How is everyone doing out there? Welcome to another week of “stay at home!” I am wishing and praying that this will all soon end, but until it does, I am busily working on jewelry and creating. I am grateful that I can still do what I love.
Even though opal gemstones are most commonly associated with being the birthstone for October, they are also an alternative birthstone to the traditional diamond for April. Opal flashes of color can be every color of the spectrum. Opals can have an intensity and fire of color that surpasses that of diamonds. The best of the best of opals can demand prices that not only rival diamonds but the other precious gemstones, sapphire, rubies and emeralds as well.
White opal also known as milky opal is likely the one that comes to mind when you think of opal. It is capable of displaying any combination of the spectral of colors including but not limited to red, blue, purple and green.
white opal
Ethiopian Opal Bracelet by MAE artisan jewelry
There are many different types of opal. One of the most common opal is called just that “common opal.” Don’t let the name fool you though. Even though it does not have the flashes of color which most opal is known for, it is anything but common. Common opal can be found in a spectrum of colors including pastel colors of pink, blue, yellow and green.
pink opal
blue opal
The most ‘uncommon’ opal is black opal. They are the rarest and most valuable. Lighting Ridge in New South Wales is home for black opal.
Another very popular opal is fire opal. As the name implies it is known for its intense red, orange and yellow colors.
Boulder opal is opal with an attached host rock. It is found in Queensland, Australia and is not only affordable but also quite beautiful!
These are just a few of the varieties of opal. We will explore more in a future post!
sandstone opal
Like the diamond, opal is also associated with love and passion. It is a seductive stone that is said to promote desire and eroticism. It can intensify one’s emotional state and is said to release inhibitions. It can also act as an emotional stabilizer.
Opals are believed to amplify traits. Both the good and the bad! The stone is said to enhance self-worth, confidence and self-esteem. Opals can stimulate originality, creativity and help to encourage interest in the arts. Opals are highly beneficial when heading into dangerous places. They provide “invisibility” where one does not wish to be noticed or needs to blend into the background. Who knows maybe we all should wear opal to “protect us” from COVID-19!
Until next time, stay home, stay well, stay safe.
ENJOY!!
cheryl