Another name for the blue variety of the mineral is jirazole. Opal, the color of which resembles a brightening starry sky, can become a powerful talisman for you. Our article will tell you about its properties and who this amulet is suitable for.
Description of blue opal
Blue opal is a gemstone that is distinguished by its rich range of colors and beautiful tints of color.
The mineral has an amorphous crystalline structure. According to the chemical composition, opal is a silica hydrogel, which contains 3-20% water. During rock formation, the amount of liquid gradually decreases under the influence of high temperature and pressure.
Because of this, hydrogels appear. Like other silicas, opals are of volcanic origin. The highest quality samples are found in weathered areas.
Blue stones glow and shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow. Gemologists call this effect iridescence. Only a small part of the stones reaches jewelers, since cracks and chips appear in the material during mining.
Characteristics of the stone
The history of opal began quite a long time ago, but these gems were not known to everyone. They came to Europe only in the 19th century from India. While the inhabitants of Australia and India were in full admiration of the mineral’s ability to shine in the sun with all the colors of the rainbow, Europeans did not even suspect its existence.
When the gem finally arrived in Europe, it was appreciated. The cost of opals could be called fabulous. Not all representatives of high society could afford to buy jewelry inlaid with this stone.
Opals became very popular in the middle of the 20th century; several deposits were discovered, which made it possible to significantly reduce the cost of stones and make them more accessible.
Opal has the unique ability to reflect light and sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow; this phenomenon is called opalization.
Gold is considered the best setting for this stone; the yellow metal perfectly harmonizes with the shade of the stone. Other metals, such as silver or platinum, can also be used as a frame.
The following decorations can be inlaid with the mineral:
- Earrings.
- Rings.
- Bracelets.
- Pendants.
- Rings.
- Pendants.
Opal is perhaps the only gem that contains water; its amount can reach up to 30%. The chemical composition of the stone is silicon dioxide hydrate.
Due to its fragility and the fact that the mineral contains water, it is cut in a special way. The stone is shaped into a circle or oval, as well as a cabochon.
The mineral has the following characteristics:
- low hardness, from 5.5 to 6.5 units on the Mohs scale;
- glassy, dim and often pearlescent luster.
Evaluating the first indicator, you can notice that the mineral is considered non-solid, for this reason working with it is associated with certain difficulties. In addition to the above indicators, opal has a rich palette of shades, but the most expensive stone is not blue, but black.
Black opal is rare in nature, perhaps for this reason even those stones that naturally have a dark blue, dark green or even gray-black hue are called black.
In addition to blue and black, opals of the following colors and shades can be found in nature:
- dairy;
- fiery;
- harlequin (combines several shades and looks like a harlequin costume);
- called colorless.
The price of opal depends not only on the shade; it can also be affected by the place of extraction, as well as the carat weight. The most expensive opal was found in 1956, its value was estimated at 2.5 million Australian dollars.
History of the origin of the mineral
The history of this beautiful mineral began back in the days of Ancient India. Local residents admired its shimmer, considering the opal to be magical. At that time, the gem was called jirasol. The beauty of the mineral was also appreciated by the inhabitants of the Australian continent. Stones were brought to Europe from India only in the 19th century. Here they were very popular. Only representatives of the nobility and merchants could afford jewelry with gems.
In the 20th century the stone became known in all corners of the Earth. Gradually, the scale of mineral extraction increased and it became more accessible.
Historical reference
The existence and properties of unusual blue pebbles were known in some parts of the world and unknown in others.
For example, opals were brought to Europe from India in the 19th century. Until this moment, besides the Indians, only Australians used the beauty and power of the mineral. Europeans became imbued with the peculiarities of stones and began to actively use them in jewelry to create exquisite jewelry for the “cream” of society.
The cost of blue minerals in rings, necklaces and bracelets exceeded all permissible standards, but not for long. In the mid-20th century, new deposits were discovered. The stones are no longer such a rarity, the price for them has dropped noticeably, although it still remains inaccessible to everyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of opal.
Stone deposits
Australia is the leader in opal mining. The best stones were found in Coober Pedy, Andamooka and Queensland. The minerals are mined in large quantities in Peru. Specimens brought from the Andes are called Peruvian, or Andean. Blue stones are found in Kazakhstan, Ethiopia and Turkey.
