Opal

Opal, the most sought after gemstone reflects the lights of different wavelengths to give its unique visual appeal. Opal is the anniversary gemstone for the fourteenth and eighteenth years of marriage and is also the birthstone for the zodiac sign Libra. The name opal as is evident from some common theories is derived from the Latin word ‘opalus’, meaning seeing a jewel; there is another common theory that the word opal comes from ‘upala’, a Sanskrit word simply meaning a stone.

Opal is basically a colorless stone which gets its striking colors from the presence of some amount of disseminated impurities like oxides of iron, manganese as well as organic carbon. The milky appearance of certain opals is due to the presence of tiny gas bubbles. The most valued red opal is a result of brilliant of colors that is apparently visible in a spectrum.

Opals have gained popularity since the time of the Romans. Its beneficial aspects have been recognized by people down the ages. Opal is said to be used in curing diseases of the eye. There are different cures related with the different variety of opals.

The Fire Opal are used in RBC & blood disorders, depression, apathy and lethargy; the Black Opal is used in ailments of reproductive organs, spleen & pancreas, it filters RBC & aids in the formation of WBC, bone marrow, depression, especially related to sexual problems; the White Opal provides balance between left and right brain hemispheres for disorders relating to the nervous system and stimulates WBC formation.

The opals are minted at Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and USA (Nevada and Idaho). The excellent black stones are obtained from the Lightning Ridge field, New South Wales, Australia. There are rich deposits of White opal in Japan, Fire opal in Mexico and Honduras. Black opals are still regarded as immensely lucky stone and have been considered as a symbol of faithfulness and confidence by the ancient people.