October 22, 2023

The Mesmerizing Beauty of October's Birthstone: Opals

October brings with it not just the brilliant hues of autumn but also the mesmerizing beauty of its birthstone, the opal. Revered for its kaleidoscope of colors, opals are a symphony of fiery reds, oceanic blues, and forest greens. Each gem is as unique as a fingerprint, telling its own tale of natural beauty and rarity.

The word Opal originates from the latin word Opalus, meaning: “Precious stone”.

Historically, opals have held a place of wonder and awe. The ancient Romans believed them to be the most powerful of all gems, as they captured the colors of all other gemstones. They were considered tokens of hope and purity, believed to possess protective powers. 

Greek mythology claimed that opals originated from Zeus' tears of joy after winning the battle against the Titans. Meanwhile, Australian aborigines believed that the Creator came to Earth on a rainbow, leaving these colorful stones where his feet touched the ground. 

Australia is the epicenter of opal mining, producing over 90% of the world's precious opals. The Land Down Under is not only rich in opal deposits but also boasts of some of the most exquisite varieties. Among the treasures unearthed, my personal favorites are:

  1. Black Opals: Hailing mainly from the Lightning Ridge area, they are the most valued, displaying a dark body color with vibrant flashes.
  2. Boulder Opals: Often found embedded within ironstone boulders in Queensland, these opals show bright veins of color.
  3. Crystal Opals: These are transparent to semi-transparent opals with a vivid play-of-color, making them a sheer visual delight.

The allure of opals is timeless, captivating hearts across centuries and continents. As October's children celebrate their special month, the opal stands as a radiant reminder of nature's magic and mystery.

A true one of a kind gem, a perfect heirloom.