Opal – The October Birthstone

THE GEMSTONE:   

Opal is part of the quartz group and may contain up to 30% water.  Opal loses its fire and brilliance if allowed to dry out and is subject to crazing if that happens.  Storing opal in a plastic film canister with a cotton ball saturated with distilled water can stop this water loss.  Opal is relatively soft and sensitive to knocks and blows.  Care should be taken in wearing opal jewelry.  Opal is divided into three groups: precious opal, yellow – orange – red fire opal, and common opal.  Sometimes tourmaline is used for the October birthstone for those who prefer a less fragile faceted stone.  Opal is the gemstone of the 13^th wedding anniversary.

THE LORE:

Pliny, a learned Roman scholar, described opal as having “the fire of the carbuncle, the brilliant purple of amethyst, and the sea green of emerald, all shining together in incredible union.” Opal has symbolized hope, innocence, and purity through the ages.  In the Middle Ages, young fair-haired girls wore opals in their hair to protect its lovely blond color. Medieval writers believed opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose.  It was said to have a beneficial effect on eyesight, and that it would banish evil spirits, and favored children.