Opal the Birthstone for October

Opal dates back to prehistoric times. It is non-crystallized silica, which is a mineral found near the earth’s surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. As the hot springs dried up, layers of the silica, combined with water, were deposited into the cracks and cavities of the bedrock, forming Opal.

This gemstone contains anything from 3 – 20 percent of water, so it must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence. Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is relatively soft and breaks easily. It’s a 6 on the MOHS’ scale of hardness.

Most of the world’s Opal deposits are found in Southern Australia. Other sources of this gemstone are Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Nevada.

A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence.

Opal is the anniversary gemstone for the 14th and 18th years of marriage.

The Opal derives its name from the Latin word ‘opalus’ meaning precious jewel. Known for its unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light, the Opal was called ‘Cupid Paederos’ by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love. One legendary explanation for this gemstone’s origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning.

See some more pictures of our bespoke jewellery where we’ve been asked to incorporate Opal into a design.

What an exquisite stone with such flashes of colour to wear!