Shimmering Opals for those born in October

Opal is the birthstone for those born in October. It is known for its rainbow iridescence. They have a light or dark body colour that may be either translucent or transparent. The opals we see most often in jewellery have a milky-white base with varying flashes of colour. The name "opal" is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit upala meaning "precious stone" or the word opalus in Latin which also means "precious stone". Most opals mined today are from Australia although opals used in ancient times came from the former Czechoslovakia. Unlike other gemstones, the opal is non-crystalline and is formed from a hardened silica, which is a mineral found near the earths surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed.

In Asia the stone is viewed more favourably as a symbol of hope rather than in Europe, where it has been regarded as unlucky since the 14th century.

Ancient monarchs treasured opals (presumably before the 14th century), both for their beauty and their protective powers. They were set in crowns and necklaces and worn to ward off evil and protect the eyesight. They were also ground and ingested to ward off nightmares.

A gift of opals symbolises faithfullness and confidence. Below are images of both uncut and polished opals....stunning, wouldn't you say?

Images courtesy of www.robertsjewels.com and www.gemstoneslist.com