The opal, October’s celebrated birthstone, is a gemstone steeped in history, lore, and a surprisingly persistent reputation for bad luck. While admired for its captivating play of color, the opal has, for centuries, been subject to superstition, particularly regarding who can – and should – wear it. This article will delve into the origins of these beliefs, the gem’s geological formation, its historical significance, and the modern understanding of this fascinating stone.
History and Lore
The opal’s story is one of fluctuating fortunes. Throughout much of history, the opal was considered a symbol of hope, purity, and truth. Ancient Romans prized the opal as a stone of good luck, associating it with love and hope. However, this positive perception shifted dramatically in the 19th century, largely due to the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel, Anne of Geierstein in 1829.
Within the narrative, Lady Hermione wears an opal clasp in her hair that dramatically changes color with her moods. When the clasp is accidentally touched by holy water, it loses its brilliance and the character dies shortly after. This fictional event sparked a widespread belief that opals were unlucky, particularly for those not born in October. Sales of opals in Europe plummeted by 50 percent within a year of the novel’s publication, according to the American Gem Society.
This superstition gained traction and persisted for decades. Some even suggested that the diamond industry deliberately fostered the negative perception of opals to boost diamond sales, though evidence supporting this claim remains unsubstantiated. The belief that only October-born individuals could safely wear opals became deeply ingrained in popular culture.
Despite this period of misfortune, the opal has a long history of being considered a lucky stone. From Ancient Rome to the Middle Ages, the opal was embraced as a symbol of good fortune. The modern perception is shifting, with many dismissing the superstition as outdated and unfounded.
Geological Formation and Sources
Opals are unique gemstones formed from hydrated amorphous silica (SiO2·nH2O). Unlike many gemstones that crystallize, opals are not crystalline; they are a mineraloid. They form in cracks and voids in the earth, typically in sedimentary rock, where silica-rich water seeps in and deposits the silica. Over millions of years, this silica hardens and forms the opal. The “play of color” – the characteristic flashing of rainbow hues – is caused by the diffraction of light as it passes through microscopic spheres of silica within the opal.
Australia is the world’s primary source of opals, accounting for the vast majority of global production. Specifically, South Australia is renowned for its black opals, considered the most valuable type due to their dark body tone which intensifies the play of color. Other significant opal sources include Ethiopia, Mexico, and the United States.
Gemological Properties
Opals exhibit a range of properties that contribute to their unique appeal and challenges in jewelry making.
- Chemical Composition: Hydrated amorphous silica (SiO2·nH2O)
- Hardness: 5.5 – 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This relatively low hardness makes opals susceptible to scratches and abrasions.
- Specific Gravity: Typically between 1.98 and 2.15.
- Refractive Index: 1.45
- Color: Opals display a wide spectrum of colors, including white, black, gray, orange, yellow, red, and blue. The “play of color” is the most defining characteristic.
- Clarity: Opals are generally opaque to translucent.
- Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline).
The instability of the silica gel structure means that opals can deteriorate and lose their color over time, particularly if exposed to dehydration. Modern jewelry settings utilizing materials like glass, resin, or quartz help prevent this dehydration and preserve the opal’s brilliance.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | SiO2·nH2O |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5.5 - 6.5 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.98 - 2.15 |
| Refractive Index | 1.45 |
| Structure | Amorphous |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Historically, opals have been associated with a variety of symbolic meanings. As previously mentioned, they were once considered symbols of hope, purity, and truth. The play of color was often linked to the wearer’s emotions, with different colors reflecting different moods.
However, the negative superstitions surrounding opals have also contributed to their symbolic interpretation. Some believe that opals can amplify negative energies or attract misfortune to those not born in October. Black opals, in particular, were sometimes referred to as “witch stones” due to their dark tones and association with the color black, historically linked to death and evil.
Modern metaphysical beliefs attribute various healing properties to opals, including emotional healing, creativity enhancement, and spiritual growth. However, these claims are not scientifically substantiated.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their relatively low hardness and porous nature, opals require careful handling and cleaning. They are susceptible to scratches, chipping, and dehydration.
- Cleaning: Clean opals with a soft cloth and lukewarm soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners.
- Storage: Store opals separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
- Hydration: Opals can become dehydrated over time, leading to cracking. Periodically immersing the opal in water for short periods can help maintain its hydration.
- Wear: Avoid wearing opals during strenuous activities or when exposed to harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
The opal remains a captivating and often misunderstood gemstone. While its reputation has been shadowed by superstition, its inherent beauty and unique play of color continue to fascinate gem enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike. The belief that opals bring bad luck to those not born in October is largely a product of Victorian-era literature and has little basis in modern gemological understanding. As the “Queen of Gems,” the opal deserves appreciation for its geological wonder, historical significance, and enduring allure, regardless of birth month.