All about stone opal

Opal is an incredibly beautiful natural gem, which since ancient times is considered a stone of royal dynasties and rich people. For many peoples, this stone is proof of divine power on Earth, but for others it is a dangerous magic attribute that can harm any uninitiated. In this article you will learn about the features of opal, its varieties, the main deposits, as well as the rules of care for this amazing mineral.

Scientifically speaking, this stone is a mineral from the silica family. If we consider the chemical composition of the stone, then this is ordinary silicon oxide of globular structure. In narrow circles, opal is called amorphous quartz due to its unusual physical data.

In addition to the elements of the basic formula, aluminum, as well as oxides of iron, magnesium and calcium, may be part of opal. It is their content in opal that influences its color, the quality of the overflow and opalescence (an optical phenomenon in which specific overflows and edges are formed inside the mineral with changes in the illumination angle).

External physical characteristics of opal.

• Colour. At the moment, more than 30 shades are known, which are found in both precious and semi-precious varieties of this stone. Among the most common are colorless, white, straw, brown, red, green and light green, chestnut, black, azure. It is worth noting that rare and expensive opals are distinguished by the dominance of a particular color.
• Transparency. There are transparent, translucent and opaque opals (dark shades, for example). Translucent and transparent minerals are usually valued much more expensive - they create unique color highlights for which it is easier to determine the authenticity.
• Shine. For opal, depending on the type, color and additional elements in its composition, there are three types of gloss: glass, wax, dull (faint or dull gloss).
• Density. In opals, regardless of the variety, it always remains approximately the same: from 1.8 to 2.4 g per cubic centimeter.
• Hardness. Experienced jewelers estimate the hardness of natural stones by 5-6.5 points on the Mohs scale.
• Strength. Despite the solid structure, even with a slight pressure, the stones are extremely unstable and fragile.
• Kink Cancerous type.

Absorption and loss of water is a normal condition for opal. If the stone has been without water for a long time, cracks and chips are beginning to appear inside it. If to subject a stone to strong thermal influence, then already on achievement of a mark in 100 degrees this rare mineral turns into a usual chalcedony.

It is believed that this stone received its name from the Sanskrit (ancient Indian) words "fell", as well as from the Latin "opalus".

Opal has a sedimentary hypergenic origin, it can be found both in the form of separate plates in rocks of diatomite, tripoli, and flask, and in the form of specific veins in these rocks. In the natural environment, opals are present in the form of sodden nodules or nodules that cover other minerals. Often, it is thanks to the opals that fossils of plant and animal origin are formed.

The formation of these minerals is as follows - in some arid area a solid rain passes, after which the moisture enters the earth rocks and fills the ground cracks. Over time, the moisture evaporates and accumulates, forming ordinary silica.

In addition to the natural explanation of the origin of this stone, there are dozens of myths and legends in the world associated with its appearance on Earth.

• Australian indigenous people believed that many years ago the Creator came to Earth to explain to people the meaning of rainbow, sky and clouds. When he, in his divine form, set foot on Earth, the pebbles and stones under his feet became shiny and multi-colored.
• According to Japanese legends, it is believed that at the time of creating all that exists, the Creator blessed the Earth and laid a part of the Sun in the rocks so that the soil always remains warm and rich. From this particle and formed modern opals.
• The ancient Greeks believed that opals are tears of Zeus himself, which he dropped after the victory over the titans. Just touching the ground, his tears petrified and scattered around the globe.
• Indian legends tell about the great and beautiful goddess of the rainbow. Her beauty and divine light drove mad all the men who very soon decided to encroach on her innocence by brute force. Having fallen into a trap, the goddess threw herself from a cliff and scattered all over the world with thousands of sunny and rainbow colored gems.
• Scandinavian myths tell about a blacksmith who created opals from the eyes of a small child to forever capture their natural beauty and charm. Since then, the Scandinavians believe that if you look at the depths of blue and blue stones for a long time, you probably will see the face of a baby there.

In addition to the legends about the mystical origin of the stone, a large number of other beliefs are associated with it. For example, in the Middle Ages, opals loved to wear thieves - they believed that a stone could make them invisible in times of danger, and its lulling depth acts on victims like real hypnosis.

