Opal

Opals

The Libra Birthstone and for 14th and 18th Wedding Anniversary jewelry

October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.

What are Opals?
What exactly are Opals? Learn about the gem before you buy opal jewelry. The definition of an Opal is as follows:

  • The word Opal is derived from the Latin word "opalus" which means "a stone"

  • Opal miners restrict use of the term opal to precious opal, calling material that does not show a good play of colors 'potch'

  • The precious opal presents a peculiar play of colors of delicate tints, and is highly esteemed as a gem

  • There are four main types of precious Opal - Black, Crystal, Boulder and White/Milk.

  • Colors - One kind, with a varied play of color in a reddish ground, is called the harlequin opal. The fire opal has colors like the red and yellow of flame. The Common opal has a milky appearance. Menilite is a brown impure variety, occurring in concretions at Menilmontant, near Paris. Other varieties are cacholong, girasol, hyalite, and geyserite

  • The crystal structure of the Opal (hydrous silicon dioxide) is Amorphous.

The Colors of Opals
Opals come in a wide range of natural colors and shades. The more colors in an Opal the more valuable the gemstone will be. The dominant colors in an Opal have value in the order of red, orange yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Black Opal is more valuable than crystal Opal, which in turn is generally more valuable than white/milky Opal. Learn about the gemstones before you buy opal jewelry.

Birthstone Facts and Information about Opals
The following list provides Birthstone facts and information about the Opal:

  • The Opal is the birthstone of the month of October
  • Wedding anniversary gemstone for the 14th and 18th year of marriage
  • Zodiac Sign: Libra
  • Libra dates: September 24 - October 23
  • Libra - The Seventh Sign of the Zodiac: The sign of the Scales
  • Ruling Planet of Libra: Venus
  • Alternate Birthstones of Libra: Peridots, Agate, Aquamarine,  Tourmaline and Sapphires

Symbolism, Significance and Properties of Opals
The properties with which the Opal, the birthstone of the Zodiac sign of Libra, is associated are as follows:

  • Hope, innocence and purity

  • Happiness, faithfulness, loyalty and confidence

Healing Properties of the Opal
The healing properties of the Libra birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to:

  • Eyes and eye infections

  • To enhance the healing process

Opals Jewelry
Opals jewelry is extremely popular especially for those nearest and dearest. The tradition of giving gifts of jewelry containing these stones dates back thousands of years. The gemstone, or birthstone Opal is believed to conduct the energies of the planet Venus with which it is sympathetic and that wearing jewelry containing the gemstone will focus the energies of the planet and sign through the gem. Learn about the gem stone before you buy opal jewelry. All different types of jewelry containing Opals are available including:

  • Opal rings
  • Opal bracelets
  • Opal pendants
  • Opal earrings
  • Opal necklaces
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