Deposits of blue opal are located in Australia.
Where is the stone mined?
Opal is not a rare stone: even such an everyday material as asphalt belongs to its family. If we talk about precious and ornamental varieties, then, as a rule, they are found in nature in the form of biconvex lenses, or layers sandwiched between other rocks.
Australia exports the most gems, but these are mainly white and fiery varieties. As for jirasol, it is not without reason that it is called “Peruvian opal”. This variety of gem is supplied to the market in Latin America. Once upon a time, the Incas, who lived on the territory of modern Peru, inserted blue gems into the eyes of their idols. The conquistadors picked out the stones and sent them home along with other booty.
In the Eastern Hemisphere, blue opal is mined in Ethiopia. Finds are also known in Kazakhstan and Turkey. Sometimes you come across heavenly gems in Kamchatka, as well as in Ukraine.
Who needs blue opal
Blue opals are sometimes called transformation stones because they suit women of any color type. When tried on, jewelry with minerals looks great on blondes, redheads and brunettes. The optical illusion, which causes shimmer on the opal surface, allows the stone to adapt to any color of hair, eyes and skin.
The mineral is necessary for doctors and healers, as it enhances the ability to heal. Jirasol will be useful for people who dream of a strong family or want to save their marriage. Opal helps you achieve your desired goal. It is suitable for all people who want to change their destiny, as well as for those who are creative, as it helps to reveal talents.
It has a positive influence only on noble and decent people.
What is opal
"Opal" translated from ancient languages means 'stone'. The Greeks called it “amazing to the eye,” and the Romans called it “bewitching the eyesight” due to the effect of opalescence—optical iridescence:
Nature opal
It belongs to the mineraloids. By its nature, it is not a stone, but a hydrogel without structure. It is capable of losing water when heated and is completely destroyed when exposed to fire or alkali.
By its chemical composition, opal is a hydrate of silicon dioxide, a type of quartz, and by its physical properties it is a material:
- Medium strength with varied gloss and density up to 2.20 g/cm³.
- Varying degrees of transparency - from almost opaque to clear, like a tear. It all depends on the amount of water, which can reach 20% of the total composition.
- With an uneven fracture and impurities of iron, magnesium or calcium that affect the color.
Types of opals
Natural opal: Pixabay
Gemologists (scientists who identify, evaluate and certify precious stones) and jewelers distinguish several main types of opal by color:
- A white stone of low transparency with shades from snow-white to milky.
- Absolutely transparent hyalite.
- One of the most valuable types of opal is boulder, or harlequin, formed from wood and similar in appearance to the wings of a dragonfly.
- Noble opal with shimmer.
- Water opal is a hydrophane whose colors become brighter when it absorbs moisture.
- Bluish-white girazole with wavy tints of color.
- Transparent or translucent fire opal is a rare stone that is yellowish-red in color with green highlights.
- Almost opaque cacholong is white or grayish in color.
- A brown or colorless stone is irisopal.
- Pink, blue and bluish - Peruvian.
- Black opal is a stone of black and dark shades of green, purple, blue and burgundy.
- Prazopal is a green opal.
Such a huge selection of shades and structures opens up wide scope for jewelry creativity. Opals were loved by the great French jeweler Rene Lalique, who created masterpieces in the Art Nouveau style, now collected in his museum.
Legends and interesting facts
Nothing is known about the exact origin of the stone and the date of its discovery, but there are many amazing legends dedicated to opal:
- Zeus, after defeating the Titans, cried with happiness, and his tears turned into opals.
- In Australia, deposits of stones are considered to be the footprints of the one who created human civilization.
- There is a legend in India that the goddess of the Rainbow turned into opals when she fled from the men who were pursuing her.
- The ancient Roman senator Nonnius, the owner of the largest opal in the world, was expelled from his native place by order of Emperor Antony, who was jealous of this treasure.
- After the publication of the novel “Anne of Geierstein, Maid of Darkness” by Walter Scott, jewelry houses selling jewelry with opal almost went bankrupt - they abruptly stopped wearing them.
- Queen Victoria of England rehabilitated the magic stone: she often wore jewelry with it.
