Opal Stone: Meanings, Properties and Uses
The Meaning Of Opal
Opal derives its name from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning jewel. This stone boasts a multitude of color variations, with two main types: Common Opal and Precious or Gem Opal.
Common Opal is recognized for its translucence and diverse color palette, featuring hues such as red, green, blue, and orange. It is also distinguished by dendritic inclusions.
On the other hand, Precious Opal showcases opalescence—a play of different flashing colors—against backgrounds of white, dark brown, or black. The vivid colors seemingly float on the surface, often presenting an overall blue or purple tone.
Australia stands as the primary source for Opal stones, although they can also be found in countries such as the USA, Peru, Mexico, and Brazil.
The Properties Of Opal
Physical Properties Of Opal
Opal, a mineraloid and crystalline form of silica, is initially colorless in its pure state.
Precious Opals manifest in a diverse array of colors, ranging from white and yellow to red, orange, green, black, and blue. Raw Opals exhibit a waxy, dull luster, which transforms into a vibrant shine when polished.
Characterized by translucence or transparency, Opals register a hardness level between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale. The chemical formula for Opal is SiO2 nH2O.
Metaphysical Properties Of Opal
Opal exudes a delicate energy with subtle vibrations, believed to elevate cosmic consciousness and fortify mystical and psychic visions.
This stone serves as a catalyst for originality and heightened creativity, igniting inspiration and providing an energy boost whenever needed. The energies of Opal foster self-expression, instilling confidence and comfort in one’s own skin, radiating through words, thoughts, and actions.
Notably absorbent and reflective, Opal tunes into your thoughts and emotions, amplifying and returning them. It acts as a mirror for the energies and vibrations of those around you, even reflecting negative or harmful energies back to their source—a testament to its protective nature.
Opal is recognized as a karmic stone, reminding us of the Law of Attraction. It underscores the principle that what we send out into the universe returns to us. To manifest hope, love, understanding, compassion, and more, aligning our actions with these desires becomes essential.
Varieties Of Opal
Opals are categorized into two groups: common Opal, also known as potch, and precious Opal, also referred to as noble Opal.
These captivating stones are discovered worldwide, from Cornwall to Canada, Australia to Siberia, Ethiopia, Madagascar, and various other locations.
Distinguishing between the two, precious Opal displays a play of spectral colors within the stone, while common Opal does not. Common Opal typically appears opaque to translucent, with a predominant brownish-orange hue, although it can manifest in a spectrum of colors, some of which are quite appealing.
Among the common Opal varieties are Agate Opal and Moss or Dendritic Opal. The latter features moss-like (dendritic) inclusions formed by different iron minerals encased in Opal, creating aesthetically pleasing designs. Referred to as ‘landscape’ Opal, the branch-like structures of iron minerals in some varieties resemble a woodland landscape.
Notably, sought-after common Opal hails from Peru, particularly from the provinces of Ica and Caraveli. Caraveli produces exceptional blues known as Andean Opal, while Ica yields superior pinks; however, both mines can produce both colors.
Using Opal
Opal frequently finds its place in spiritual practices like shamanic journeying and dream recall.
A valuable ally in past life regression work, Opal is known for its strong protective qualities.
Regarded as a seductive stone by many, Opal enhances emotional attachment and liberates inhibitions.
How Best To Use Opal
Adorn yourself with Opal jewelry like a necklace or pendant, positioning it close to your heart. The stone’s energies will impart a sense of lightness and freedom, facilitating the release of pent-up emotions.
For heightened protection, mental clarity, increased energy, or a stroke of luck, carry Opal with you wherever you go.
Incorporate Opal into your healing or manifestation grid to amplify its beneficial effects. This versatile stone serves as an excellent aura-cleansing tool, particularly if you aim to strengthen your energetic protection and attract only loving energies into your electromagnetic field.
The Benefits Of Opal
Opal boasts numerous benefits, spanning both the physical and metaphysical realms.
When positioned in an Earth Chakra grid, Opal has the potential to contribute to the healing of the earth by channeling its power into the soil.
On a personal level, Opal aids in making sense of past experiences and seamlessly integrating them into your present life, transforming them into assets rather than obstacles to progress.
Physically, Opal is known to offer advantages to the eyes, kidneys, and adrenal glands.
