Month of October - Opal
Opal, the birthstone for October, is one of the most visually striking gemstones in the world. Known for its mesmerizing play of color, opal displays a constantly shifting rainbow of hues that has fascinated people for thousands of years. The name derives from the Greek Opallos, meaning to see a change of color, perfectly describing this gem's most captivating quality.
History and Origin
Ancient Romans considered opal the most precious and powerful gemstone because it contained the colors of all other gems. They called it opalus, meaning precious stone. Roman senator Nonius reportedly chose exile rather than sell his prized opal to Marc Antony. In the Middle Ages, opal was called the eye stone and was believed to be beneficial for eyesight. The gemstone unfortunately suffered a period of superstition after Sir Walter Scott's 1829 novel, Anne of Geierstein, in which an opal brought misfortune to its owner. This unfounded superstition faded when Queen Victoria, a great lover of opals, gave opal jewelry as wedding gifts to her daughters.
Symbolism and Meaning
Opal symbolizes creativity, inspiration, and imagination. Many cultures consider opal a stone of hope and purity. In ancient Arabic legends, opals were believed to fall from the sky in flashes of lightning, which gave the stones their fiery play of color. Australian Aboriginal legends tell that the creator came down to earth on a rainbow, and where his foot touched the ground, the stones came alive with color, creating opals. As an October birthstone, opal represents faithfulness and confidence.
Colors and Varieties
Opals display an extraordinary range of varieties and colors. White opals, with their light body color and play of color, are the most common. Black opals, found almost exclusively in Lightning Ridge, Australia, are the most rare and valuable, with their dark body color providing dramatic contrast for the play of color. Fire opals from Mexico display vivid orange, yellow, and red body colors. Boulder opals from Queensland, Australia, form naturally on their ironstone host rock. Crystal opals are transparent to semi-transparent, allowing light to pass through and enhance the play of color.
Durability and Care
Opal ranks 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and requires more careful handling than harder gemstones. Because opals contain 5 to 10 percent water, they can crack or craze if exposed to very dry conditions, extreme heat, or sudden temperature changes. Store opals in a cool place and consider placing a damp cloth nearby in very dry climates. Clean opals only with mild soap and room-temperature water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and all chemicals.
Australia produces approximately 95 percent of the world's precious opal supply, with additional sources in Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil. An opal's ever-changing display of color makes it a truly unique and captivating October birthday gift.