While Opals are gorgeous gems that look enchanting on anyone, it has extra meaning for those with October birthdays - it's the birthstone for October. This magical gemstone comes in various varieties to suit every style and preference. Whether you prefer dark or light stones, colourful or subtle, there's an opal out there that fits you. As the October birthstone, opal is full of symbolism and meaning.
- The name opal is thought to be derived from ancient Sanskrit Upala, or 'precious stone', and subsequently, the Greek derivative 'opallios', meaning 'a change of colour'
- Opals have been said to aid estranged family members in reconciling with their families
- Opal meaning is highly considered in many ancient cultures, including Roman, Greek, and Hindu, for its powers of foresight.
- Opal Talisman and Amulets are regarded as symbols of ever-changing healing powers and fortune
- Opal is a rare gemstone comprised of hydrated silica
- Travellers admire opal as a charm for safe travel
- Opal is considered a semi-precious stone and known as the Queen of Gemstones
Luck and Opals
Throughout history, opals were considered good luck and among the most magical of gemstones. The opal was highly valued and coveted because of its highly desirable play of colours and stunning natural attributes. Opal was considered the stone of kings. During Roman times, it was much sought-after and considered second only to emerald gemstones. History tells us that the Romans presented their wives with Opals as they believed opals would bring good luck to the wearer. Opals were carried around and worn like an amulet, believed to bring protection and good fortune.
While opals were coveted for their believed ability to bring good luck, there was a period when this stunning gemstone was associated with bringing misfortune. This is due mainly to the publication a novel by Sir Walter Scott, Anne of Geierstein. The central character, Anne, wore an opal, which transformed colours to reflect her moods. In the story's finale, the opal's fire was quenched when holy water was sprinkled on it, and the lady died soon after. This story became widespread, and Opals became associated with bad luck and evil spirits.
In addition, many jewellers refuse to work with opals as they can be challenging to cut and shape due to their fragility. Because there was a chance the stone could crack, people began to associate opals with adversity. Other stories appeared, relating illness, disease and death to opals, and the stone began to fall out of favour. Interestingly, it is believed that bad luck wouldn't affect those born in October, given it is their birthstone. While these views endured in the West, in Asian countries, opals continued to symbolise hope and good luck. While we know that opals don't cause luck, good or bad, it's apparent that the stone itself has suffered bad luck due to all these unjust associations.
Magical Powers and Opals
The concept of invisibility has fascinated humans since ancient times. Believe it or not, at one stage, opals were thought to give the wearer the power of invisibility! Because of this connotation, opals were associated with crooks and thieves. Claiming that opals gave them the ability to hide, the beautiful gemstone earnt the unfair moniker 'Patron of Thieves.'
Symbolism and Opals
Opals symbolise confidence and loyalty and represent hope, purity, happiness, and faithfulness. These are all excellent concepts that add an extra touch of meaning to the gemstone, whether it's true or not.
Healing Powers and Opals
While most don't believe in gems' healing powers, some still value the therapeutic properties. In times past, people thought that opals could heal diseases and was supposed to ward off evil.
Today, opals are highly esteemed for their beauty and are highly coveted in jewellery. Opals have overcome these unfair connotations and remain a spectacular gemstone, not only for those with October birthdays but for all lucky enough to own one.