Opal Meaning and Benefits 

 

~ October Birthstone ~ Properties ~ Opal Meaning ~ Benefits ~ Healing ~ 

For all those born in the month of October, your Birthstone is Opal.

It is also one of the zodiac stones for those born under the sign of Libra,
between September 24 and October 23.

 

Opal Meaning – General Information

Opal is a hardened silica gel, containing between 4 -21% water by weight. Therefore it is non-crystalline, unlike most other gemstones.  There are

two varieties; precious opal, which shows flashes or plays of colour or iridescence, and there is common opal which is often opaque and displays no iridescence. When common opal is found in association with precious opal it is known as potch. Opals occur in a great range of colours and varieties. It is amorphous in structure, (without form) with a trigonal crystal structure and has a chemical composition of SiO2.nH2O.

Opal has a Mohs hardness factor of 5.5–6 and has a sub vitreous to waxy lustre.

It is the national gemstone of Australia.

 

Opal Meaning – History

Opal was rare and very valuable in antiquity; Highly prized by royalty in Europe. Before the opening of Australia’s vast deposits of Opal in the 19th century, the only known source was in Červenica beyond the Roman frontier in Slovakia.

Opal is adapted from the Latin opalus, but is thought to originate from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone.” It was also called opallios in Greek, meaning “to see a change in colour”. Opalus came to be known as ophthalmos, or ophthalmius, in the Middle Ages when it was known as “The Eye Stone”. This term helped in part to echo its ophthalmic virtues. References made by Pliny the Elder, suggest it may have related to Ops, the wife of Saturn and goddess of fertility.

The ancient world considered it a most mysterious and bewitching gem. They valued it for its virtues of soothing and strengthening the sight and healing diseases of the eyes. It was also considered quite capable of providing great luck. For a period of time, this “Queen of Gems” reputation fell from grace; as it was linked with rumours, misfortunes and mysterious fatalities. Despite these superstitions, Opal redeemed its reputation in the twentieth century; and today is a definite favourite with a positive influence.

 

Opal Meaning – Metaphysical Benefits.

Opal is a stone of inspiration that enhances imagination and creativity, it also helps you release inhibitions and improves memory. It is also said to be a very spiritual stone and can help you be “invisible” in situations where you don’t care to be noticed. It is reputed to bring happy dreams, and also to ease the process of change. This is a stone that inspires luck, happiness, love, hope, innocence and purity.

Opal is a silicate containing water and correlates with the emotions; it clarifies by amplifying and mirroring feelings, buried emotions, desires (including love and passion). With this comes less inhibition, more spontaneity, free visualization, clearer imagination, and more vivid dreams.

The opal has developed a myth as a stone of sorrow, misfortune and bad luck. This though is a modern and false idea. In fact, Opal has a reputation for bringing good luck and fortune. Precious Opal contains all of the colours as well as all of the qualities of all other stones and as such, may be programmed or dedicated for many purposes as required.

Use to facilitate astral projection as well as for protection. Opals are used to recall past incarnations and are favoured by many to develop psychic and mystical powers.

Wearing Opal will bring your inner beauty to the surface, and is also said to bring loyalty, faithfulness and spontaneity. It encourages putting out positive emotions.

Opal also illuminates positive actions and emotions, enhances the good and true, and fosters your highest potential. As a karmic stone, it reminds us that what gets sent out will return.

 

Opal Meaning – Healing.

Opal strengthens the will to live. Links with the heart. Stimulates the glands and regulates metabolism. Opal is beneficial to the eyes, hair, nails and skin. Useful for treatments required to clarify and strengthen the eyesight, also in treating disorders associated with the eyes. It may also be of use in balancing your body’s water content, overcoming dehydration, or alleviating water retention.

Opal may purify the blood and kidneys, disperse infections and regulate insulin production. Treats infections, fevers and strengthens the memory. Opal is supportive in issues dealing with female hormones, PMS and menopause, and offers comfort and ease during childbirth.

Opal has a favourable effect on the human psyche, pouring a warm healing energy on broken hearts and restoring harmony.

 

Tips for using Opal.

• Wear Opal as a shield against other people’s negative thoughts and energies.
• Carry Opal when venturing into dangerous places. Or during shamanic work that requires stealth.
• Opal in your environment promotes a sense of calm security, easing stress and depression.
• Use Opal to help you stop brooding in order to better direct your thoughts and energies.
• Holding Opal helps overcome fears of childbirth and provides emotional support.
• Wear or carry Opal to alleviate overwhelming fears during pregnancy and during the early months of a new baby’s life.
• Sleep with Opal to centre your mind and enjoy happy dreams. Particularly soothing for children.
• An Opal in your pocket can provide a “cloak of invisibility” in circumstances where you do not wish to be noticed or need to fade into the background.
• Opal in your workspace can encourage lightness, spontaneity and dynamic creativity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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© Ron and Sue Windred.
Disclaimer: The outlined metaphysical and healing properties in this website are for inspiration and reference. We gather this information and alleged properties from writings, books, folklore and various other sources. They are also dependent upon the attitude and beliefs of the individual. Furthermore they do not replace diagnosis or treatment by a qualified therapist or physician.