The Powers Of Opal
Emotional Healing Powers
Emotionally, Opal is deeply entwined with themes of love, passion, desire, and eroticism.
While it has the power to intensify emotions, users may find it beneficial to pair Opal with a grounding stone if they feel emotionally uncentered.
Opal serves as a guide in exploring hidden emotions, identifying genuine desires, and steering one towards a path of self-love and happiness.
Recognized as a stone of balance, Opal aids in regulating and harmonizing emotions and moods, particularly helpful in instances where mood fluctuations stem from mental health or hormonal issues. It fosters self-awareness, aiding in the release of regrets from the past.
In the realm of happiness and creativity, Opal shines. When spirits are low, engaging with Opal can spark creativity, serving as a catalyst for various projects. Whether it’s writing, painting, or tending to the kitchen or garden, holding Opal in hand and focusing intentions on the stone before beginning can provide a positive kickstart.
Opal functions as a guardian of emotional well-being, transmuting negativity and fostering positive energies to ensure the proper functioning of one’s aura and electromagnetic field. By requesting Opal to create a protective shield, only allowing benevolent energies to pass through and repelling negativity, a sense of emotional security is established.
Wearing Opal promotes emotional control and aids in handling past regrets or trauma.
Physical Healing Powers
Opal boasts a range of physical benefits, actively participating in the regulation of insulin levels within the body.
With widespread recognition for its efficacy in treating infections, fevers, and fostering optimal liver function, Opal provides relief from sensations of chest congestion or tightness. Additionally, it is linked to aiding in the challenges of childbirth and easing symptoms associated with PMS.
In elixir form, Opal is renowned for its potential to enhance eye health. Many acknowledge Opal as a supportive stone for the immune system, particularly beneficial for individuals on the road to recovery from prolonged illnesses.
The physical applications of Opal are extensive, encompassing skin regeneration and cleansing, strengthening nails, hair, and eyes, mitigating fevers or hot sweats, and alleviating water retention.
Opal, Money And Wealth
Much like Pearl, White Opal has historically symbolized wealth and status, signifying opulence, luxury, and high social standing due to its relative rarity and unique individuality.
In contemporary times, the inherent beauty and undeniable allure of these crystals ensure that donning Opal captures attention. Whether making an impression on a new client or business partner, Opal is a choice that stands out. Its reputation extends to assisting in being in the right place at the right time and enhancing the ability to identify opportunities that may elude others.
Opal serves as a catalyst for manifesting desires, particularly those of a financial nature. It aids in maintaining high motivation, balanced energy, and a strong work ethic. Credited with the power to usher in change and progress in financial endeavors, Opal acts as an amplifier and protector, dispelling negative energies that could impede the pursuit of wealth.
Considered a stone of good fortune and luck, Opal is believed to attract an abundance of wealth, health, and happiness to those who harness its power. It also fortifies survival instincts, guiding individuals on when to exit a business or financial situation if it is not conducive at the moment.
Opal For Love And Relationships
Opal, akin to Pearl, has been intertwined with the themes of love, passion, desire, lust, sexuality, and eroticism throughout human history.
For those aspiring to invite these elements into their lives, wearing or carrying Opal stones is recommended. Opal is celebrated for its seductive nature, intensifying emotional states and encouraging the release of inhibitions.
This stone acts as an emotional stabilizer, providing insights into one’s emotional well-being and fostering emotional responsibility and maturity. It guides individuals in handling reactions without appearing defensive and prompts honest and open communication with loved ones.
Opal underscores the importance of taking responsibility for one’s emotional state and acknowledging any feelings that may hinder genuine interactions. It prompts the recognition and repair of emotional damage within relationships, emphasizing that expressing valid feelings, opinions, and desires is crucial for authenticity.
Opal encourages the dissemination of positivity, promoting kindness, love, compassion, and generosity. It serves as a cleansing and revitalizing stone, aiding in emotional recovery after heartbreak and rekindling passion in ailing relationships. Opal offers emotional support and encouragement across physical, mental, and spiritual realms.
In relationships, Opal infuses energies of spontaneity, reminding partners to embrace fun, playfulness, and relaxation. It discourages excessive seriousness in relationships and fosters an atmosphere where steam can be released, and stress alleviated.
