Opal crystals, famous for their mesmerizing play of colors, have fascinated humans for centuries. These stones are not only visually captivating but also carry a rich history and deep metaphysical significance.
What is Opal?
This stone is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, often containing up to 20% water. Unlike most gemstones, this stone lacks a crystal structure, which contributes to its unique appearance. Its internal structure causes it to diffract light, resulting in its characteristic play of colors.
In general, you can find opals in various regions around the world, with Australia being the most significant source. The stone’s name probably originates from the Sanskrit word “upala,” meaning “precious stone,” and the Greek word “opallios,” which means “to see a change in color.”
The Enigmatic and Insightful Gemstone
This stone’s enigmatic play of color and depth makes it a symbol of mystery and intuition. This gem can awaken cosmic awareness while also fostering creativity and originality.
Across cultures, people have seen it as a protective talisman. Ancient beliefs held that opal could dispel evil and offer clarity during uncertain times. Today, this stone is popular because of its calming influence, bringing peace to those who embrace its beauty.
Opal Meaning and Properties
Opals are more than just beautiful stones. They also carry profound meanings and properties that have made them so important for various spiritual and healing practices.
Opal Meaning
These stones symbolize purity, hope, and amplification. They amplify emotions and release inhibitions, encouraging both freedom and independence. They also bring loyalty, faithfulness, and spontaneity to those who carry them.
Additionally, the dynamic energy of this stone makes it a powerful stone for those seeking transformation and personal growth. By reflecting on the inner workings of the mind, this gemstone helps in understanding one’s true self and purpose.
Opal Energy Color
The energy color of this stone can vary dramatically depending on the type and quality of the stone. Common opal, also known as potch, displays a milky white or blue hue and lacks the play of colors seen in precious opal.
Furthermore, the precious variant, the most valued type, exhibits a vibrant play of colors, ranging from reds and oranges to blues and greens. This phenomenon, known as “play-of-color,” is caused by the diffraction of light through the microstructure of the silica spheres within the stone.
Finally, black opal, one of the rarest and most sought-after varieties, has a dark body tone that enhances the play of colors, making them appear more vivid. This intense coloration offers stronger energy vibrations, providing powerful spiritual benefits.
Opal Healing Properties and Benefits
Opal is famous for its healing properties, both physically and emotionally. It strengthens the will to live, treats infections and fevers, and purifies the blood and kidneys. Moreover. its high water content helps balance bodily fluids and combat dehydration.
Additionally, this stone brings a sense of peace and tranquility. It helps release anger and claim self-worth, aiding in overcoming past traumas. Overall, by fostering love, passion, and desire this is a stone of happy dreams and positive changes.
Opal Uses & Metaphysical Properties
Practitioners frequently use this stone in meditation and spiritual practices. Its reflective properties make it an excellent stone for introspection and exploring one’s deeper self. It also enhances psychic abilities and induces visions, which makes it a favorite among those who practice divination.
Altogether, this stone can balance chakras and enhance emotional states. Placing it on the heart chakra can promote feelings of compassion and love, while using it on the crown chakra can enhance spiritual awareness and insight.
Geological Properties
Opals form in the fissures of almost any kind of rock, but they most commonly form with limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, and basalt. Overall, the conditions required for their formation include the presence of silica-rich waters and low temperatures, which allow the silica to slowly settle into the spaces within rocks. This process can take millions of years, resulting in the beautiful stones we see today.
Opal in History and Culture
This stone has played a significant role in various cultures throughout history. Its enchanting appearance and unique properties have made it a symbol of beauty, protection, and mystical powers.
Historical Significance of Opal
Opal has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. For instance, in ancient times, people believed it possessed magical powers. The Romans cherished it, calling it “opalus,” which means “precious stone.” They believed it symbolized hope and purity, and Roman emperors often gifted opals to their wives as tokens of love and protection.
The stone was also popular among the ancient Greeks, who thought it granted the power of prophecy and protected against diseases. Later on, during the Middle Ages, it was a symbol of good fortune, enhancing vision and protecting against evil.