In one of the novels of the world famous Walter Scott, opal is described as an exceptionally dangerous and devilish stone.which fades from holy water and is used by sorcerers and witches for malicious conspiracies and imposing curses. Since the novel was widely accepted by the public, many refused to wear this mineral. This lasted until the XIX century - it was then that Queen Victoria began to actively use opals in the creation of jewelry and jewelry, and also often presented jewels with this stone to her friends and members of the royal family.

For the formation of natural beautiful opal, certain conditions are necessary: ​​special pressure, temperature, humidity level, the presence of other factors. In addition, the formation of some rocks of this stone does not even take tens, but hundreds of thousands of years, which makes them even more rare and attractive.

It is noteworthy that Most of all the stones, which you can find in jewelry stores, are mined in Australian territory. There opals were discovered in the XIX century, and quite by accident. The local hunter tracked the movements and parking of the kangaroo and found one unusual iridescent stone on one of the sites.

Almost immediately, this previously ordinary area with sparse vegetation and arid climate became the site of excavation and research. Tons of this mineral were found under the soil, filling cracks in rocks, sandstone and basalt.

In addition to Australia, opal deposits have been discovered in Mexico and Brazil. - it is from there that honey, red and red minerals are often brought.A small proportion of transparent stones was once mined in the territory of Sudan; minerals of deep brown, dark and brown shades were discovered in Ethiopia.

The Červenze district in the Czech Republic is considered the oldest known opal deposit. This territory for some time belonged to Hungary, and therefore the opals mined in this area are usually called Hungarian ones. There is an assumption that the very first opals, which were found in the ceremonial decorations of the ancient Roman rulers, were mined in this area.

Opal is known around the world not only as an exotic and expensive jewelry, but also as a mineral with amazing healing and magical properties.

Opal has long been considered a stone with incredible energy, which can push weak-willed and insecure people into doing terrible or forbidden actions. Definitely useful this stone is considered to be in the hands of talented and gifted people - only then it reveals all of its magical potential and is able to help a person reach incredible creative heights.

Many people know opal under a different name - "a stone of deceptive hopes." This means that he is able to endow his owner with incredible ambitions, ideas and desires. However, if the owner experiences difficulties on his creative path or delays in fulfilling his plans, opal gives rise to doubt and self-doubt in him. With the powerful energy of this stone is able to cope with exceptionally strong people with a stable character.

Despite its ambiguous character and ability, this mineral is an exceptionally friendly stone that you just need to know how to handle. For people with clear goals and attitudes, he will become a real bodyguard. He will help to track the hostile plans of enemies, rivals and traitors, thereby giving his master a prophetic gift.

Many esotericists believe that the true magical power of the stone is revealed only in good hands, whose actions are directed precisely in the creative channel. In evil, arrogant or unclean hands, the energy field of the stone is transformed, and he himself becomes the initiator of quarrels, disputes and confrontations.

Now it is necessary to describe the general magical properties of opal, which are attributed to him by all astrologers and esoterics.

• It directs thoughts to the creative direction, helps to focus attention on a specific goal or idea.
• In good hands, he is able to drive away negative emotions, eliminates the fear of mistake or fear of accomplishing something.
• It helps in building relationships between colleagues, relatives and partners.
• Opal's strong magical aura makes it an ideal talisman against dark forces and magic from other people.
• Motivates to finish the job started, even if this requires considerable effort.
• It bestows the carrier with a prophetic gift. In other words, it gives a sharp analytical thinking, which helps to calculate the outcome of all actions a few moves ahead.
• It is a fastening stone of the family hearth, able to stop quarrels at the very beginning.
• For creative people, opal is simply an indispensable aid as an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
• In an extraordinary and emergency situation, opal will help not to lose vigilance and concentrate attention on the highest priority goal, thereby helping to emerge victorious from even the most difficult situations.
• Opal can also help in the field of love, it is simply an indispensable stone for those who are in a long search for a partner.In addition, he is able to return the person and to establish an atmosphere in relations with the heat of passion.

Now it is worth considering the magical abilities of the stone, depending on its color.

• Opal black or dark color. It is considered a passion stone - at the same time it is able to sharpen mental abilities, but it can also push to fulfill secret sexual desires (which ultimately can lead to treason).

