Opal is one of the unique gemstones out there. Contrary to popular belief, the precious stone comes in various shapes and colors due to its amorphous properties. Opal gives the wearer the power to take back control of their life and improve their existing traits. Along with tourmaline gemstone, Opal is the official birthstone for October. You can think about gifting the gem to your loved one if they happen to be born in this month. Opal looks exquisite in earrings, pendants, rings, watches, and other accessories.
The word Opal is said to have been derived from the Sanskrit word Upala which means “precious stone.” Opal’s metaphysical properties include purity and hope. Regarded as a protective stone, Opal keeps the wearer from harm’s way. It is known for its fire or play of colors that happens when light enters the gemstone’s internal structure and causes spectral of colors. These colors sparkle with glitter, and the crystal looks gorgeous and otherworldly. Opal jewelry is so desirable and always in demand. At Rananjay Exports you will find a wide range of opal rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings.
Interestingly, black Opal is the rarest Opal and is found in Australia. There are many other unknown exciting facts about opals.
Opals Take An Eternity to Form
One of the reasons why opals are so precious and rare is because their formation period is very long. It takes around 5-6 million years for 1 cm opal to mature. It is believed that opals were formed after years of silica formation on cracked up rocks and fossils. Some of them later transformed into opals. This process makes opals one of the most sought-after gemstones in the market.
Opals are Formed Through The Rain
While there is no consensus about the origin of opal formation, the standard theory remains that water from rain seeps down into the crack of the rock. However, the silica is left behind when the water evaporates, which later dries and hardens into a precious gemstone.
Australia Produces Almost All Opals in The World
More than 95 percent of opals in the world are produced in Australia alone. The precious gemstone was discovered in Australia in the 1870s, and opals were first commercially mined in Queensland in 1975. The majority of this Opal is white, mined from Coober Pedy in Australia.
Mars also Has Opal
Opal is one of the few gemstones discovered outside our planet, specifically on Mars. Therefore, it was also believed that the discovery of opals on Mars could contain ancient life on the red planet.
Romans and Opal
Just like Sanskrit, the meaning of Opal in Roman is also “precious stone.” Opalus, as it is called in Roman. The ancient Greeks believed that opals were a result of the tears of joy wept by Zeus after he defeated the titans. Thus, Opal bestowed prophetic powers on Zeus.
Queen of Gemstones
For the ancient Romans, Opal was always a symbol of hope and good fortune. People at the time were astonished by the multi-color faceted nature of the gemstone. Roman historian Pliny had described what Opal meant for ancient Romans. “For in them, you shall see the living fire of the ruby, the glorious purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, all glittering together in an incredible mixture of light.”
British Royalty Loves Opal
While the British Royal family has all the jewels, Queen Victoria, during her reign, had a special love for Opal. Her passion for Opal intensified when Australia started mining the gemstone in the late 1800s, and she wore opals throughout her rule (1837-1901). She also gifted the precious stone to her friends and her five daughters. Opal’s popularity was further boosted since the Royal family was considered a role model for fashion worldwide.
The Brief Dark Period for Opals
In the 19th century, author Sir Walter Scott wrote a novel called Anne of Geierstein in which a female character wears an opal talisman. However, the character dies when a drop of waterfalls on the Opal takes away the gemstone’s color. The 1829 novel played a significant role in propagating the myth that opals bring bad luck. For at least 20 years after the novel was released, the demand for Opal had fallen by around 50 percent. Additionally, gemstone traders also bought into the myth and further dented Opal’s credibility.
Fortunately, Queen Victoria and the discovery of opals in Australia revived the value of this gemstone. Today Opal is one of the most sought-after gemstones due to its healing powers and other metaphysical properties. It is considered a lucky stone, eliminating the myth. Since it is also the birthstone for October, people also like to give the gemstone to their loved ones as birthday presents.
What to Expect When You Wear Opal Jewelry?
The gemstone is popular to bring balance and harmony to the wearer. It will help you let go of the painful past, old patterns, and connections that are not meant for you. The gemstone will help you stand firm against emotional challenges and will lead you to the path of positive change.
The stone connects you to the higher powers and alleviates any blockages in the body. It also takes care of your physical health and cure infections in the body. In addition, Opal will boost your immune system and maintain the overall health of your respiratory system. It will help in regenerating skin cells, giving you the gift of youth. It is also famous for providing the wearer relief from any chronic illness and leading them back to good health.
Where Can You Buy Authentic Opal Jewelry?
Opal is best when you want to wear a unique accessory. At Rananjay Exports, you can find many Opal is best when you want to wear a unique accessory. At Rananjay Exports, you can find many designs in opal jewelry to explore from. They deal in the genuine gemstone jewelry and are best known for wholesale silver gemstone jewelry. They have accessories made in 925 sterling silver and rose gold vermeil.