Opal, frequently appearing as the birthstone for October, is a gemstone celebrated for its captivating play of color. While often positioned after sapphire in lists of birthstones, its history and allure extend far beyond a simple calendrical association. This article will explore the gemstone’s presence in crossword puzzles, its designation as a birthstone, and the limited historical and geological information available from the provided sources.
Historical Mentions and Crossword Clues
The provided sources reveal that opal frequently appears as an answer in crossword puzzles, specifically as the birthstone following sapphire. Several crossword constructors have utilized this association in their puzzles, including clues from the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. These puzzles demonstrate the cultural recognition of opal as a birthstone, solidifying its place in popular knowledge. The clues specifically identify opal as the birthstone “after sapphire,” indicating its position within the traditional birthstone calendar.
Birthstone Designation
The sources present a comprehensive list of birthstones by month, establishing opal as one of the stones associated with October. The list indicates that October has two birthstone options: opal and pink tourmaline. This dual designation suggests a degree of flexibility in birthstone selection, potentially influenced by personal preference or regional traditions. The provided list represents a modern interpretation of birthstone assignments, offering a standardized reference point for gemstone enthusiasts.
Limited Geological and Historical Detail
The provided sources offer minimal detail regarding the geological formation, mining locations, or historical origins of opal. One source briefly mentions clogs being made from wood as a historical protective footwear, but this is unrelated to opal. Another source details the origin of the word “Avon” and its connection to Shakespeare, also irrelevant to the gemstone. While the sources establish opal’s status as a birthstone and its presence in popular culture, they lack the depth of information necessary for a comprehensive gemological profile.
Gemological Properties (Based on Limited Sources)
Due to the limited scope of the provided sources, a detailed discussion of opal’s gemological properties is not possible. The sources do not provide information on its chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or specific gravity. However, the very nature of its appearance in crossword puzzles suggests a level of familiarity with the gem among puzzle constructors and solvers. This implies a certain degree of public awareness of opal’s unique characteristics, even if those characteristics are not explicitly detailed in the provided materials.
Symbolism and Lore (Absent from Sources)
The provided sources are entirely devoid of information regarding the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with opal. Historically, opals have been attributed with various meanings, including hope, purity, and truth. They have also been associated with love, passion, and creativity. However, these cultural interpretations are not reflected in the provided materials.
Care and Cleaning (Absent from Sources)
Similarly, the sources offer no guidance on the care and cleaning of opal. Opals are relatively soft gemstones and require careful handling to avoid damage. They are susceptible to scratching and can be affected by exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. However, this information is not present in the provided texts.
Conclusion
The provided sources primarily establish opal’s recognition as a birthstone, particularly for those born in October, and its frequent appearance in crossword puzzles. While the sources confirm its position as a culturally recognized gemstone, they lack the detailed gemological, historical, and symbolic information necessary for a comprehensive exploration of its significance. The limited data underscores the need for additional research to fully understand the multifaceted nature of this captivating gemstone. The sources do not provide enough information to create a 2000-word article. The following is a summary of the available information.
Opal is recognized as a birthstone for the month of October, often listed alongside pink tourmaline. It frequently appears as an answer in crossword puzzles, specifically as the birthstone following sapphire. The sources do not provide details on its geological formation, mining locations, historical origins, gemological properties, symbolism, or care instructions. The information is limited to its cultural recognition as a birthstone and its presence in popular culture through crossword puzzles.