The opal, October’s traditional birthstone, is a gemstone steeped in history, myth, and a captivating play of color. For centuries, it has been prized for its unique optical phenomenon, often described as flashes of rainbow light within the stone. While modern marketing efforts have sometimes overshadowed its prominence, the opal boasts a rich and complex past, marked by periods of intense admiration and, surprisingly, widespread superstition. This article will delve into the opal’s history, geological origins, gemological properties, cultural significance, and practical care, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The history of the opal is a fascinating blend of admiration and apprehension. Ancient civilizations held the opal in high regard. In Ancient Greece, legend attributes its creation to the tears of Zeus after he defeated the Titans. Romans associated the gem with Venus, the goddess of love, and Cupid, the god of desire, believing it symbolized rekindled love and passion. Aboriginal Australians, with a deep connection to the land where much opal is found, also recognized its powerful energies.
However, the opal’s reputation took a dramatic turn during the Victorian era. Sir Walter Scott’s 1829 novel, Anne of Geierstein, featured an opal that was linked to the death of a main character. The narrative described the stone losing its brilliance and color upon the character’s demise, fueling a belief that opals were harbingers of misfortune. This fictional portrayal, combined with the gem’s delicate nature, contributed to a widespread superstition that opals brought bad luck to anyone not born in October.
The notion of bad luck was further perpetuated by a dramatic series of events surrounding Spain’s King Alfonso XII in the 19th century. He gifted an opal ring, originally from a past love, to his wife, who died shortly after. The ring then passed through the hands of several family members, each meeting an untimely end within months of receiving it. While the king’s cause of death was likely tuberculosis or dysentery, the coincidences cemented the opal’s unlucky reputation in some circles.
Despite these tales, the opal remained a popular gemstone, particularly among European nobility. It wasn’t until 1912 that the National Association of Jewelers replaced the opal with tourmaline as October’s official birthstone, a decision driven largely by marketing preferences for transparent gems. Some still maintain the belief that wearing an opal outside of one’s birth month invites misfortune, though this is largely considered a remnant of Victorian-era fiction. Interestingly, some sources suggest that opals are also considered a birthstone for those born during the 6 PM hour, regardless of their birth month.
Geological Formation and Sources
Opals are unique gemstones formed in a low-temperature hydrothermal environment. They are composed of hydrated amorphous silica, meaning they contain a significant amount of water – up to 30% in some stones. This high water content contributes to the opal’s relative softness and susceptibility to damage from heat or sudden temperature changes.
While opals have been found in various locations worldwide, Australia is by far the largest exporter. Other notable sources include Ethiopia, Mexico, the United States, Peru, and Turkey. The specific geological conditions required for opal formation are relatively rare, contributing to its value and desirability.
Gemological Properties
The opal’s most defining characteristic is its “play of color,” the iridescent flashes of rainbow light that dance within the stone. This phenomenon is caused by the diffraction of light as it passes through microscopic spheres of silica within the opal’s structure. The size and arrangement of these spheres determine the colors displayed.
Opals are relatively soft, registering a 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes them more prone to scratches and abrasions compared to harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. They are also porous, meaning they can absorb liquids and are susceptible to damage from detergents or harsh chemicals.
An opal’s value is determined by several factors, including the intensity and range of its play of color, its body tone (the base color of the opal), its size, brilliance, and the presence of any flaws or imperfections. The cut of the opal also plays a role, similar to the importance of cut in evaluating diamonds. Opal value is typically expressed “per carat.”
Here's a table summarizing key gemological properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Hydrated amorphous silica (SiO₂·nH₂O) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6 |
| Specific Gravity | Typically between 1.98 and 2.14 |
| Luster | Vitreous to resinous |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Play of Color | Present in precious opals |
| Water Content | Up to 30% |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the opal has been imbued with various symbolic meanings. In ancient times, it was associated with love, hope, and purity. It was often referred to as the “Queen of Gems” because it incorporated the colors of other precious stones.
Modern spiritualists attribute a range of healing properties to the opal, believing it brings truth, confidence, and good fortune to the wearer. Some claim that fire opals, in particular, can transform one’s life. The opal is also associated with virtues like loyalty and hope.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its unique composition and properties, the opal requires special care. Its relatively high water content makes it susceptible to cracking or scratching if exposed to extreme heat or sudden temperature changes. It should be stored in a cool, humid environment, ideally separate from harder gemstones that could scratch its surface.
Cleaning opals requires a gentle approach. Avoid using detergents, jewelry cleaners, or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the stone. Instead, use a mixture of warm water and mild soap, and keep the cleaning process brief. Opal doublets and triplets, which are constructed with layers of material bonded together, are particularly vulnerable to water damage and should be handled with extra care. A soaked cotton ball placed in the jewelry box can help maintain a slightly humid environment.
Conclusion
The opal remains a captivating and enigmatic gemstone. From its ancient origins in mythology to its Victorian-era association with misfortune, the opal’s history is as colorful and complex as the stone itself. Despite periods of negative perception, it continues to be prized for its unique play of color and enduring beauty. Understanding its geological formation, gemological properties, and proper care ensures that this “Queen of Gems” can be enjoyed for generations to come.