October’s gemstone of the month features endless color combinations, the spectacular opal!
As well as being October’s gemstone and birthstone, the opal is also the gemstone that symbolizes the 14th wedding anniversary. With unlimited color combinations and a beautiful luster and glow, it’s time to learn more about the wonderful world of opals!
What is October’s Gemstone or Birthstone?
Ranking between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, the opal will require a little care and attention if you plan on wearing it daily. Opals form in the ground as a result of seasonal rain. In dry areas, such as the Australian outback where opals are mined, rain that soaked deep into the earth brought silica with it, and when the water evaporated, the silica was left behind to form opals.
There are two classifications of opal, precious and common. Precious opals display the vibrant rainbow color palette that opals are famous for, while common opal doesn’t. Opals are mined worldwide, but the biggest deposit of opals is found in the Australian outback. Other sources of opals include Mexico, Ethiopia, and Brazil, but they have also turned up in the United States, Turkey, Peru, and many other countries.
Opal Facts and Symbolism
It was once believed that by wearing opals, you would have good luck, and many ancient civilizations believed that opals came from supernatural origins. Ancient Romans believed that the opal was a symbol of love and hope, and they called it the ‘opalus,’ which means precious stone.
The ancient Romans weren’t the only civilization to fall in love with opals. The ancient Greeks believed that opals could guard against disease and give the wearer the ability to predict the future through prophecies.
The History of the Opal
Opals are available in various colors, including black, white, and fire opals. White opals are the most common variety of opals. Thanks to Sir Walter Scott’s book, Anne of Geierstein, published in 1829, many people started to believe that the opal was an unlucky gemstone.
Australia’s national gemstone is the opal, and it makes sense because over 95% of the world’s opals are believed to be found there. The world’s rarest and most valuable opal, the ‘Virgin Rainbow,’ was discovered by miner John Dunstan in Australia and has such a variety of fluorescent colors it actually glows in the dark. It’s valued at over a million dollars and is currently owned by the Southern Australia Museum and housed in Adelaide.
The Best Way to Wear Your Opal Jewelry
Remember, you need to take care of your opal. Australian opals are non-porous and can get wet without any issues, but other opals, such as Ethiopian opals, are porous, and getting them wet can alter their color forever.
You want to choose settings that protect the opal, such as bezel settings, which will fully encase the gemstone and protect it from damage. Opal pairs well with soft metals like gold or silver that compliment their delicate composition.
Any button-up blouse, formal or casual, will go well with opals, and you have many color options to play with. If you want to make your opal jewelry really pop, try wearing a dark blur or black ensemble. Opals are calming and fun, so they make a great addition to any casual outfit.
Opal, the October Gemstone of the Month | Conclusion
It’s hard not to fall head over heels in love with opals. If you’re looking for any opal jewelry or would like to create a new piece of jewelry featuring opal as its centerpiece, our friendly and experienced team at de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry will be more than happy to help.
Discover our stunning collection of high-end jewelry in Dallas and Houston at de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry, featuring exquisite diamond engagement rings and luxury timepieces perfect for that special proposal. Visit us in-store or explore our selection online, and don’t hesitate to contact our expert staff with any questions or to view these magnificent pieces in person.
