Opal - Birthstone of those born in October

Those born in October enjoy two spectacular birthstones to commemorate their birthdays – opal and tourmaline. Both October birthstones have a lot in common, they both have lots of different colour combinations and colouring characteristics. In this blog post we look at opal.

Most opals are valued for their shifting colours in rainbow hues – a phenomenon known as “play-of-colour.” A good opal will have hues of blue and green, as well as reds and yellows. Red is the rarest colour to be found in opal.

An ancient legend relates a story of the creation of opal. The God of Storms became jealous of the Rainbow God and in a rage, shattered the rainbow. As the pieces fell to Earth, they were petrified and became opals.

Ancient Greeks thought opals bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. The gem was also used by Native Americans and Australian aboriginal shamen to invoke visions and allow them to travel in dream quests.

Europeans long maintained opal to be a symbol of purity, hope and truth. It is said to stabilise the emotions and promote loyalty in love.

Opal is also the stone given to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary.

Most of the opals we see used in jewellery today come from Australia. Australia is famous for its black and white opals, as well as boulder opal, which is mined only in Queensland.

Other types of opal, such as ‘fire’ opals are mined in Mexico and Ethiopia produces a beautiful water opal, which contains brilliant flashes of colour suspended in a transparent stone.

We stock a variety of opal rings, pendants and earrings from Australia, Mexico, and Ethiopia.

Source: Bruce G. Knuth