Opal: virtues, properties and meanings

Opal is a unique and fascinating gemstone, known for its iridescent play of colors that can vary and change depending on the light and the viewing angle. It's ideal for creating DIY costume jewelry with character.
Get inspired by our natural stone jewelry tutorials and create without limits!

What does "opal" mean?

The name of this gemstone comes from the ancient Greek "Opallios", derived from the Sanskrit "Upala", which can be translated as "changing colors".

The origin of opal

Opal is sometimes nicknamed"Tear of the Gods" in Australian aboriginal legends. It is said that a spirit, called the Creator, once descended to Earth on a rainbow to bring a message of peace to mankind. When he touched the ground, all the stones at his feet lit up and took on the colors of the rainbow, giving birth to opal. This fine stone was seen as a divine gift, a sacred link between heaven and earth.

A legend from Greek mythology recounts that when Zeus, king of the gods, saw the suffering of mortals, he shed tears of sadness. When these tears touched the ground, they were transformed into opals. Each contained a fragment of the sky, reflecting the changing colors of day and night. Born of the divine compassion of Zeus, they were considered symbols of protection and beauty, embodying the power and benevolence of the heavens. Hence its nickname"Zeus's tears".

In India, opal symbolizes the Trinity (Trimûrti), made up of the creator god Brahma, the protector Vishnu and the destroyer Shiva.

The Romans considered it a symbol of hope and purity. They believed it carried the power of all natural stones combined, due to its unique play of colors.

The largest opal ever discovered is called "Olympic Australis". Discovered in Australia in 1956, it weighs almost 17,000 carats and measures around 28 cm long, 12 cm wide and 11 cm deep.

What color is opal?

Opal is most famous for its play of colors, also known as "opalescence" or "play of light". This characteristic is due to the diffraction of light in the tiny silica spheres that make up the stone. Observed colors can include shades of blue, green, red, yellow and violet.

There are several varieties of opal:

• black opal: this is one of the most precious and sought-after varieties of opal. It is distinguished by its dark background, which can vary from dark gray to deep black. This dark background enhances the iridescent play of color, which is often more vivid and intense.
• Fire opal: characterized by its bright orange to red color, which can be translucent to transparent.
• white opal: with a clear or milky base. This base highlights a pastel play of colors, often less intense than that of black opals. White opal colors can include shades of blue, green, pink and yellow.
• Harlequin opal: This variety is distinguished by its unique pattern. The play of light on this stone is organized in a pattern of squares or diamonds, reminiscent of a harlequin's costume. The colors can be very vivid and varied, making it one of the most spectacular and sought-after opals.

It is sometimes confused with moonstone or certain Labradorites.

What are opal's properties?

Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it more fragile. It is susceptible to scratching and cracking, particularly if exposed to excessively dry conditions or thermal shock due to its water content.

Where is opal found?

The main deposits are found in Australia, Mexico, Ethiopia, Brazil, the United States, Honduras and Slovakia.

What are the virtues of opal?

Some believe that this gemstone brings calm and reassurance, and promotes love and tenderness. It also opens the mind to spirituality.

It's the ideal stone for Gemini and Aquarius zodiac signs.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. The effects of stones have not been scientifically proven. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I purify and recharge an opal?

To purify this natural stone, use white sage, sandalwood or cedarwood smoke. Pass the stone through the smoke for several seconds, ensuring that the smoke surrounds it completely. You can also immerse it in salted, distilled or demineralized water.
After the purification stage, it's time to recharge your stone so that it regains all its energy. To do this, expose it to sunlight or soft moonlight for a few hours.

How to wear opals

There are so many different types of opal that anything goes! The warm color of gold-plated or gold-filled (laminated gold) perfectly complements the golden or orange tones of certain opals, especially fire opals. It adds a touch of luxury and classicism, while accentuating the shimmering reflections of the gemstone.Stainless steel and925 silver enhance cool-toned specimens. They offer a vivid contrast that accentuates the stone's play of colors.

Which stone to match with opal? In lithotherapy, opal can be combined with several other stones to reinforce or balance its effects:

• When combined with opal, moonstone can strengthen spiritual connection, enhance intuition and encourage creativity. This combination is ideal for those seeking to balance their emotions and open up to new perspectives.
• Combining rose quartz with opal can amplify the vibrations of love, compassion and gentleness.
• Whenamethyst is combined with opal, it can help calm the mind and encourage meditation.
• Combined with opal, citrine could energize and revitalize the spirit, attracting abundance and good fortune.
• Combined with opal, labradorite could provide an energy shield while encouraging spiritual awakening and intuition.
• Combined with opal,aquamarine could facilitate the expression of emotions and ideas.