One thing is clear: opal is so beautiful that it has little in common with other minerals. When cutting, jewelers try to give it an unusual shape in order to emphasize the uniqueness of each sample. This is a kind of “small space” that can be viewed endlessly.
Medicinal properties
In ancient times, water was charged with the help of gems. They were lowered into a jug, which was placed at night under the moonlight. People believed that the resulting drink helped restore the joy of existence, get rid of chest pain and colds.
Blue opal helps with colds.
Modern lithotherapists claim that jirazole:
- relieves depression, neuroses, improves emotional background;
- protects against infections, stimulates the immune system;
- treats eye diseases;
- relieves bad habits, insomnia, anxiety and hysteria.
To achieve a therapeutic effect, use meditation with a gem.
Spiritual practice allows you to change your emotional state for the better and get rid of suicidal tendencies.
Mineral deposits
Opals are mined all over the world, but the leader in production volumes is Australia (97%). Ethiopia comes in second.
This is interesting!
Opal is the national stone of Australia!
Small deposits of precious gems are located in Mexico and the USA, Brazil and Japan, Guatemala, Honduras and Slovakia. Opals are mined in very modest quantities in Russia and Ukraine.
As for ordinary opals, Mexico and Brazil, Turkey and Kazakhstan, Honduras and Guatemala are rich in their deposits.
This is interesting!
NASA announced in 2008 that opal deposits had been discovered on Mars.
Magic properties
Opal is a mineral with a contradictory and complex character. The impact it will have on the owner depends on the person’s personal qualities. Psychics do not recommend wearing a stone to people who are unsure of themselves. It cannot be of any use to a person with a weak character.
Opals in lithotherapy
People with a strong character can tame a gem. He will help:
- become more resilient, stronger, find a purpose in life, peace;
- make the wearer calmer and more balanced;
- gain financial success;
- discover supernatural abilities in yourself.
Blue opal will help you achieve financial success.
Jirasol affects the hidden reserves of the soul. It can make a person stronger physically and spiritually. The mineral helps to build strong family relationships and find love. If a person has chosen the wrong partner, opal will make parting with him painless.
It is not enough to wear jewelry with a stone. The mineral will begin to act if the goal is correctly formulated. There will be no result if a person does not try to achieve what he wants. The energy of jirasol works in the same direction with the owner’s aura, enhancing positive character traits and neutralizing negative ones. Stones of a delicate blue hue are used as talismans that give self-confidence and harmony.
An amulet made from the mineral is contraindicated for gambling, evil and weak individuals, as it will indulge negative manifestations.
Colors and varieties
Volcanic silica is divided into three types - precious with a bright play of color and shine, semi-precious - paler, ornamental - dull, matte. The first two varieties are rich in a rich range of blue-green, orange-scarlet, emerald-violet, pearlescent-star transitions.
Noble luminous stones are divided into 9 subspecies of characteristic shades:
- Peruvian - juicy turquoise, bluish-light green tints.
- Cat's eye - pearly yellow, blue-scarlet flashes, shining vertical stripe.
- Fiery - the color of a blazing fire or sunset sky, whitish inclusions.
- Black - expensive inky blue, coffee, flashes of red and blue.
- Lechos-opal – apple-colored, pine-green veins.
- Harlequin is a transparent crystal, red, blue, golden sparkles create a fancy mosaic.
- Royal - burgundy-red, emerald border, light green specks.
- Matrix – chocolate base, splashes of blue-turquoise tones.
- Girazol - similar to a tear, bluish reflections.
Simple minerals are impenetrable, pearly white with a blue tint, red-green, honey-orange: cacholong, prazopal, hydrophane, dendrite, opal jasper, silica onyx.
Compatibility with names and zodiac signs
Blue opals can match the energy of people of different zodiac signs:
- They help Libra make the right decisions and achieve their goals;
- Virgos are endowed with gentleness and the ability to compromise;
- Scorpios are protected from enemies;
- Gemini brings good luck and inspiration;
- Pisces are given calmness, balance, and improve intuition;
- Leos are helped to overcome tension, promote flexibility and loyalty;
- Taurus is made to be patient and calm;
- They help Cancers gain confidence, calmness, and get rid of worries and fears.
