Opal is one of the most interesting and unusual stones that shimmers with various colors. The origin of the stone is fraught with many secrets. Some argue that this is a gem, others believe that it is semiprecious. But there are many more people accepting it as a jewel.
Opal is a stone that forms in sedimentary rocks when water containing silicon enters them.
It takes its name from the term "opal", used in ancient Rome. It was there that this stone was valued above others. Many superstitions, legends and secrets are associated with this mineral.
Opal related legends
There is a legend associated with the famous emperor Caligula. According to her, before death, the emperor’s favorite stone opal cracked. Can he predict a quick death?
Here is another legend. Many people know that Mark Anthony had passionate feelings for Cleopatra and dreamed of giving her an opal ring. Such a ring was possessed by the Roman senator Nonia. Anthony offered the Roman to give him the ring, but was refused. Angry at the senator's trick, Mark decides to send him into exile. Even after such an order, Nony did not give him his beloved ring with opal.
In the 16th century, a terrible tragedy occurred in Spain. After opal appeared on the crown of the heir to the throne, the young man immediately began to go crazy.
There is another legend. Soon after Napoleon gave his beloved Josephine a fire opal, they divorced. And there were many such mystical cases. And thanks to them, the people got the opinion that fire opal is a stone that promotes enmity between those who presented it and those who accepted it.
The most difficult times for opal began during the reign of the Roman emperor Constantine, who loved and idolized this stone. In every crown he was present. Konstantin told everyone that opal can make his master invisible. Of course, such news could not pass by the thieves who called him their talisman. After that, people were afraid to wear jewelry with opal and sold the stone almost for nothing.
Mystical and healing properties
The fact that this is a mystical and contradictory stone is known to all. If for some opals is a breath of air that will calm the nerves and give hope in a hopeless situation, for others it is like a demon, pushing for rash actions and satisfaction of carnal pleasures.
He will treat with kindness only those who live in a fantasy world, but will not hurry to make them a reality.
It is also believed that people who own this stone have the gift of foresight. But since he has a strong energy, only strong magicians are able to carry it.
Varieties of opal
Fire Opal is a stone that can have all shades of orange, yellow and even red tones. If most of these stones play with flowers, then this variety is more calm. Although sometimes a green flash may flash in them. The most famous place where you can find such stones is sunny Mexico, Queretaro. The opals found here are called canter. In Mexico, they are not only cut, but also cut and polished.
Water opal is also famous in Mexico. By the name, it is clear that blue prevails in it, and sometimes inside the stone shimmers with a golden hue. This shade should not be confused with a light play, as these are just microscopic inclusions.
Mexico again gave us the yellow opal. Simply pick it up, as it immediately begins to shimmer in yellow, green, and sometimes purple. It is this game that shows that it is a natural stone that is unique in its own way. It is so pure that there is not a single vague spot in it.
Interestingly, opals can acquire almost all the rainbow colors. This is all due to the impurities of nickel, iron and manganese present in the stone. Each opal bears its name depending on the color. Here are some more types of stones:
Jirazole. A stone with this name has a transparent color, sometimes it takes on a shade of blue.
Royal . Very interesting opal. The dark red center is bordered by a deep green hue.
Hyalitis . This opal looks more like glass than stone.
Hydrofan . Already the name suggests that the stone is associated with water. In water, he plays a game of transfusion of various colors and becomes translucent.
Wax . The hue of this stone is approaching a waxy color.
Cacholong. The second name of this opal is pearly milk-white color.
Stones with mottled surfaces are called harlequins.
Black opal
This kind of stone deserves more attention than others, since black opal is the most valuable of all the others. The most interesting thing is that in the world there are no two identical stones. Each of them is unique and inimitable. In fact, the stones are not quite black, they have shades of green and blue. Above all, stones with golden and red hues are valued. The richer the play of colors, the higher the cost of the stone. The only real location of the opal is considered to be Australia. The most famous names for black opal are: Flamingo, Queen of the Night, Comet Halley. But the most famous is the Fire of Troy. The stone that served as a contention between Napoleon and Josephine. Black opal is a stone that gives love and hope. It is believed that it will help to cheer up. Astrologers say that such a stone brings luck only to scorpions.
Opal: products
Nothing but jewelry can emphasize the elegance of women. The market for modern products is full of different species, but only opal accessories will always occupy the top lines among gems.
A silver ring with opal will perfectly complement the image of a confident woman who is always in the spotlight.
It is silver that perfectly emphasizes the sophistication of such a precious stone as opal. Products in which this stone is found: earrings, pendants, bracelets, pendants, medallions and amulets.
No woman can resist if she is presented with a ring with opal as a gift.
Opal: cost
Mystical opal is a stone, the price of which starts with a couple of tens and reaches several hundred thousand dollars. For example, the cost of black opal can go up to 10 thousand dollars per 1 carat. The maximum cost of white is $ 80 per 1 carat. In Russia, the price of a silver ring with synthetic opal reaches 3,000 thousand rubles.
Mysterious Opal. Photo gem varieties
In the world there are more than 100 varieties of stone. This chapter contains images of the most famous representatives of opal stone. Although these photos are fascinating, you can only discover all the beauty by seeing them in reality.
The opal shown in this photo is more like a lava of a volcano. Even malachite does not have such a rich green color. It is called the Rambling Opal.
The Fiery Korolev opal is represented by a red spot, the border of which has a green tint.
Photo of opal jewelry
Silver earrings from blue opal look elegant and delicate.
This beautiful opal pendant is the perfect gift for a girl, girlfriend or mother.
An interesting medallion with opal in the form of a tree will perfectly complement the airy and delicate image of a girl going on a romantic date.
Whatever the bad reputation of this mineral, opal is a stone that will never lose its popularity. Or maybe such glory lurks in the impact of stone on others through hypnosis? Indeed, since the appearance of this gemstone, a lot of mystical events have occurred. But even this could not affect the popularity of opal. It is safe to say that people have ceased to believe in the poor properties that this stone is fraught with. So why can he destroy one life and give happiness and good fortune to another? The answer to this question is still considered a mystery, and until it is solved, we can only admire the game of opal colors. Who knows how this gem will affect you?