However, in the late 19th century, this stone’s reputation took a negative turn due to Sir Walter Scott’s novel “Anne of Geierstein,” where an opal brought misfortune to its owner. This led to a superstition that opals were unlucky unless they were a birthstone. Despite this period of bad luck, the stone’s allure and mystique endured, and it remains a beloved gemstone to this day, symbolizing creativity, inspiration, and emotional well-being.
Deities Associated with Opal
This stone has connections to various deities across different cultures. For instance, in Greek mythology, opals were the tears of joy shed by Zeus after his victory over the Titans. This connection to Zeus imbued the stone with powers of foresight and prophecy.
Moreover, in Hindu culture, the stone has links to the goddess Tripura Sundari, an embodiment of beauty and grace. The gemstone is a representation of her divine form and is perfect for rituals to invoke her blessings.
Aboriginal Australian mythology holds that opals came to existence when the creator came down to Earth on a rainbow to bring a message of peace to all humans. The stones have formed where his foot touched the ground, imparting them with a connection to the divine and a powerful spiritual energy.
Opal Shapes and Forms
This stone comes in various shapes and forms, each serving different purposes and enhancing the stone’s natural beauty.
© Zbynek Burival / Mineralexpert.org
Cabochons
The cabochons are smooth, rounded gemstones with no facets. This shape maximizes the display of the stone’s play-of-color and is a popular choice for rings, pendants, and earrings.
Raw Stones
Raw opal refers to these stones in their natural, uncut state. Collectors and enthusiasts often value these pieces for their natural beauty and the potential to create custom jewelry.
Beads
Opal beads are small, polished pieces that are drilled and used in necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry. These beads can showcase the stone’s vibrant colors and are often strung together to create stunning accessories.
Stone Carvings
Opal carvings involve intricate designs and shapes carved into the stone. These carvings can range from simple shapes to detailed figures, often used as decorative items or talismans.
Spheres
Opal spheres are polished stones shaped into perfect or near-perfect balls. These spheres are popular in crystal healing and meditation practices due to their smooth surface and balanced energy.
Tumbled Stones
Tumbled opal stones are small, polished pieces that have been smoothed through a tumbling process. They are often used in crystal grids, carried as pocket stones, or displayed in collections for their soothing and calming energy.
Opal Varieties and Quality
Opal comes in a variety of types and qualities, each with its unique characteristics and appeal. Understanding these differences can help you select the perfect stone for your needs.
Different Types of Opal
There are several main types of opal, each with distinct features. Precious opal has a brilliant play-of-color, displaying flashes of various hues depending on the angle of light. Common opal, also known as potch, lacks this play-of-color but can still exhibit beautiful colors and patterns.
Fire opal, forming primarily in Mexico, is famous for its vibrant orange to red hues. Unlike other types, fire variety may or may not display a play-of-color. Boulder opal, forming in Australia, has a unique appearance, where opal veins run through a host rock, creating stunning natural patterns.
Black opal, one of the rarest and most valuable types, has a dark body tone that enhances the play-of-color, making the colors appear more vivid and striking. White variant, in contrast, has a light body color with a more subtle play-of-color, making it a popular choice for delicate jewelry pieces.
Factors Affecting Opal Quality
Several factors determine the quality of this stone, including color, clarity, cut, and pattern. Usually, the most prized opals have a vibrant and diverse play-of-color with well-defined patterns. The intensity and distribution of color can significantly impact the stone’s value.
Clarity refers to the transparency and the presence of inclusions or imperfections within the stone. Basically, high-quality stones have fewer inclusions and display a more uniform color. The cut of the stone also affects its appearance and value, with well-cut stones maximizing the play of color and brilliance.
How to Choose High-Quality Opal
When choosing a high-quality stone, consider the stone’s color, clarity, and cut. Overall, look for opals with a strong and varied play-of-color, as this is a key indicator of quality. The colors should be bright and distinct, with a good balance and distribution across the stone.
Additionally, inspect the clarity of the stone, checking for any visible inclusions or imperfections that might detract from its beauty. A high-quality stone should have minimal inclusions and a clear, consistent appearance. Also, the cut of the stone should enhance its natural beauty with a smooth, polished surface that maximizes the play of color.
Opal Birthstone, Zodiac Sign, and Chakras
This is a stone of significance in various aspects of astrology and chakra healing, making it a versatile and meaningful gemstone.