Blue opal helps Libra make the right decisions.
Amulets made from blue opals are not suitable for Sagittarius. Representatives of the sign can become even more hot-tempered.
The mineral is not compatible with all names. It is suitable for people whose names are: Ruslan, Elena, Anton, Anastasia, Irina, Vitaly, Ilya, Philip, Pavel, Tamara, Svetlana. The compatibility of stones with names enhances the magical properties of opal.
Meaning of Zodiac Signs
Astrologically, blue opal represents the element of water, its planet is the changeable Moon. Opal is considered the birthstone of October.
Astrologers say that the gem is most suitable for Libra and Capricorn. With its help, it will be easier for Libra to make the right decision; representatives of the sign will stop doubting in vain. Capricorns, using blue opal as a talisman, will be able to establish relationships with others, learn to defend their own interests and stop depending on the opinions of others.
Representatives of the fire element: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius should wear the stone with extreme caution.
Because the gem is known for its ability to awaken passions and release instincts. If you wear opals for too long, a person of the element of Fire can become overly hot-tempered, impulsive, and prone to making rash decisions.
Blue opal according to the dream book
Opal is a fragile mineral that amazes with its play of shades. It can crack or chip with minor physical impact. For this reason it has a bad reputation. Opal is believed to bring bad luck.
Stones in a dream may indicate the presence of secrets in life or impending changes. If a person is given jewelry with opal, trouble is possible. Taking off a stone or giving it up in a dream means that a person will be able to escape misfortunes or avoid danger.
Seeing a stone in a dream means that there will be changes in life.
According to Smurova’s dream book, opal foretells that others will soon appreciate a person’s spiritual qualities.
In modern literature you can see the following interpretation of dreams:
- a gifted stone - for a rich wedding;
- loss of mineral - to the impossibility of planned plans;
- jewelry with opal - to achieve a high social position;
- a ring with a stone given to a young lady - to deception on the part of a loved one;
- wearing a pendant around the neck means making a hasty decision;
- the appearance of cracks on a gem means frustration and disappointment.
Application
Opals, especially precious ones, are widely used in jewelry. To classify and evaluate individual specimens, gemologists take into account characteristics such as transparency, color and the degree of brilliance of the gem. Victoire de Castellane, who created the Dior et d'Opales collection for the famous fashion house, is known among modern jewelers for her love of iridescent opals.
However, opals were not always popular jewelry stones. In the 19th century, the gem had a bad reputation; it was considered a talisman of thieves or sorcerers. The situation became more complicated after the publication of Walter Scott’s novel “Charles the Bold,” in which the opal brought misfortune to its owner. But, most likely, the bad reputation was due to the reluctance of jewelers to work with capricious and fragile gems, because they had to pay for cracked, damaged samples from their own funds.
Modern methods of jewelers working with opals involve treating the stones with polymers, which improve the structure and increase the strength of the rock. However, the minerals are not cut - they are only polished into cabochons or ground to preserve their natural shapes.
Since blue samples are not very common in nature, faded minerals are refined. Blue shades are obtained through the process of dyeing or irradiation.
Jewelers use noble varieties to create premium jewelry. Blue opal is often used to make beads, pendants, ring inserts and earrings set in silver or white gold. To preserve the color and transparency of the gems, it is necessary to periodically keep the jewelry in clean, cool water.
Blue opals are stones the color of a clear, cloudless sky, which, despite their delicate coloring, are very demanding both on the personal qualities of the owner and on the conditions of storage and care of the gem. For worthy people, stones will become not only a beautiful decoration, but also a strong amulet.
Jewelry with blue opal
Jewelers highly value the mineral and use it for inlay. The stones are shaped into cabochons and made round or oval. They are set in silver and sometimes in gold. Craftsmen use stones to create bracelets, rings, brooches, pendants, and earrings.
Jewelry with blue opal is set in silver.
Sometimes jewelry is made from opal plates. They are applied to black glass to reduce the cost of products.
Blue stones are suitable for walks and dates. They add flirtatiousness and mystery to the image due to the magical rainbow glow. The jewelry is also suitable for everyday wear.
