While both blue and pink Andean Opal, Fire Opal, Ethiopian Opal, and Australian Opal all share the chemical composition of SiO2n(H2O), currently the most common material on the market is mainly Australian opal. Note, Ethiopian opal is as flashy as the Aussi material and rapidly gaining a market share in the jewelry trade.
All opal shares a Mohs hardness between 5 and 6, but since it has an amorphous crystalline structure and is very hydrated, it can crack or craze due to sharp temperature changes or dryness. Rings set with opal should be worn with care because of this.
For many years, the opal suffered rumors and old wives tales about being bad luck. Legends have persisted about this stone, tales designed to discourage those who might otherwise find themselves drawn by its fiery brilliance. Throughout history, while many stones were prized for their positive magical qualities, others were denounced as vessels of evil. No gem was more vilified than the poor opal. Often associated with scorcery and witchcraft, Medieval Europeans dreaded the opal because of its resemblance to “the Evil Eye,” and its superficial likeness to the optical organs of cats, toads, snakes, and other common creatures with affiliations with witchcraft. Opals today are still viewed with prejudice in many parts of the world which is unfortunate for such a wonderful, healing stone. In general, research into opal’s folklore turns up the belief that opal is a stone of inspiration which can enhance imagination and creativity. It is said to help one release inhibitions and enhance memory. Opal is also a very spiritual stone, and is said to help one be “invisible” in situations where they don’t care to be noticed.
There are a multitude of opal varieties, each with its own nuanced energies.
Boulder Opal (precious opal threaded in an ironstone matrix, most commonly from Australia) is said to do many things for us on the metaphysical level. It is said to assist us in communication of all forms; verbal, psychic, etc. Some like to use this stone to assist in communication with their guides, angels, animal guides, nature devas, and other entities. Boulder Opal is also a good choice for clearing blocked Chakras, and for strengthening and adding light into the aura. It produces stability. Boulder Opal is also a very spiritual stone, it has long been used by native people in ceremonies and rights of passage.
Ethiopian Opal increases your psychic abilities for incoming and outgoing questions and answers. It helps one to discern areas in need of change. Ethiopian Opal connects the Base Chakra, Heart Chakra, and Crown Chakra, helping balance your Chakras and Aura
Fire Opal, most commonly from Mexico, shares the properties of all opals and also has its own personality and energies. Fire opal brings vitality and a creative energy to endeavors. It also had energies of ability to handle change well and comfortably. Fire Opal is also a stone of sensuality and sexuality, enhancing those energies. It is often used in clairaudience as well.
Blue Peruvian (Andean) Opal is mystically known as a stone of courage and ingenuity. It is said to improve self-esteem and self-love. It is also said to be an aid to creativity and communication of all types. It is reputed to help one find a confidant. Peruvian blue opal is also said to help with stress reduction, fatigue, and weight loss. Crystal healing lore reputes that Peruvian (Andean) blue opal is physically healing for fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, metabolic balance issues, iron absorption, dizziness, and brain disorders. Blue Peruvian opal is associated primarily with the throat Chakra.
It is great for stimulating thoughts and communication skills. Use on the fifth Chakra to voice your opinions in a clear fashion. It is about freedom of speech! Some like to use this opal to connect with others. Peruvian opal is a very creative stone, especially for writers and those who need to get their thoughts down on paper. Some say this stone balances metabolism and helps those with fatigue.
Pink Andean Opal can be found occasionally. It is a stone of love and gentleness. It brings energies of gentle love and kindness to both romantic relationships and relationships of other kinds. That said, its energy is not a cottony soft energy, but instead, a vibrant, active energy, like laughter. It raises the spirits and elevates your mood. As with other opals, it also brings inspiration, imagination and creativity. It can help release inhibitions and brings happy dreams. It also eases the process of change. Pink Peruvian opal is associated primarily with the heart Chakra.
Opal is a varied and beautiful stone I enjoy working with and would highly recommend.
See you at the fair!