Opal Birthstone
This stone is the birthstone for October, symbolizing hope, innocence, and purity. Those born in October often find that wearing this stone brings them good fortune and happiness. Additionally, the stone enhances creativity and imagination, making it an excellent choice for artists and writers.
Furthermore, its connection to October extends to its representation of the month’s vibrant and transitional nature. Just as October marks the shift from summer to autumn, opal’s shifting colors embody change and transformation, offering support during times of personal growth and new beginnings.
Opal Zodiac Sign
Opal represents the zodiac sign of Libra, which spans from September 23 to October 22. In general, Libras have a sense of balance, harmony, and justice, and this stone complements these traits by enhancing their natural ability to see all sides of a situation.
Wearing this stone can help Libras stay true to their nature, fostering their pursuit of truth and fairness. The stone also supports Libra’s social and artistic inclinations, encouraging them to express their creativity and maintain their inner peace.
What Chakra Does Opal Help?
This gemstone is particularly effective in balancing and activating the crown chakra, which is located at the top of the head. The crown chakra promotes spirituality, enlightenment, and a connection to higher consciousness. Opal’s vibrant energy can help open and stimulate this chakra, promoting spiritual growth and awareness.
Additionally, this stone resonates with the heart chakra, located in the center of the chest. This chakra governs love, compassion, and emotional well-being. By balancing the heart chakra, opal can help foster a sense of inner peace and emotional stability, encouraging a deeper connection with oneself and others.
How to Use Opal
One can use this stone in various ways to harness its healing properties and enhance your daily life. Whether worn as jewelry, used in meditation, or placed around your home or workplace, its vibrant energy can bring numerous benefits.
Feelings and Emotional Healing
This is a powerful stone for emotional healing. Its energy helps to release negative emotions and past traumas, allowing for emotional balance and peace. By working with it, you can cultivate a sense of calm and stability, making it easier to navigate through challenging emotional periods.
The stone’s reflective properties also encourage introspection and self-awareness. For instance, it can help you understand your emotions and the root causes behind them, leading to personal growth and emotional resilience. This makes it an excellent companion for those seeking to heal from emotional wounds and find inner harmony.
Mind
Opal’s influence on the mind is profound. Overall, it stimulates creativity and enhances imagination, making it a favorite among artists, writers, and creatives. By wearing or meditating with opal, you can tap into your inner creativity and bring forth new ideas and inspiration.
Additionally, this stone can improve mental clarity and focus. It helps to clear the mind of clutter and distractions, allowing for better decision-making and problem-solving. This mental sharpness makes it a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their cognitive abilities and achieve their goals.
Body
Opal has numerous physical healing properties. For example, it can support the body by strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and aiding in the healing of infections. The stone’s high water content also makes it beneficial for hydration and overall vitality.
Spirit
Spiritually, this stone enhances one’s connection to higher consciousness. In short, it can open and activate the crown chakra, promoting spiritual growth and enlightenment. Opal’s energy facilitates communication with the divine and helps in the journey towards self-discovery and spiritual awakening.
Wearing Opal
Wearing opal as jewelry is one of the most effective ways to benefit from its properties. When worn close to the skin, opal’s energy is in constant contact with your body, enhancing its effects. Overall, rings, necklaces, and bracelets are popular choices for opal jewelry.
Such jewelry can also serve as a personal talisman, offering protection and guidance throughout your day. By wearing this stone, you can carry its soothing and uplifting energy with you, helping to maintain a positive and balanced state of mind.
At Home
Placing these stones around your home can create a harmonious and tranquil environment. Opal’s calming energy can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it an excellent addition to living spaces and bedrooms.
At Work
At work, this stone can enhance productivity and creativity. Keeping an opal stone on your desk or in your workspace can help you stay focused and motivated while also fostering a positive and inspiring atmosphere.
Meditation
Meditating with opal can deepen your practice and enhance your spiritual awareness. Hold the stone in your hand or place it on your third eye or crown chakra during meditation to facilitate a stronger connection to your inner self and the divine.