Opal’s vibrations instill loyalty and faithfulness in relationships, reinforcing the commitment to look out for and support each other. The stone promotes unconditional love and encourages emotional awareness.
While various Opals can contribute to these benefits, Green Opal, associated with the heart chakra, is sought after during challenging times. Coupled with a pink crystal like Rose Quartz or Pink Kunzite, it facilitates a powerful cleansing and opening of the heart chakra, enabling healthy give-and-take of love.
Opals of all colors help individuals step outside emotional attachments within a relationship, facilitating a rational examination of recurring problems. The stone emphasizes the uniqueness of each relationship, empowering individuals to reclaim their beliefs and acknowledge the importance of their own needs.
Opal aids in releasing past emotional traumas, easing grief and loss, and fostering healing in both heart and mind. It offers a fresh perspective on life and love, helping individuals navigate complicated situations.
For those haunted by feelings of betrayal or hurt from past relationships, Opal, used in meditation, facilitates the release of these emotions. It encourages letting go and supports moving forward in new relationships.
Opal serves as a reminder that love is beautiful and, with the right person, can be experienced in a mutually beneficial way. It encourages individuals to recognize their responsibility for their feelings and reactions while embracing the unpredictability of love without worrying about outcomes.
Chakras And Opal
Opals, with their diverse colors, have gained a reputation as versatile crystals for chakra work.
While Opal is an excellent choice for overall chakra balance, it’s crucial to prioritize intention over the stone’s color. Opal appears to encompass all chakras’ vibrations, adapting to the chosen stone’s color.
Desirable opals, showcasing multiple colors, prove ideal for comprehensive chakra work, particularly for balancing the main seven chakras. However, for a focused approach on a specific chakra, selecting a crystal or Opal variety corresponding to the chakra’s accepted color is advisable.
For instance, if cleansing the Throat chakra is the goal, opt for crystals in varying shades of pale blue or turquoise. While intention takes precedence, considering the chosen stone’s vibration and power is beneficial.
In general, lighter Opal shades align well with higher chakras, with the palest hues closely associated with the Crown. Darker shades suit lower chakras, with black or red Opals serving the Base chakra best.
A guide for specific physical health goals can be beneficial:
- Black/Boulder Opals – Root Chakra – Enhance feelings of security and confidence
- Fire Opals – Sacral Chakra – Boost sexuality and fertility
- Mostly Yellow Opals – Solar Plexus Chakra – Treat liver, stomach, and gallbladder issues
- Mostly Green or Pink Opals – Heart Chakra – Ease jealousy and grudges
- Mostly Blue Opals – Throat Chakra – Improve communication and address throat and thyroid issues
- Mostly Violet Opals – Third Eye Chakra – Increase decisiveness and faith
- White Opals – Crown Chakra – Alleviate headaches and migraines
The Best Crystals To Combine And Use With Opal
Opal, being a versatile crystal, harmonizes effectively with various other stones.
While Opal’s vibrations primarily offer support and protection, if you seek motivation, exploring a broader range of stones may be beneficial.
Nevertheless, Opal can contribute to your intentions when you have a clear understanding of what you aim to manifest or achieve.
Chakra Crystal Combinations
Pair darker shades of Opal with Black Obsidian and Hematite for a grounded and intuitive connection.
Address uncertainties about material needs by working with Opal on the Base chakra, complemented by Black Tourmaline or Red Jasper.
Balance and cleanse the Sacral and Solar Plexus chakras with yellow and orange Opal, alongside Carnelian and Sunstone.
Combine Opal’s blue and white shades with Sodalite, Sapphire, Diamond, Quartz, and Blue Lace Agate for cleansing and clearing the Throat, Third Eye, and Crown chakras.
Other Crystal Combinations
If you aim to create a purposeful healing grid or mandala, Opal stones prove valuable by amplifying the energies of other crystals and absorbing the user’s intentions profoundly.
For releasing negative thoughts or behaviors, pair Opals with Obsidian. Remind yourself that dwelling on the unfavorable aspects only enhances their impact. Consciously decide to relinquish negativity, allowing Opal to absorb, transmute, and release these energies harmlessly.
