The opal is the birthstone for the month of October—the Zodiac sign
of Libra—and the 14th wedding anniversary gemstone. Opals also have a
rich history dating back to Ethiopia about 4,000 B.C. Whether you were
born in October or not, test your knowledge of opals with Adina by
Empire Jewelers' True or False quiz! Scroll down for the answers—but
don’t cheat!
- The opal is an ancient mineral known as
petrified silica gel that is found deep in the earth’s core where
geothermal hot springs once existed.
- Opals are most commonly
white in color, and usually contain a rainbow-like iridescence known as
"opalescence” which changes the colors that appear in the stone
depending on the angle it is viewed.
- The subcategory of opals known as precious opals are the most common and in demand because of their "opulence.”
- 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 Great Bard, Shakespeare, loved opals so much, he nicknamed them the “queen of the gems.”
- 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 be very nutritious.
- The opal is Australia’s national gemstone, and its indigenous people call opals “the flash in the desert.”
- Goober
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.
October Birthstone True or False Answers:
- False. Opals are found near the earth's surface where geothermal hot springs once existed.
- True.
- False.
Precious opals are the most in demand because of their "opalescence” or
“play of color.” This is caused by a hydrous silicon dioxide material
that causes the gemstone to flash iridescent colors when the opal is
viewed from different angles.
- True.
- True.
- True.
- False. “Cupid Paederos” translates to “a child beautiful as love.”
- False.
Ancient Romans would grind up and eat opals because they believed they
had healing properties and the power to ward off bad dreams.
- False. The indigenous people of Australia call the opal “the fire in the desert.”
- False. The name of the city is actually Coober Pedy, Australia.
- True.
If
you’re looking for opal jewelry, we’ve got an exquisite collection of
fine opals necklaces, earrings, rings, pendants and more. Make sure you
visit Adina by Empire Jeweler’s extensive
online store. You’ll find antique and vintage estate opal jewelry at true wholesale prices.
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