The opal, a gemstone celebrated for its captivating play of color, holds a unique and often misunderstood place in the world of gems. Traditionally recognized as the birthstone for October, it has been associated with both good fortune and ill omen throughout history. While currently sharing its birthstone status with pink tourmaline, the opal’s story is one of evolving beliefs, literary influence, and, ultimately, enduring beauty. This article will explore the history, lore, gemological properties, and modern perceptions of the opal, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
For much of human history, the opal was considered a symbol of hope, purity, and truth. Ancient Romans prized the stone, and it enjoyed popularity throughout the Middle Ages. However, a significant shift in perception occurred during the Victorian era, fueled largely by the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. Within the narrative, an opal worn by the heroine, Anne, dramatically lost its color and brilliance upon her death, mirroring her fading life force. This fictional event profoundly impacted the public’s view of the gemstone.
The novel depicted a scene where holy water splashed onto the opal, causing it to lose its fire and the wearer to fall ill, ultimately turning to ashes. This dramatic portrayal contributed to a growing superstition that opals were harbingers of bad luck, particularly for those not born in October. This belief, though relatively recent in historical terms – likely originating in the early to mid-19th century – became deeply ingrained in popular culture.
Despite this Victorian-era negativity, the opal had previously been considered a lucky talisman and a stone of prophecy. The narrative surrounding the opal is therefore complex, demonstrating a dramatic shift in its symbolic meaning over time. It’s important to note that the modern assignment of birthstones, including the addition of pink tourmaline as an alternative for October, occurred in 1912, driven in part by marketing considerations and a preference for transparent gems. Prior to this, opal held sole claim to the October birthstone designation.
Geological Formation and Sources
The sources do not provide detailed information on the geological formation of opals. However, they do indicate that opals are formed from gel-like silica (SiO2) as it transitions towards becoming stable crystalline quartz. This suggests an unstable nature, explaining why opals can deteriorate and lose their color over time.
Currently, Australia and Ethiopia are recognized as significant sources of high-quality opals. Opals from these regions are often prized for their darker body tones and more intense color displays. The sources do not detail other historical or contemporary mining locations.
Gemological Properties
The defining characteristic of the opal is its “play of color,” a mesmerizing display of iridescent hues. This phenomenon is not due to color originating within the stone itself, but rather from the reflection and diffraction of white light as it enters the opal. The light bounces around within microscopic silica spheres, creating a prism-like effect.
However, the sources indicate that opals are relatively soft and fragile gemstones. This fragility contributes to the difficulty gem cutters experience when working with them, and explains why they are susceptible to cracking and damage. The sources do not provide specific details regarding the opal’s hardness on the Mohs scale, refractive index, or chemical formula beyond its composition of hydrated silica (SiO2).
Opals are also sensitive to dehydration. If an opal loses its water content, it can develop cracks and lose its vibrant play of color. Therefore, proper storage in a moist environment, such as wrapped in a soft, damp cotton cloth, is crucial for preserving its beauty.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the opal has been imbued with various symbolic meanings. For those born in October, it represents hope, purity, and truth. It is also traditionally given as a gift to celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary, symbolizing the beauty and changeability of life.
Despite the Victorian superstition linking opals to bad luck for those not born in October, the sources emphasize that this belief is largely unfounded and rooted in misinformation and, potentially, competitive practices within the gem trade. Some even suggest that individuals born at the 6 PM hour can wear opals without incurring misfortune.
Care and Cleaning
Opals require careful handling and cleaning due to their relative softness and sensitivity to dehydration. Solid opal jewelry can be gently cleaned with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth or brush. However, steam cleaners, ultrasonics, boiling water, bleach, and harsh chemicals should be strictly avoided.
Jewelry featuring opal doublets and triplets requires even more delicate care. These pieces should only be wiped with a damp soft cloth and mild soap, and should never be soaked or immersed in water. It is always advisable to obtain specific jewelry care instructions from a jeweler before purchasing an opal piece.
Furthermore, opals should be removed when performing tasks that could cause physical damage and kept away from harsh chemicals. Protecting opal jewelry from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, is also recommended.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Several myths surround the opal, many of which have been debunked. Soaking an opal in rose water will not enhance its color; any temporary improvement is simply due to the polishing effect of wetting the stone. Warming an opal in one’s hand or exposing it to a lightning storm will also not affect its brilliance.
The notion that the opal’s colors originate from within the stone is also inaccurate. As previously explained, the play of color is a result of light diffraction. These misconceptions highlight the importance of relying on accurate gemological information rather than perpetuating unsubstantiated beliefs.
The Modern Opal
Today, the opal continues to be a cherished gemstone, admired for its unique beauty and captivating play of color. While the Victorian superstition lingers in some circles, it is largely dismissed by gemologists and jewelry professionals. The opal’s status as a birthstone for October, alongside pink tourmaline, ensures its continued relevance and appeal. The sources suggest that the negative associations are largely a result of historical fiction and marketing tactics, and that the opal’s inherent beauty and symbolism should be celebrated.
Conclusion
The opal’s journey through history is a testament to the power of storytelling and the influence of cultural beliefs on perceptions of gemstones. From being revered as a symbol of hope and good fortune to being unjustly branded as a bringer of bad luck, the opal’s reputation has undergone a dramatic transformation. Despite the Victorian-era superstition, the opal remains a captivating and valuable gemstone, prized for its unique play of color and enduring beauty. Its continued status as a birthstone for October, and its association with meaningful celebrations, ensures that the opal will continue to enchant and inspire for generations to come.