Application and care
Being an extremely rare stone, Peruvian blue opal is not used in industry or for creating household crafts. The gem is used only for creating jewelry. Most often it is set in silver; base metals are not used. Jewelers create rings, bracelets, beads, and earrings from heavenly stone. The price for such jewelry may vary. The more transparent and bright the mineral, the higher it is.
The transparency of the stone directly affects its price.
Lithotherapists - practitioners of alternative medicine who treat with stones - attribute the ability to heal diseases to the mineral. They use crystals to alleviate the condition of patients. But magicians, shamans and psychics are confident in the magical properties of blue opal.
For all its useful qualities, our gem also has a significant drawback. Like all other representatives of the opal family, the stone is quite fragile. The fact is that it, in fact, is not a crystal, like, for example, a diamond or sapphire. Instead, blue opal is made up of many tiny globules loosely bound together. Therefore, your talisman can easily crack or break if you do not follow the rules of careful wearing.
- It is best to wash the jewelry with a soft brush dipped in warm water. It is not recommended to use household chemicals for cleaning. To dry, wrap the item in a napkin and leave it in the sun. The optimal time is no more than two hours.
- Blue gemstone, like other stones of the opal family, is afraid of direct sunlight, so it is best to wear it under clothing. Temperature changes can cause it to crack.
- If your stone becomes cloudy, place it in water for an hour and a half.
- When you start cleaning, remove jewelry with girazole. Household chemicals can seriously damage it.
- You can store blue stone with other opals, but away from harder crystals. Prolonged proximity to diamonds or agate can cause the stone to become deformed. When putting jewelry away on a shelf, it is better to wrap it in soft cloth.
In fact, opal is only fragile compared to other gems. If treated correctly, it can serve for a long time, delighting you with its extraordinary color tints.
Combinations of blue opal and other minerals
The element of mineral is Water. Therefore, opals go well with Earth stones:
- agate;
- turquoise;
- aquamarine;
- malachite;
- nephritis;
- moonstone;
- topaz;
- zircon;
- pearls;
- tourmaline.
Blue opal goes well with pearls.
Place of extraction
Deposits of fire stone are scattered across the planet: USA, Honduras, Brazil, Turkey, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Russia.
Uncut Fire Opal
90% of the mineral comes from Australia. Opals were discovered there by accident in the mid-19th century, and industrial development began decades later.
The homeland of the most beautiful specimens is Mexico. The largest fire stone was found here (143.2 carats, an exhibit in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution in the USA).
The rock is found on the slopes of extinct volcanoes or in rock faults.
Cost of natural stone
Determining the true value of opals is a difficult task. The price consists of a combination of a large number of parameters that a professional can evaluate:
- shine;
- weight;
- transparency;
- stories;
- origin.
Blue or blue stones cannot be found in a souvenir shop. Jewelry with them is bought in specialized stores. The cost of jewelry depends on the material from which the frame is made, as well as the size and number of stones. The price of gold and silver items is in the range of 5-10 thousand rubles. The cost of opals without a frame varies between 1-2 thousand rubles.
Short description
According to its physical properties, opal is a solid hydrogel of silicon oxide. It is close in quality to quartz, but differs from the latter in its variable moisture content. The amount of water in the rock ranges from 0.4 to 32%. The properties of stones, as well as their jewelry value, largely depend on the concentration of the liquid. Noble opal should contain from 6 to 10% water. Such specimens are especially prized by jewelers. The more moisture a mineral contains, the more transparent it is. A stone that dries completely becomes completely opaque. At the same time, it loses its properties, may crack and even crumble.
Gold earrings with cubic zirconia, opals and citrines (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)
The name of the minerals is translated from the Saxon language as “gems”. Indeed, for their stunning beauty they have gained enormous popularity in jewelry. Opals are often used to make earrings, brooches, bracelets, and pendants. Framed by precious metal, the mineral looks simply magnificent.
Favorable time to purchase
Opal is recommended to be purchased during the waning moon. It is worth going to the store in the evening so that the mineral falls under the light of a celestial body. The protective properties of jewelry in a silver frame are enhanced. Gold doubles magical power. To use the product as a talisman, buy an opal framed in silver.
Blue opal should be purchased in the evening.
Artificial fire opal
It’s good that science has made great strides forward, and those who admire the beauty of this stone can afford to purchase the gem.