Opal, a karmic stone, underscores the principle that what you project into the universe returns to you. It emphasizes the reciprocity of negativity and positivity. Program Opal for protection, and when combined with Garnet, it enhances its efficacy, warding off unwanted energies and attention.
This stone brings forth traits and characteristics for self-improvement, allowing you to consciously work on them. Paired with Lepidocrosite, Opal aids in transforming perceived flaws into strengths.
Opal reveals your untapped potential, fostering motivation and encouraging inner growth. It instigates meaningful transitions that add depth and purpose to your life. Most significantly, it fortifies your will to live.
When, Why, And How To Cleanse And Charge Opal
Opals stand out in the crystal world as they form in water. To store an Opal bracelet effectively, consider placing it in a waterproof bag with a dampened tissue.
It’s crucial to note that Opals, being delicate crystals, should not undergo prolonged cleansing in water. Treat them gently and with care.
Charge your Opal with intention by exposing it to moonlight, and for cleaning, briefly rinse it under clean, running water before drying it with a soft cloth.
Opal As A Birthstone
Opal serves as the birthstone for individuals born in October and aligns with the zodiac sign Libra (Sept 21 to Oct 22).
Libras, known for their cooperative and diplomatic nature, exhibit fairness and social responsibility. Opal can enhance these inherent qualities in Librans while also addressing potential challenges such as self-pity and indecisiveness often associated with this zodiac sign.
Opal In Legends And History
Opals have been likened to natural wonders such as volcanoes, galaxies, and fireworks, earning them poetic names like Pandora, Light of the World, and Empress.
In ancient Rome, Opals symbolized love and hope, with the Romans coining the name “opalus,” synonymous with “precious stone.”
In 75 AD, Roman scholar Pliny marveled at Opals, noting their play of colors that rivaled the hues of renowned painters. He described them simulating the fiery glow of burning sulfur and oil, displaying a kaleidoscope of colors encompassing ruby red, Emerald green, Topaz yellow, Sapphire blue, and Amethyst purple.
Opal has been attributed with supernatural origins and powers across various cultures. Arabic legends suggest it descends from the heavens in flashes of lightning. In ancient Greece, Opals were believed to bestow the gift of prophecy and protect against disease. Throughout European history, Opals have symbolized hope, purity, and truth.
Can You Get Opal As A Bracelet?
Certainly! Absolutely, an Opal bracelet can be a fantastic and stylish way to enhance your outfit.
Opt for vibrant and bold Opal stones to create a look that’s uniquely yours. An Opal bracelet, being a timeless piece of jewelry, makes a delightful addition to any collection.
Given the individuality of each Opal, your bracelet will be truly one-of-a-kind. Whether for everyday wear or special occasions, consider white Opals with a silver setting for a perfect daily accessory.
Choose the design, cut, color, and size that best mirrors your personal style. If you desire an attention-grabbing accent piece, go for a larger, more striking design.
Regardless of your style, an Opal bracelet is sure to make a bold statement.
Due to Opal’s soft nature, handle your bracelet with care, especially during physical activities or outdoor work. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures to prevent damage.
Should your Opal bracelet lose its shine or develop scratches, a visit to an Opal cutter for professional polishing can rejuvenate its appearance and make it look brand new.
When not wearing your Opal bracelet, store it in a cloth bag before placing it in your drawer or jewelry box. For prolonged storage, use cotton wool, add a few drops of water, and seal it in a plastic bag to prevent water loss during hot or humid weather.
Opal bracelets are not only gorgeous but also unique and uncommon. The captivating play of light as you move your wrist is truly stunning and is sure to draw attention!
My Final Thoughts On The Power Of Opal
Opal will instill in you a yearning for a joyful, tranquil, and loving existence.
Similar to the healing effects of Amethyst, it works to reduce or eliminate stress and anxieties, fostering a cheerful disposition.
The energies of this stone encourage acceptance of life’s challenges and empower you to overcome difficult circumstances. A soothing force on the emotional and mental fronts, Opal realigns you with your life’s purpose.
Opal’s influence extends to enhancing moods, freeing emotions, and facilitating the discovery and manifestation of your life purpose. Its energies awaken your spirit, guiding you on your unique life path.
As a stone of compassion, sympathy, confidence, and pure thoughts, Opal harbors potent energies that can benefit you in various ways.