• Opals are white or transparent. The stone is calm and peaceful people who know what they need for life. Usually it is bought for respectable women and men who have already achieved everything in life. Such opal gives its owner peace of mind, patience and compassion. Great for doctors, teachers and managers.

• Stones of blue, azure or cobalt color. It is believed that these stones are real magnets for good luck and luck. It is the owners of blue opals who often become winners in lotteries or random contests. In addition, the azure mineral helps in achieving the goal, concentrating the attention of the owner on priorities.

• Minerals opal fiery, red and red flowers. Such opals are real motivators for doing courageous, decisive and brave deeds for men. For women, this mineral gives sensuality, purity and wisdom. For partners in marriage, such a stone is simply indispensable. It is believed that the opals of fiery shades are most often used to conduct esoteric rituals (the removal of damage, the direction of cash flow, the removal of generic curses).

Regardless of what goals you want to achieve using opal, its magical properties cannot be underestimated. Some mediums do not recommend wearing it all the time - your own aura should rest from its energy. Including not recommended to wear opal with the same powerful stones as obsidian, pearls and topaz. Only in the hands of a self-confident person will these stones not contrast with each other and will be as useful as possible.

In addition to its extraordinary abilities, the mineral has a number of properties that are actively used in the field of alternative medicine, as lithotherapy.

Experts in this area claim that this mineral has the following healing properties:

• tidies the nervous system, raises the stress threshold;
• tones and balances, gives the owner a good mood;
• improves the muscular system, helps eliminate cramps;
• normalizes the cardiovascular system, restores the heart rhythm;
• able to eliminate redness of the eyes, can generally improve vision;
• tones the work of the gastrointestinal tract, can favorably influence the work of the liver and kidneys;
• cleanses the body of useless and harmful elements;
• prevents the occurrence of depressive disorders;
• increases the level of potency;
• helps to fall asleep faster, makes dreams pleasant and calm.

Today in the world there are more than 30 varieties of opal. They were selected on the basis of color, strength, hardness, gloss, transparency, weight, size and density.

The first classification of these minerals divides them into semi-precious and precious minerals.

• Precious or noble opals are a priori very beautiful stones with transparency and clearly highlighted opalescence, which is expressed through numerous smooth color highlights inside the stone. This breed of stones is extremely rare, very expensive and is used exclusively for the manufacture of jewelry and jewelry.
• Semi-precious or ordinary opals have a partially transparent structure, rarely have bright rainbow colors, and have a turbid discontinuous color. They cost much less and are found literally in every jewelry store at the base of inexpensive accessories.

• Black. They are the most expensive among all breeds. There are dark purple, rich black or purple. The stones in their structure are slightly transparent, but have a pronounced orange or fiery opalescence.

• Fiery or red. These minerals are presented in the form of transparent or translucent stones of rich red or peach colors. Some rocks of such stones have a distinct reddish opalescence (for example, mined in Mexico).

• Harlequins. The mineral got this name due to the characters of Italian comedies, whose attire consisted of numerous multi-colored pieces of fabric. These stones have an amazing colorful pattern in the form of numerous spots or shapeless figures of red, blue, yellow, green and purple colors. If you put such a stone in your palm and bring it to the sun, a real rainbow will play on your hands.

• Royal opal It is an extremely rare variety of opals, which is used only for the production of royal jewels. It has a unique saturated lapis color, as well as a translucent structure.

• Girazol or heaven, blue opal. Incredibly beautiful, almost colorless opals of a transparent type with unique blue opalescence. It is in these minerals that so-called “algae” from other rocks are often found. Dzhirazola deposits were discovered in Mexico, the United States, the Czech Republic, Russia and Australia.

• Lekhos. Incredibly beautiful minerals with bright emerald and marine pigmentation. Also considered one of the most expensive varieties.

• "Cat's eye". Presented in the form of minerals of yellow, honey and wheat shades, have a weak transparency. Often in the very center of such a treated mineral there is a characteristic strip that has some similarities with cat-like eyes. It is considered the same expensive and rare variety of opals, like dark-type stones.

• Royal. A rare kind of mineral that has extremely bright contrasting shades across the texture of the stone.

• Ethiopian. A precious variety of opals, which is distinguished by its exceptional ultramarine translucent color with multi-colored opalescence. As is clear from the name of the variety, she received it from her field. The texture of Ethiopian opal is similar to the texture of jirazol, but the latter has a more pronounced opalescence.