People and Relationships
Opal’s energy can strengthen relationships by promoting love, compassion, and understanding. It helps to foster open communication and emotional honesty, making it easier to build and maintain healthy connections with others.
Crystal Therapies
This stone is often used in crystal therapies for its powerful healing properties. You can place it on your body during energy healing sessions to balance chakras and restore emotional equilibrium. Opal’s vibrant energy makes it a versatile and effective tool in various healing practices.
Opal Crystal Combinations
You can pair this stone with various other crystals to enhance its properties and amplify its energy. Combining opal with complementary stones can create powerful synergies that benefit your emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Paired with Other Crystals
When opal is paired with other crystals, it can enhance their properties and create a balanced and harmonious energy. These combinations can help in meditation and healing practices or can simply be carried together for daily support.
Opal and Amethyst
Opal and amethyst make a powerful combination of spiritual growth and intuition. Amethyst’s calming energy complements opal’s vibrant and uplifting properties, helping to create a balanced state of mind.
The synergy between these stones can enhance your psychic abilities and promote a deeper connection to your higher self. Meditating with both stones can facilitate spiritual insights and a greater understanding of your life’s purpose.
Opal and Rose Quartz
Pairing opal with rose quartz creates a loving and compassionate energy that supports emotional healing. Rose quartz is the stone of unconditional love, and together with opal, it amplifies feelings of self-love and acceptance.
This combination can help to heal emotional wounds and promote inner peace. It’s particularly beneficial for those going through difficult times or seeking to improve their relationships with others.
Opal and Lapis Lazuli
Opal and lapis lazuli together can enhance creativity and self-expression. Lapis lazuli’s deep blue energy stimulates the throat chakra, promoting clear communication and truth.
This combination can help you articulate your ideas and express your creativity more freely. It’s an excellent pairing for artists, writers, and anyone looking to enhance their creative endeavors.
Opal and Smoky Quartz
Combining opal with smoky quartz can provide grounding and protection. Smoky quartz’s stabilizing energy helps to anchor opal’s vibrant and uplifting properties, creating a balanced and secure environment.
This combination is beneficial for those seeking to release negative energy and foster a sense of stability and protection. It can be particularly useful during times of change or uncertainty.
Opal Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance of opal are essential to preserve its beauty and energy. Here’s how you can take care of your crystal.
How to Care for Opal?
This is a delicate stone with a high water content, making it susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures and dehydration. Store it in a cool, moist environment, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or excessive heat.
How to Cleanse Opal?
Cleansing this stone regularly helps to maintain its energy. You can cleanse it by placing it on a bed of sea salt for several hours or using a gentle smudging technique with sage or palo santo.
How to Program Opal?
Programming this stone involves setting a specific intention for the stone. Hold it in your hands, close your eyes, and focus on your desired outcome. Visualize it, absorbing your intention and carrying it with you.
Can Opal Go in Water?
This gemstone should not be submerged in water for extended periods. Its porous nature can cause it to absorb water, potentially leading to cracking or damage. Brief contact with water is generally safe, but prolonged exposure should be avoided.
Can Opal Be in the Sun?
Additionally, this stone should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Prolonged sun exposure can cause the stone to dry out and lose its vibrant color. Store it in a shaded area to preserve its beauty.
How to Polish Opal?
Polishing this stone requires a gentle approach. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the surface of the stone. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can scratch or damage it. Regular gentle polishing will help maintain its luster and shine.
FAQs
Yes, it can enhance dream recall and the vividness of dreams. Placing it under your pillow can help you remember your dreams more clearly and gain insights from them.
Its energy is amplified during different moon phases, particularly the full moon. Meditating with this stone during a full moon can enhance its spiritual properties and provide deeper insights and clarity.
It is generally suitable for everyone, but its high energy might be overwhelming for some. If you feel uncomfortable using it, consider pairing it with grounding stones like smoky quartz to balance its energy.
While this stone should not be submerged in water for long periods, you can use it briefly in water rituals. Just ensure to dry it immediately afterward to prevent any damage.
Genuine opals have unique play-of-color and natural patterns that are hard to replicate. To verify authenticity, consult a reputable gemologist or purchase from a trusted source to ensure you are getting a genuine stone.
Featured Image Credit: Noodle snacks, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
