Thursday, October 15, 2009

OPAL...Not an unlucky stone!!!

The birthstone of those born in October and the traditional gift celebrating your 13th Anniversary.

Opals are a symbol of purity and hope.

Ancient Arabs believed that Opals originated from the Heavens by flashes of lightning. Ancient Romans saw rainbows locked within. In Australia, where 95% of Opal mining occurs, myth has it that when the Creator came to Earth upon a rainbow with a message of Peace and stepped onto the land, the rocks themselves came alive-sparking with colors of the Rainbow.

Most often in cabochon form to reveal their flashes of color, sometimes they are found in a crystalline state and faceted. My personal favorite form of Opal is the Mexican Fire Opal. Like the name implies it is a fiery red/orange with stunning clarity. Prized by the Aztecs as a symbol of intense love and creativity, it can also be used in spells to bring money and prosperity.

Opals have had a very long association with bringing happiness, beauty, success, foresight and prophecy to the wearer. Unfortunately, relatively recently they have had a bad reputation, thought to be bad luck to any who possess it-other than those born in October. Thanks a novel written by 19th century author, Sir Walter Scott, about an Opal that traps the soul of it's owner- "Anne of Gerstein". A complete fabrication and fiction. Queen Victoria sought to overcome this bad image by giving Opals as wedding gifts.

Opals are considered a "living stone" and do require special handling to maintain their fire. Protect them from heat and detergents as they will dull or even crack. NEVER use an ultrasonic cleanser on your Opals.

Again to reiterate. Opals are charged with every energy used for healing. It is a stone of inspiration. Helpful in enhancing imagination and creativity.