Opal Crystal: Healing Properties, Meaning & Uses

Opal is a mesmerizing gemstone celebrated for its extraordinary play-of-color and diverse range of varieties. From the fiery brilliance of Fire Opal to the deep, mysterious allure of Black Opal, each type has its own unique charm and significance. Improves personal and business relationships; stimulates crown chakra; provides deep mental clarity; instills faith in love. Opal is a captivating and diverse gemstone known for its unique play of colors and exquisite beauty.

Here are some key points about Opal:

General Information

Types of Opal

Precious Opal

Known for its play-of-color, which includes a spectrum of colors that change with the angle of observation.

Common Opal

Does not exhibit play-of-color and is often referred to as “potch.” It can still be attractive and comes in various colors.

Fire Opal

Translucent to transparent opal with warm body colors ranging from yellow to orange and red. It may or may not exhibit play-of-color.

 

Uses and Significance

Jewelry

Opal is a popular choice for all types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and brooches. Its vibrant play-of-color makes it especially prized.

Metaphysical Properties

Opal is believed to enhance creativity, imagination, and inspiration. It is also thought to promote emotional balance and healing.

Care and Handling

Fragility

Opal is relatively soft compared to other gemstones and can be prone to scratching, chipping, and cracking. It also has a high water content, making it sensitive to sudden temperature changes and dehydration.

Care Tips

Store opals in a moist environment, such as a cotton pad dampened with water. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and harsh chemicals.

Varieties of Opal

Black Opal

Known for its dark body tone, which makes the play-of-color more vivid. Found primarily in Lightning Ridge, Australia.

White Opal

Has a light body color and is the most common type of precious opal. It is often found in South Australia.

Boulder Opal

Found in ironstone boulders, with the opal forming in cracks and crevices. Known for its natural, rustic appearance.

Crystal Opal

Transparent to semi-transparent opal with a brilliant play-of-color. It can have a clear, white, or dark body color.

Where can Opal be found?

Opal forms from a solution of silicon dioxide and water. As water flows through silica-rich rocks, it picks up silica particles and carries them into cracks and voids in the rock. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind a silica deposit which eventually becomes opal. Australia is the leading producer of opal, particularly known for its high-quality precious opal. Other significant sources include Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States (notably Nevada).