Tradename(s):

Family:

Quartz

Description:

Opal is a stone that can be opaque to translucent with colorful displays of "fire".  It is present as filling in volcanic rock, a fossilization product, a deposit in a hot spring or in limestone or sandstone.

Hardness:

5.5-6.5

Found:

Precious Opal: Australia, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nevada/U.S.A. Nevada's state gemstone. Fire Opal: Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Western Australia

Healing Properties:

The stone is believed to aid in the healing of eye diseases. If one is ill, opal is believed to lose all color to the wearer. Said to soothe the eyes and the nerves. May enhance creativity.

Astrology:

Connected to the signs of Cancer, Libra, Pisces, and Scorpio. Ruled by Mercury. Fire opal is the stone of the Summer season. It is associated with the September moon (Harvest Moon).

Chakra:

2nd - Social Center (Fire Opal)

Feng Shui:

Assists in clearing and releasing negative patterns.

Legends and Folklore:

Although there were several different meanings for opal, the Greek names for opal were "paederos" (child or favorite) or "keraunios" (thunder stone) which were the most popular. The stone was considered to be one of good fortune by the Romans who revered the stone as a powerful aid to prophecy. The Russians had the complete opposite belief in the stone since they viewed the stone as being nothing but bad luck. Since the 14th century, many cultures have considered this stone to be an Eye stone, a stone that watches over royal families as well as a stone that strengthens the eyesight