- The opal is an ancient mineral known as petrified silica gel that is found near the earth's surface where geothermal hot springs once existed.
- Many opals contain a rainbow-like iridescence known as "opalescence,” which changes the colors that appear in the stone depending on the angle it is viewed.
- Opalescence is caused by a hydrous silicon dioxide material that causes the gemstone to flash iridescent colors when the opal is viewed from different angles.
- The subcategory of opals known as precious opals are the most in demand because of their "opalescence” or “play of color.”
- The word opal is derived from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel, as well as “upala,” the Sanskrit name for precious stone.
- Opals are given to celebrate a 14th wedding anniversary, and are a symbol of faithfulness and confidence.
- The ancient Romans called the opal “Cupid Paederos,” which translates to “a child beautiful as love.”
- In ancient Rome, opals were ground up and consumed because they were believed to have healing properties and the power to ward off bad dreams.
- The Great Bard, Shakespeare, loved opals so much, he nicknamed them the “queen of the gems.”
- The opal is Australia’s national gemstone, and its indigenous people call opals “the fire in the desert.”
- Coober Pedy, Australia, is known as “The Opal Capital of the World” because 51 percent of the world’s supply of opals are mined there.
- In 2008, NASA discovered opal deposits on Mars! Since opal is made up of mostly water, Mars may have contained water for billions of years.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
October Birthstone: The Opal
Opals, the birthstone for the month of October, have a mystery and
history as interesting as their iridescence. Whether you were born in
October or not, improve your knowledge of opals with these fun facts
from Adina Jewelers from Empire:
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