• Pink or Andean Opal. In significant quantities, it is mined in South America, where it is considered to be a mystical and magic stone. It differs from other representatives of its breed in a delicate peach or pink shade. By its texture is very similar to rose quartz, but with a more opaque texture.

In addition to precious opals, there are also semi-precious. These include the following.

• Hyalite. Almost colorless opal with a muddy white color and a complete lack of opalescence. Almost 30% water.

• Chrysopals A common form of semi-precious opals, which can often be found in inexpensive jewelry. The texture is opaque, solid color - usually pale green or dark green.

• Moss Opal A well-known variety of semi-precious opals with a black and white color and a translucent texture. It differs from other varieties by a specific dark pattern on a white background, which seems to depict dense grass thickets or cracks.

• Hydrofan. A kind of opal that acquires surprisingly bright opalescence and transparency when released into clear water. It is believed that the hydrofan is the final stage of development of any precious opal.

• Peruvian. A variety of opals of pale blue or sky color, which are still actively mined in Peru.

The exceptional physical properties of opal made it practically unsuitable for wide use in large industry. It does not have high strength, is not able to withstand high temperature and pressure.

However, opal was able to confidently gain a foothold in the field of jewelry. Today, individual jewelry from beautiful natural opal can cost up to several tens of thousands of dollars. At one time, this stone was valued not cheaper than emeralds, diamonds and pearls.

Women prefer to buy brooches, hairpins, bracelets, rings, tiaras and pendants with opal inlaid stones. Men prefer rings, pens, cufflinks and buttons with this mineral.

There is a false opinion that opals are suitable only for people with some strictly defined mentality or character. This is fundamentally wrong - opals have such a strong and multifaceted energy that they are able to serve any owner faithfully.

It should immediately be said that the difference in the perception of some stones directly depends on their color. The rarest and most expensive representatives of opals are black; only Cancers, Scorpios and Aquarius will truly suit.

• Fire signs of the zodiac. For Streltsov, Aries and Lviv, opals of white, variegated and light blue shades are best suited. They will help to hide both internal and external shortcomings, suppress negative emotions, and can also develop in a strong person such qualities as purposefulness, perseverance and determination. White or variegated stones are most suitable for Aries: opals of deep, rich and dark colors are not suitable for this zodiac sign. For Streltsov, on the contrary, opals of azure, cobalt and blue shades will do - they will endow their owners with analytical skills and inspire new ideas.
• Air signs of the zodiac. Gemini, Aquarius and Libra can be coordinated with both opals of fire and white. Light stones will fill these signs with calmness, confidence and tranquility, and fiery, on the contrary, will add playful, perilous and mischievous notes to the temperament of these signs. Deep blue opals are excellent for aquarius, and Gemini often prefer variegated, multi-faceted colors that reflect their changing and unstable nature.
• Water signs of the zodiac. Pisces and Scorpios need a constant source of strength and inspiration, as well as energy to do their daily lives. Opals of red, red and blue color give them such energy. In addition, these stones will give Pisces even more acute intuition, and Scorpios will help to concentrate all forces on a particular priority goal. Cancers can wear opals of both white and red and dark color. This stone will help this stone to improve its financial situation, calm its inner anxiety, help to establish relations with the opposite sex.
• Earth signs of the zodiac. For measured Taurus, Virgos and Capricorns, opal can only be useful as a guardian or a certain barrier against external stimuli.This stone softens the natural resilience and decisiveness of these signs, makes them kinder, more compliant, reduces innate cynicism. Prone to planning and constant monitoring, earth signs will find real support in the face of disgrace, which will relieve them from the experience and fear that something may go wrong.

It should be understood that a stone with such a strong energy can not always behave obediently. It is not uncommon for opals to literally slip away from their owners (decorations with opals were unfastened, dropped from their pockets, or simply fell from the shelves in the house). This happens when a stone feels a lack of attention and respect for itself. In this case, they will not bring any benefit or harm to the owners. To change the situation for the better, the mystics advise to regularly talk to the stone, carry it with you and clean it weekly.

