Opal is one of the most interesting and unusual stones that shimmers in different colors. The origin of the stone is fraught with many secrets. Some claim that it is a precious stone, others believe that it is semi-precious. But there are many more people who accept 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 "opalus" used in Ancient Rome. It was there that this stone was valued above others. Many superstitions, legends and secrets are associated with this mineral.
Legends associated with opal
There is a legend associated with the famous emperor Caligula. According to her, before his death, the emperor's favorite opal stone cracked. Can he predict imminent death?
Here is another legend. Many people know that Mark Antony had passionate feelings for Cleopatra and dreamed of giving her an opal ring. The Roman senator Nonius had such a ring. 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, Nonius did not give him his beloved opal ring.
In the 16th century, a terrible tragedy occurred in Spain. After onopal 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 opinion appeared among the people that fire opal is a stone that promotes enmity between the one who gave it and the one who received it.
The most difficult times for opal began during the reign of the Roman emperor Constantine, who loved and idolized this stone very much. In each of his crowns, he was always present. Konstantin told everyone that opal could make its owner invisible. Of course, such news could not pass by the thieves, who called him their talisman. After that, people were afraid to wear opal jewelry and sold the stone almost for free.
Mystical and healing properties
Everyone knows that this is a mystical and controversial stone. If for some, opal is a breath of air that will calm the nerves and give hope in a hopeless situation, then for others it is like a demon, pushing for rash actions and for the satisfaction of carnal pleasures.
He will only be kind to those who live in a fantasy world, but will not rush to make them a reality.
It is also believed that people who own this stone have the gift of foresight. But since it has a strong energy, only strong magicians are able to wear it.
Varieties of Opal
Fire opal is a stone that can have all shades of orange, yellow and evenred tones. If most of these stones play with colors, then this variety is calmer. Although sometimes they can flash a green flash. The most famous place where you can find such stones is sunny Mexico, the state of Queretaro. The opals found here are called canteras. 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 color prevails in it, and sometimes inside the stone shimmers with a golden hue. This shade should not be confused with the light play, as these are just microscopic inclusions.
Yellow opal again gave us Mexico. It is enough just to take it in your hands, as it will immediately begin to shimmer in yellow, green, and sometimes purple. It is this game that shows that it is a natural stone, which is unique in its own way. It is so pure that there is not a single vague speck in it.
Interestingly, opals can take on almost all rainbow colors. All this is due to the impurities of nickel, iron and manganese present in the stone. Each opal has its own name depending on the color. Here are a few more varieties of stones:
Girasol. A stone with this name has a transparent color, sometimes it takes on a shade of blue.
Royal. A very interesting opal. The dark red center is edged with a rich green hue.
Gialitis. This opal looks more like glass than stone.
Hydrofan. Already a titlesays that the stone is associated with water. In the water, he plays the game of translucent colors and becomes translucent.
Wax. The shade of this stone is close to wax color.
Cacholong. The second name of this opal is pearl milky white.
Stones with colorful surfaces are called harlequins.
Black Opal
This type of stone deserves more attention than others, as black opal is the most valuable of all the others. The most interesting thing is that there are no two identical stones in the world. Each of them is unique and inimitable. In fact, the stones are not completely black, they have shades of green and blue. Above all, stones that have golden and red hues are valued. The richer the play of colors, the higher the cost of the stone. The only real location of opal is considered to be Australia. The most famous names for black opal are: Flamingo, Queen of the Night, Halley's Comet. But the most famous is the Fire of Troy. The stone that served to strife 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 good luck only to scorpions.
Opal products
Nothing but jewelry can emphasize the elegance of women. The modern market is full of different types, but only accessories made of opal will always occupy the top lines among precious stones.
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 all 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 receiving an opal ring as a gift.
Opal Value
Mystical opal is a stone, the price of which starts from a couple of tens and reaches several hundred thousand dollars. For example, the cost of black opal can reach up to 10 thousand dollars per 1 carat. The maximum cost of white is $80 per 1 carat. In Russia, the price for a silver ring with synthetic opal reaches 3,000 thousand rubles.
Mysterious Opal. Photos of varieties of gemstone
There are more than 100 varieties of stone in the world. This chapter contains images of the most famous representatives of the opal stone. Although the photos of these stones are fascinating, you can know all the beauty only by seeing them in reality.
The opal in this photo looks more like lava from a volcano. Even malachite does not have such a rich green color. It's called Rembling's Opal.
The Fire Queen Opal is represented by a red spot with a green border.
Photo of opal jewelry
Silver blue opal earrings look elegant and delicate.
Beautiful opal pendant is the perfect gift for a girlfriend, friend or mom.
An interesting medallion with an opal in the form of a tree will perfectly complement the airy and gentle image of a girl going on a romantic date.
As bad as this mineral may be, opal is a stone that will never lose its popularity. Or maybe such glory lies in the effect of the stone on others through hypnosis? Indeed, since the appearance of this gem, a lot of mystical events have happened. But even this could not affect the popularity of opal. It is safe to say that people have ceased to believe in the bad properties that this stone is fraught with. So why can he destroy one life, and give another happiness and good luck? The answer to this question is still considered a mystery, and until it is solved, we can only admire the play of opal colors. Who knows how this gem will affect you?
