October’s Gemstone: The Enchanting Opal

When we think of October, we often envisage the transformative beauty of autumn leaves, chilly nights, and the mystery of Halloween. Fittingly, the birthstone for October, the opal, embodies a similar spectrum of colours and allure. This gem is unparalleled in its capacity to scatter light, giving rise to its trademark play-of-colour.

History of Opal

1. Etymology: The name 'opal' has its roots in multiple languages. Derived from the Greek word 'opallios', it translates to "colour change". The Latin word 'opalus' means "precious stone", while in ancient Sanskrit, it is known as 'upala', which means "valuable stone".

2. Mythology & Folklore: Throughout history, opal has been considered a stone of good fortune. The ancient Romans believed that it was the most powerful and precious gem because it contained the colours of all other gems. Additionally, ancient Arabs believed that opals fell from the sky during lightning storms, capturing the essence of lightning.

Conversely, during medieval times, there were superstitions surrounding the opal. Some believed that it brought bad luck, though this notion largely comes from a misunderstanding of Sir Walter Scott’s novel "Anne of Geierstein".

Properties of Opal

1. Physical Properties: Opals are a form of hydrated silica, and their water content can range from 3% to 21%. Unlike most gems that are crystalline, opal is amorphous, meaning it does not have a defined crystal structure.

2. Play-of-Colour: This is the hallmark of opals. When light hits the tiny silica spheres within the stone, it breaks apart, showcasing a spectrum of colours—from fiery reds and oranges to cool blues and greens.

3. Types of Opals: While there are numerous types, some notable ones include:

- Black Opals: They have a dark body colour, which often accentuates the play-of-colour.

- White Opals: These have a light body colour with a play-of-colour on top.

- Fire Opals: Known for their warm red, orange, or yellow background colour.

Uses of Opal

1. Jewellery: Opal's primary use is in jewellery. Its myriad colours make it an adaptable gem that can suit various settings, from rings and necklaces to earrings and brooches.

2. Healing and Therapeutic: Throughout history, opals have been credited with healing properties. Some believe they aid in enhancing memory, calming nerves, and fostering creativity. However, these claims are more spiritual and metaphysical than scientifically proven.

3. Decorative Pieces: Beyond jewellery, opals are also fashioned into larger decorative pieces such as inlays for boxes, watch faces, and other ornamental objects.

Caring for Your Opal

Opals are relatively soft, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. They can easily be scratched or damaged. It's crucial to handle them with care. It's also advised to avoid exposing opals to extreme temperature changes or chemicals.

The opal, with its magnificent play-of-colour and rich history, is a stone that is deeply intertwined with human civilisation. For those born in October, this gemstone represents the mystery and splendour of the universe, captured in one beautiful and complex stone.

We hope you have enjoyed learning about Opal today!

We have an amazing selection of opal strands, rounds, pendants and more which you can shop below! p.s. if you're reading this in October, you can get 20% off all opal with code OCTOBER20 (T&Cs apply).

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Until next time jewellery makers!

-JM