After all, its cost is much lower than natural stones, and it will not suppress your energy, because the magical and healing properties are not preserved in artificial stones. It is not so fragile and therefore can be used in all products. It will take our planet thousands of years to create natural opals, it still needs to be found, and it is difficult to process. And the beauty of the gem has already captivated many. And so, science helped us in creating artificial opal. By growing a mineral structure similar to the natural one, artificial fire opal is obtained.
How to distinguish real blue opal from artificial
Modern craftsmen know several ways to obtain fake opals. Synthetic stones are created in laboratories, imitating natural conditions. Their cultivation time varies between 1-2 years. Synthetic stones can be recognized under a magnifying glass by the presence of bubbles in them that appear from temperature changes.
You can detect a fake using the following methods:
- Opal is examined under the sun's rays, which, after refraction, paint the hands in the colors of the entire spectrum. Fake stones never give this effect.
- The mineral is tasted on the tongue. If it does not stick to the mucous surface, then it is a natural stone.
- Internal patterns are assessed. They don't have to be correct or repetitive.
- Examine the side surface of the opals. On the fake, uniform thin stripes are clearly visible - these are places where the layers are glued.
- Color is assessed. Natural minerals are characterized by soft shimmers. Fakes have a bright color without transitions. A shade that is too saturated is a reason to think about the naturalness of the stone.
- Real opals are much more expensive. Sometimes sellers pass off synthetic stones as natural ones, selling them at an inflated price.
Natural opal is characterized by soft iridescence.
The most accurate method of determining authenticity is gemological examination.
Only masters are able to distinguish the original from the fake. Evaluating stones based on external features does not provide a 100% guarantee.
Synthetic opal
Synthetic opal
Artificial opals can be distinguished as a separate type, the production of which has been constantly growing since the beginning of the 20th century. The main types of synthetic stones are:
- Gilson opal was first obtained in 1972 in Switzerland. This is the most expensive artificial type of stone, which is most similar to natural gems, but is distinguished by the complete absence of water and high stability of the material. The formation process of Gilson stones lasts about 18 months.
- Japanese Kyocera opal , obtained on the basis of hydrated silicon oxide, is distinguished by its high aesthetic qualities, therefore the composition of the artificial stone is identical to natural samples. To increase the density and stability of the rock, samples are impregnated with colorless rubber.
- Slocum opal created in 1964 , which is an alloy of sodium-enriched silicon glass and aluminum sparkles that create an iridescent effect.
- In Japan, a plastic imitation has been developed - neo-opal , or pastoral opal.
- In the USA, the production of milky blue opalite - a plastic imitation made of polystyrene, which is coated with acrylic resin, creating the effect of a play of colors inherent in opals. Sometimes samples obtained synthetically are passed off as moonstone.
How to wear it correctly
There are rules for wearing opal. It is believed that the stone should always be on a person, then it guides him on the right path. The mineral can be used by people whose profession is related to the treatment of patients. It helps develop medical talent.
The best amulet is a ring with an opal. It can be worn on different fingers depending on which area of the wearer needs help. To strengthen family relationships, the ring is placed on the index finger. For positive changes in career, the ring is worn on average.
Blue opal is hidden under clothes.
Gems look good with light metals. Preference is given to products with a durable frame that protects the opal from damage. The mineral is brittle, so minor impacts cause cracks to appear.
Opals do not go well with all stones. They are neutral towards rubies, carbuncles, amethysts, and diamonds. The mineral is not recommended to be worn with alexandrite, hematite, emerald, jasper, and aventurine.
In winter, jewelry with opals is hidden under clothes or hats. Stones do not like temperature changes. Australian minerals are durable, but they are rare.
Advice from astrologers
When purchasing opal in a boutique or salon, it is worth considering that it is not suitable for all zodiac signs. This mineral has a character; it favors only:
- Libra.
- Capricorns.
Libra, whose element is air, needs support and understanding. They often fall into a special state, as if their head is in the clouds, forgetting about reality. The fact is that representatives of this sign are in thought, they weigh and make plans. At the same time, they often suffer from self-doubt. Opal can influence the character of Libra.