Solar play and glare of opals have been known to the world for a very long time. Precious opals began to be widely forged at the beginning of our era. Initially, imitations of these minerals were made of glass, which was first heated, and then abruptly placed in cold water. As a result of this procedure, glass crafts acquired cracks, became muddy and darkened. A famous connoisseur of opals of that time is Pliny, who advised to check the opal for authenticity in the sun. Based on his beliefs, minerals of natural origin will definitely cast a glare.

To date, using this method it is impossible to determine the authenticity of opal. Thanks to modern technologies, masters have learned to create beautiful imitations using doublets and triplets (original films that are glued to the future material of the stone). The basis for such stones served as quartz, glass and plastic.

There are cases of resin staining of semi-precious opals to achieve unusual and bright colors. Today, products of this type have acquired a new name - imitation of a mineral. According to the law, such activity cannot be prohibited in any way, if the seller indicates in the description of the goods that it is an imitation, and not the original.

The easiest way to find out the authenticity of the mineral is by asking the seller himself. An experienced trader will not risk a career and a place in the market to lie to you about the authenticity of the mineral. Do not think that the more expensive the stone, the greater the likelihood that it is natural. There are cases when opal forgeries cost much more than originals only because of their supposedly “exceptional color”, which will come off at the first fall.

It will be difficult for an inexperienced buyer to understand, fake or original. Then you can get acquainted with the inspection rules that will help you choose not only beautiful, but also a genuine mineral.

• Weight. Glass, plastic and wood are usually much lighter than real opal.
• Opalescence. The so-called optical effect, characteristic of all gems. The overflows of this stone are multicolored, exceptionally smooth and soft. Most glass imitations have a single color in the play, and the transitions themselves inside the stone are unnaturally sharp.
• To determine the authenticity of a transparent opal, simply place it under direct sunlight. If the stone is real, a whole rainbow of different shades will play on your hands. If artificial - you will notice only a few fuzzy shades.
• If the stone is a glass imitation, then when you look at the mineral under a magnifying glass, you will clearly notice small balloons or bubbles.
• Another way to determine imitation of opal is to simply lean the purchase against the tongue. It is believed that any fake (especially glass) to it necessarily stick.
• Natural opal, placed in colored, dirty or muddy water, will definitely change its color. If the stone is not real, it will remain the same color as with the purchase.
• Internal patterns and play of natural opals are always original. They never repeat.
• Sound. Any solid mineral makes a distinctive metallic sound when it collides with hard objects. So you can determine the plastic or wooden fake.

Sometimes imitations of opals can be really more beautiful, cheaper and stronger than natural stones. However, it should be understood that there will be no magical and healing properties of a fake. Opal imitations serve as a wonderful material for creating inexpensive jewelery and interior items.

Unlike many semi-precious and precious minerals, opal needs special conditions. In inappropriate conditions, these stones are able to crack, grow thin and crumble.

It is worth considering the rules of storage of this mineral at home.

• Constant moisture. To preserve the unique solar modulations and color patterns inside the opal, you must constantly carry it on your hands (to absorb moisture from the skin), and also store it in a cool room with a high level of humidity. In the absence of moisture in the opals, cracks begin to form, the stones themselves lose luster and grow turbid. If you can not provide for the stone a constant flow of moisture, you can store it inside a damp cloth or a cloth or just rinse it with water sometimes.
• No alkalis. If you have started home cleaning or just a preventive care session for the interior, immediately remove your jewelry with opal. This stone does not tolerate the influence of any detergents and preparations.
• Temperature and direct sunlight. At room temperature, this stone feels best. You should not take it with you to the beach, to the sauna or to a hot bath - it is highly likely that it will simply crack or lose its color completely.
• Cosmetics. Try not to put cosmetics on the stone - varnishes, paints, conditioners, shampoos, tonal creams will spoil it.
• Be careful. Despite its external strength, opals are extremely unstable before a crash and strong pressure. Just be careful with opal jewelry and don't let them fall.
• Cleaning. Do not use even the most benign means in the care of opal. If the stone has grown dim and dirty, simply rinse it under running water and wipe with a silk cloth. Cleaning of jewelry should be carried out separately from the cleaning of the opal itself. Refuse steam or ultrasonic cleaning, they only harm the integrity of the mineral.
• Recovery. For opals, which are often used as ornaments, cracks and scratches are characteristic. To get rid of them, it is necessary to carry the mineral for restoration to a jeweler or polisher.

All about stone opal, see the video below.