Approximately 0.75-1.25" You’ve probably heard of opal before but if you’ve never actually seen it, you’re in for a treat. The play of spectacular colors across its surface and soft majestic muted tones makes it an absolute must-have for any collector of minerals. But what exactly is this miraculous wonder of the natural world? Opal is a crystalline gem mineral that takes form through the solidification of gelatinous or liquid silica. The liquid silica is formed from sandstone deposits as water, often in the form of rain, is introduced to the surface. This concoction of silicates and water runs down through the earth into cracks and voids usually caused by natural faults or decomposing fossils. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a silica deposit. This cycle repeats over millions of years and eventually Opal is formed. Opal, a stunning stone that has captivated human imagination for centuries, is not just a mere gem but a vessel of ancient myths and legends that have been passed down through generations. One fascinating myth tells of the Australian Aborigines who named opal the ‘Rainbow Serpent’, believing that the Creator infused the colors of the rainbow into stone to form opal. The Greeks also had their own tale, where Zeus, in his victorious glory over the Titans, shed tears that transformed into opals upon touching the earth. Additionally, an Indian Goddess of the Rainbow, sought after by many male gods, cleverly evaded their advances by morphing into rainbow-colored opals scattered across the earth. Talk about a creative exit strategy! Opal truly carries a mystical allure that transcends time and culture, making it not just a gemstone, but a living embodiment of ancient narratives and divine artistry. Oddly enough, even after such myths were written to revere the beauty of opal, it fell out of favor with our ancestors. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became associated with pestilence, famine and the fall of monarchies. Talk about a hard left turn… During the time of the Black Death in Europe, it was rumored that an opal worn by a patient was aflame with color right up to the point of death. Once the patient died, the opal would lose all of its brilliance and the rainbow within would fade. Speaking of death, there is also a tale of a cursed opal ring that existed in the 19th century. King Alfonso XII of Spain had received this supposed cursed ring from a vengeful countess he had previously courted. After presenting the Opal ring to his then wife, she died unexpectedly. The ring passed through the family, and, to the dismay of everyone, each new owner also died mysteriously. Finally, the King decided to wear it himself. The outcome is about what you would expect. He also died within a short time under mysterious circumstances. We’re not trying to scare you away from wearing opal (because it truly does make fantastic jewelry) but it is an interesting tale nonetheless. According to Metaphysics: Opal is considered a stone of inspiration, enhancing imagination and creativity. Often called the "Eye Stone," it is believed to promote deep introspection and emotional clarity. Like its diverse range of colors, opal is thought to offer a variety of spiritual and emotional benefits. Some believe opals help balance the chakras and support emotional well-being, while others see it as a tool for improving communication and intuition. Crystal healing practitioners recommend opal for those who feel scattered or lacking focus. By amplifying the energies of the chakras, opal fosters a sense of wholeness and inner peace. All crystals and minerals vary slightly in size and shape. You will receive a high quality specimen of the selected item but it may not be the exact one pictured.
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