by Sir Walter Scott about the misfortune brought to the owners of an opal.
Opal is an important gemstone in subduing an over-active 7th Chakra (Crown Chakra). Natural Healers use it to promote visions, enhance prophetic dreams and for intuition. They also believe it helps kidneys and blood diseases. It is also associated with improving eyesight and reducing stress levels by gazing into it's depths.
Some sources claim the Opal as powerful in casting "beauty spells".
Some interesting lore associates the Opal as the patron stone of thieves, to be
especially favorable for men named Osmond (strange but true), to govern the 6th
hour of the morning and to dream of Opals is said to be a portent for obtaining
"Great Possessions". It is also been claimed to prevent blonde
hair from fading.
Because Opals are basically "wet"
rocks, meaning that water is trapped within their crystaline structure, (which gives
the stone it's beautiful iridescence), it must be protected from harsh
chemicals, sunlight and heat to keep the water from escaping. Opals are often
stored in glycerin or water between wearing.
Opal is the modern October birthstone and the mystical birthstone for
April. It is
the accepted gemstone for the 13th wedding anniversary.
It is associated with
the planet Uranus and the Zodiac signs of Aquarius and Libra.
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