If you give representatives of this sign a gift of jewelry in a gold frame inlaid with a blue stone, this will help Libra cope with doubts. They will become more decisive, will be able to return to reality and successfully solve the accumulated problems. In addition, opal will help representatives of this sign find inner harmony.
Capricorns are naturally calm and wise, but storms of passion rage in the souls of representatives of this sign. They do not like to communicate, but at the same time they suffer from attention deficit, suffer from workaholism, but cannot sit idle. Depression and melancholy, which are associated with self-doubt and an abundance of complexes, often overcome representatives of this zodiac sign.
Opal is able to help Capricorn; he can turn a boring and gloomy representative of this sign into the person to whom the attention of society will be riveted. In addition, the stone will help you cope with complexes, establish communication with other people, and make friends. Capricorns can wear jewelry with opal every day, but since minerals absorb not only positive, but also negative, they should sometimes be given a break.
The stone will help all other zodiac signs only if you do not wear jewelry inlaid with it every day. It is enough to resort to the help of opal from time to time.
But Scorpios and Leos should be wary of this gem. The former have naturally powerful energy that does not require additional recharge. They are also not averse to having fun, they love alcoholic drinks and have a stormy temperament.
Leos experience excessive self-love, which will prevent the opal from opening up. He will play a cruel joke on the representatives of this sign, turning their confidence into excessive self-confidence. Leo will become aggressive, it will be difficult for him to cope with emotions and control the intensity of passions.
However, astrologers do not deny that opal can choose its own owner. Therefore, if you like a piece of jewelry inlaid with this stone in a store, you should not refuse the purchase. Such a product will be an excellent amulet, will help avoid quarrels and conflicts in the family, and find spiritual harmony.
Blue opal contains a piece of the sky; it has, according to astrologers and esotericists, sacred power. But they were not the only ones who endowed this gem with special characteristics. For many years, doctors and healers have used the properties of opal to treat various diseases.
Rules of care
Fragile stones are washed with a soft damp brush and then dried with a napkin. It is not recommended to use household chemicals for cleaning. The blue mineral is afraid of sunlight, so it is worn covered with clothing. Products containing mineral cannot be cleaned with ultrasound. Vibration causes cracks in fragile materials.
When the stones become cloudy, they are immersed in water for 2 hours. Jewelry should be removed during cleaning or sports activities, as minor impacts can cause chips and cracks.
A separate box is allocated for storing opals, since harder crystals can damage them. It is better to use soft fabric covers for decorations. For long-term storage, the products are wrapped in cotton wool, moistened with a few drops of water. Afterwards they are placed in a plastic bag to prevent moisture loss.
If abrasions or scratches appear, you can contact a cutter. The technician will restore the shine and check the fastenings.
Properties of opal
One of the reasons for the high popularity of the gem is its magical and healing properties. The stone is believed to be strong and even dangerous. Knowing the physical properties helps you follow the rules for caring for opal.
Physical properties
Hardness on the Mohs scale is 5.5-6.5. With minimal transparency, the stone should be translucent. The shine may vary:
- waxy;
- glass;
- fatty;
- dim;
- pearl.
The fracture is exclusively conchoidal. The transparency of opal is determined by the water content in its composition. Color is affected by impurities, the most common of which are calcium, magnesium or iron oxide.
Medicinal properties
The color of the opal affects its healing effect. Therefore, in lithotherapy, a whole complex of different types of this mineral is often used so that the effect on the body is maximum. However, it is necessary to use the gem carefully, since it can have the opposite effect if incorrectly combined with other stones. Among the beneficial properties of opal are:
- Improving heart function, reducing its wear and tear. The mineral also helps with problems with blood vessels. For this purpose, it is best to use a pink stone.
- Treatment for gastrointestinal disorders. The amulet is able to restore appetite, ease unpleasant symptoms and slow down the effects of diseases. Blue-hued water opals are best suited for this.
- Maintaining mental health. Helps cope with depression, nightmares, and also reduces the effects of stress. It is unacceptable to use stones of the Baudelaire variety and bright noble representatives. The exception is jirahzol.
- Positive effect on vision. The mineral is especially effective for increased eye strain. The best options are samples of a greenish, turquoise or yellow hue. It is highly not recommended to use milk stones.
