Opal Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
I
Opal Gemstone Facts and History
Opal is a precious gemstone renowned for its unique beauty and striking color patterns. It derived its name from the Roman word “opalus”, which is synonymous to “precious stone.” This gemstone is classed as a mineraloid, meaning it has no ordered atomic structure compared to that of minerals.
Opal is made out from silica and water. It is deposited at low temperatures and can be found in almost any type of rock fissure, and is most commonly found with limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, and basalt.
Opal has two main categories: precious and common. Precious Opals are the most sought-after variety, known for their iridescent property – the way it exhibits a brilliant play of colors that change with the viewing angle – whereas common Opals are translucent and do not exhibit any color play.
Opal contains a rich history that dates back thousands of years. In 75 AD, the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder once described it as “having the fire of the carbuncle, the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea-green of the emerald, all shining together in incredible union.” It is highly revered for its stunning beauty where in fact, the Greek philosopher Aristotle even wrote about Opal’s unique optical properties. It continued to be popular throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance as it is often used in jewelry for the royals and even nobles.
Since the mid-1800s, Australia has been a world-class source of Opal, making Opal their national gemstone. The most well-known is the black Opal from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales. Later on, Opals are found in other parts of the world, including Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, and the western US.
II
Opal Gemstone Uses
Opal has been used in a variety of ways throughout history. In ancient times, Opal was often used for decorative purposes and was highly valued for its striking beauty. It was frequently incorporated into jewelry, amulets, and other personal adornments. In the Middle Ages, Opal was considered a symbol of wealth and status, and not accessible to commoners.
Moreover, Opal has also been used for a variety of practical purposes throughout history. For instance, Ancient Romans used Opal to create small sculptures and carvings. In more recent times, Opal, specifically the common varieties, has been used in an assortment of industrial applications, such as abrasives, insulation media, fillers, and ceramic ingredients.
III
Opal Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Opal contained mystical powers and was capable of providing its wearer with protection, good fortune, and the power of foresight.
IV
Opal Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
Opal is a gemstone with rich symbolic meanings attached to its different shapes and forms. For instance, the oval shape of an Opal is believed to represent fertility, creativity, and abundance. This shape is often associated with the goddess Venus, who was considered a patron of love, beauty, and prosperity. While the round shape of an Opal is believed to represent unity, wholeness, and perfection. Likewise, the rough, natural shape of an Opal is often associated with strength, resilience, and authenticity.
In terms of metaphysical properties, each Opal variety has its own symbolism. For example, the Peruvian Opal is associated with healing old emotional wounds from previous lives, bringing inner peace to help one get through difficult times. And the Black Opal is thought to connect one’s highest spiritual aspirations with one’s physical body, making it a powerful magnifier of intention and manifestation.
V
Opal Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
Opal has a rich history of symbolic meaning in different cultures around the world. In ancient Greek mythology, Opal was believed to be the tears of joy shed by Zeus after he defeated the Titans. The Greeks believed that Opal brought good luck and protected its wearer from harm.
In Roman culture, Opal was associated with hope, innocence, and purity, and was often used in jewelry and amulets. The Romans also believed that Opal had the power to grant its wearer the ability to see the future.
In Aboriginal culture, Opal is revered as a sacred stone and believed to have the power to heal the body, mind, and spirit. The Aboriginal people of Australia also believed that Opal was a symbol of the Creator’s presence and that it brought good fortune and prosperity.
In Hindu culture, Opal is associated with the planet Venus and believed to bring love, beauty, and prosperity to its wearer. In ancient Arabic cultures, Opal was believed to be a symbol of purity and was often used in wedding jewelry.
In the Middle Ages, Opal was considered a powerful talisman that could protect its wearer from harm and bring good fortune. However, in the Victorian era, Opal was associated with bad luck and was believed to bring misfortune and even death to its wearer.
Today, Opal is once again highly prized and considered a symbol of beauty, abundance, and good fortune in cultures around the world.
VI
Opal Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
Opals are beautiful gemstones that are often combined with other gems to create unique and stunning pieces of jewelry. Some of the most common gemstones that are combined with Opals include diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. These combinations can create beautiful contrast and bring out the unique colors and characteristics of the Opal.
Aside from jewelry purposes, Opals are combined with other gems to magnify its symbolism and meaning. One of the most popular combinations for Opal is amethyst. While amethyst is known to bring stability and strength, Opal helps bring emotional balance, and together they can help one find healing and peace.
Another combination worth noting is with the lapis lazuli. As Opal signifies manifestation of desire, lapis lazuli helps stimulate such desires for understanding, knowledge, and guidance.
VII
Opal Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
Opal, alongside Tourmaline, is the birthstone for October, making it a popular choice of jewelry gifts for those born in that month. Opal is also associated with the zodiac signs Libra and Scorpio. Libras are said to benefit from wearing Opals as it can help bring balance and harmony to their lives, while Scorpios are believed to be protected by Opals, which can ward off negative energies.
VIII
Opal Gemstone in Dreams
Opals are believed to have a special significance in dreams, as they are said to symbolize intuition, creativity, and inspiration. Dreaming about Opals can be a sign that you need to pay attention to your instincts and tap into your creative side. It can also represent a desire for change or a need to take a risk, a need to trust your intuition, as well as following your heart.
IX
Opal Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
Opals have been the subject of many superstitions throughout history. In the Middle Ages, Opals were greatly known as providers of good luck. However, in the 1800s, a book called “Anne of Geierstein” was published, which featured an enchanted princess who wore an Opal that change colors according to her moods. The woman died soon after a few drops of holy water extinguished the stone’s magical fire. People began to associate Opals with bad luck after that.
Another associated event is when Spain’s King Alfonso XII received an Opal ring for his wedding. His wife died after he gave it to her. The ring was then given to his grandmother, sister, and sister-in-law, all of whom died while wearing it. King Alfonso was the last to wear the Opal before his death. Such deaths were probably due to the cholera pandemic yet people persist that the Opal was cursed.
However, in other cultures, Opals were believed to have healing properties and were used in medicine. Today, Opals are generally seen as a symbol of hope, love, and happiness.
X
Opal Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
Opals have been the subject of many myths and legends throughout history. In Greek mythology, Opals were believed to be Zeus’ tears after conquering the battle against the Titans. In Australian Aboriginal mythology, Opals were believed to be the footprints of the Creator as he walked on the earth, leaving colorful stones upon touching the ground. Opals have also been associated with love, passion, and romance, and were often given as gifts to symbolize these emotions.
