Legends About Opals

In the Australian myths the creator of the universe came to earth on a rainbow. As his foot touched the earth the stones that he touched sparkled with the colors of the rainbow. Thus the opal was created. The opal has a long history of bringing bad luck with many tales of harm coming to wearers of this lovely gem. In medieval Europe it was associated with the Evil Eye as it resembles the eye of creatures such as cats and snakes associated with witches. In fact witches were supposed to use black opals in their spells and as a means to increase their powers. It was even believed that opals could be so filled with evil that they could kill or seriously maim anyone wearing them. In later times diamond traders were also responsible for encouraging these beliefs.

The Romans, on the other hand, believed that opals brought good luck and the word ‘opal’ is derived from the Latin opalus meaning precious stone. They carried opals as amulets or talismans and thought that they protected them from disease, imparted the gift of prophecy and alerted them to the presence of poison.

Sources of Opals

Before the Romans the gem was largely unknown and and no examples of jewelry containing opals have been found before the time of the Romans. It is thought that opals were originally traded in the first century C.E. and are thought to have come from the Carpathian Mountains which are in the country now known as Slovakia. The gems were carried down the Danube and found their way to Rome. Nowadays most of these lovely gemstones are mined in Southern Australia which produces over 90% of all opals. Other sources of opal are found in mexico, Brazil, Czechoslovakia and in the US in Idaho and Nevada. Fire opal is found in Mexico and Honduras and White opal in japan.

Types of Opals

Common opal is often colored and is often used with more precious types of opals. It can be found in white, green, pink, blue, yellow and grey.

Fire opal has a fiery red color altjough it may also be orange or yellow. It does not ‘flash’ and is not expensive as the oplas that ‘flash’ with color are more desirable.

Precious Opal ‘flashes’ with color and can be found in pale blue or white, the most common colors, but also in red, orange, violet, blue and green. The rarest kind is black opal which has a high value, particularly if it also flashes with orange or red. It can be as expensive as emeralds, diamonds or rubies.

Looking After Your Opal

Opals are relatively soft so should not be worn in situations where they can be damaged such as gardening. They can be cleaned with soapy, warm water and a soft cloth. Always avoid household chemicals and bleach. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner as the vibrations can cause the stone to crack. If the stone loses its lustre from wear it can be re-polished by a professional opal cutter.

Fire Opal Gemstone and Diamond Ring 1.33 Carat (ctw) in 14K Yellow Gold
List Price: $199.00
Depend on this special item to ignite your fashion sense in a quickie. A lone impressive fire opal blazes at the fore front of this 14 karat yellow gold ring, while eight additional diamonds support the prime showpiece along the sides.

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October Birthstone Jewelry

Opals are beautiful gemstones for gold and silver October birthstone jewelry and are prized for their lovely colors and their appearance of holding a rainbow inside them. If you have a loved one with an October birthday earrings, necklaces, pendants or bracelets set with opals make wonderful birthday gifts and will be appreciated for many years to come.