Red, red and yellow opals help restore strength after illnesses. White brings peace and has a very positive effect on sleep.
Magic properties
The impact of a gem varies greatly, depending on the external characteristics of the mineral. Therefore, magical properties should be determined by the color of the opal:
- White. Helps you become more attentive and patient. This gem helps control emotions. The mineral is dangerous for people prone to lies and self-deception.
- Blue. Representatives of this color attract good luck. They are especially useful for career growth and achieving goals. Blue opals are impatient, so they can harm an emotional or inattentive owner.
- Red. Such stones make the owner more confident and optimistic. They help in love affairs. Minerals of this color can negatively affect people prone to a slow pace of life.
- Pink. It is the best amulet of all colors. Such opals have a mild effect, so they rarely cause harm to humans. The pink gem helps to cope with any problems and improve relationships with others.
- Black. Helps develop thinking, enhance emotions and impressions. The stone is dangerous for arrogant people and gambling enthusiasts. It can also harm a weak person who has poor control over his feelings.
- Yellow. It is considered the main assistant in the presence of internal contradictions, and also helps to improve relationships and strengthen the family. Yellow minerals have a fairly mild effect, but can increase fears and phobias.
- Green. It stands out for its healing effects. Samples of this coloring can not only protect against diseases, but also help cure them. If used incorrectly, this opal can be harmful to health.
Transparent stones are especially sensitive to future events and lies. They can warn the owner about dangerous events, people with evil intent, and also awaken the gift of clairvoyance.
Interesting Facts
The first mineral deposit on the Australian continent was discovered in 1849 by accident. Industrial production began 40 years later. Since then the term "Australian opal fields" has been coined. The largest slab of rock is called the “Flame of the Andamooka Desert.” For a long time, stones were mined in difficult conditions. The desert climate is characterized by sharp temperature changes, so the miners were exhausted from the heat during the day and from the cold at night.
Stones were mined using a pick and a shovel in mines 5-40 m deep. The rock was lifted to the surface in buckets. This primitive mining method exists in some mines to this day. The minerals lie shallow, so owners do not want to spend money on purchasing expensive equipment. 97% of all gems in the world are mined in Australia. Opal even became a symbol of the southern part of the continent.
Once upon a time, Queen Victoria saved a rare mineral from persecution, returning its good name. Even in ancient times, opal was attributed with magical properties. But in the 19th century. people began to fear the stone. At that time, due to superstitions, many family jewelry and dishes inlaid with opals were thrown away.
At the same time, mineral deposits began to be actively explored on the Australian continent. To restore the stones to their former glory, Queen Victoria began to appear in public wearing opal jewelry. Following the monarch, ordinary women and ladies adopted fashion. Each of them wanted to have jewelry like the queen.
For a long time, there was no rational explanation for the magical flickering of stones. Scientists did not understand where the multi-colored reflections came from. Just 50 years ago, it was discovered that the fabulous palette appears due to silica spheres in the rock. This happened only after the invention of the electron microscope.
Interesting facts about the stone
- The largest (weighing 5280 g and measuring 12x23 cm) black opal was found in Australia in 1990.
- Eight years later, an opal weighing 4,300 grams (equivalent to 21,500 carats) was discovered in Brazil by two farm laborers working in a corn field. The cost of this stone was 60 thousand dollars.
- An interesting find, represented by a completely opalized skeleton of a small (not exceeding 15 cm) reptile, was made in 1909 in one of the Australian mines. Each part of the skeleton, replaced by opals endowed with unique color tints, was extremely well preserved. The curiosity, called the “opal snake,” was immediately acquired for a private collection.
Cost of fire opals
The cost of precious stones depends on color, transparency, color play, size of the stone, and of course, cut.
The most expensive opals are those of a red-orange hue. The more orange and red shades there are in a gem, the higher its value. The price for 1 carat can be several hundred dollars. The price also includes the frame of the product. Most often, these stones are set in gold, so the price of a small product starts from tens of thousands of rubles and beyond.
Fire opal is an extraordinary, and even absolutely exceptional, stone in beauty; it is distinguished by its depth of color, radiance and uniqueness of shape. That’s why many jewelry brands are inspired by him to create fantastic products!
Author: Tatyana Dmitrieva
