October Birthstone: the Majestic Opal's Origin, Benefits, Use in Jewelry

The origin of the name "opal" is believed to have come from the ancient Sanskrit word "upala," implying a "precious stone." The word was then adopted by the ancient Greek language as "opallios," which refers to “seeing a change of color."

Opals are found worldwide, with most of the world's supply coming from Australia. Australia is known for producing some of the finest opals, including the highly prized black opal. Other significant sources of opals include Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States, particularly Nevada and Oregon.

Opal Oval And Diamond Birthstone Ring.

Opals were highly prized in ancient Rome due to the widespread belief that they could foretell the future. They were also presented as gifts to fend off evil and guard against disease and were widely seen as a symbol of optimism and purity.

In the Middle Ages, opals were worn as talismans for good fortune and protection. The exotic gemstones were thought to treat everything from eye illnesses to gastrointestinal issues. 

Opals were also often associated with the powers of invisibility and protection. Some believed the gemstone could render its wearer invisible, while others thought it could protect them from danger and evil spirits.

Opal gemstones have become increasingly connected with modern creative and cultural movements. The celebrated Art Nouveau style of the 19th century greatly admired opals for their rare and dazzling dance of color. 

This stunning design's elevated prominence can be attributed partly to the work of artists like René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany, who regularly used it in their jewelry designs.

According to an Aboriginal legend, the creator of the world came down to Earth on a rainbow to bring a message of peace to all humankind. As he stepped off the rainbow, the colors scattered and fell to the ground, creating the opals we know today.

The legend of the opal's play of color maintains that in ancient times, it was believed that opals contained the beauty of all other gemstones. According to a myth, opals were created when a massive lightning bolt struck the Earth and fused the rainbow colors into one stone.

Opals are still valued for their exceptional beauty and functional qualities. Given their association with October, they have come to represent perseverance, originality, and sensitivity.

Opal rings are increasingly popular, with designers frequently utilizing the gem as the focal point of intricate and startling designs. They can be set in gold, silver, and platinum, among other metals.

October’s birthstone is recurrently the focal point of many modern necklaces, studs, and pendants as a single gemstone or a larger design component. Its inherent beauty and color play help it become an especially striking option for these jewelry items.

Modern opal earrings can vary from simple studs to intricate designs. Renowned designers incorporate opals with other gems or metals to create a striking contrast. Additionally, opals can be combined with bracelets and bangles to create a vibrant and colorful statement piece.

Ethiopian Opal Row Hoop Earrings.

Many opine that opal is a stone of emotional healing, as it is expected to help soothe and quiet emotions. The belief holds that wearing an opal can reduce anxiety, tension, and depression.

Furthermore, opals are thought to stimulate creativity and imagination, which is why they are a popular choice among artists and authors. The gemstone’s unique ability to stimulate the intellect and inspire new ideas and insights makes it stand out.

This gemstone can also be linked with enhanced communication abilities in both personal and professional relationships. It can facilitate improved communication and understanding between individuals, thus promoting cooperation and harmony.

Athletes worldwide wear opals because of their revitalizing effect on the body, their capacity to increase energy, and their ability to promote overall health by relieving fatigue and enhancing mental clarity.

Opals may also be associated with spiritual development and enlightenment. People have for centuries alleged it to strengthen a person's connection to the divine and foster inner calm and spiritual fulfillment.

Oval Opal And Swiss Blue Topaz Halo Ring

Treatment options for opal include impregnation with oil, wax, or plastic. However, you may be required to hire the service of an industry professional to avoid causing irreparable damage to your opal. To stay safe, remember that warm, soapy water is the most secure and effective cleaning method for October's birthstone.

Other cleaning techniques could potentially harm your opal or the filler material. Please also note that extended contact with water may cause the glue in opal doublets and triplets to become less effective. Try to keep them out of high or rapidly changing temperatures, given that even a natural opal can shatter due to overexposure to extreme heat.

On the Mohs hardness scale, this October birthstone falls between 5 and 6.5. Therefore, you are advised to keep your opal in a box alone to protect it from damage by jewelry that may be set with other tougher gems. Several precious stones, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, can scratch the October birthstone, so your best bet is to give it some space.