A mesmerising semi-precious stone, the opal is famed for its distinctive play-of-colour that is often compared to the rainbow, galaxy and even fireworks.
In addition to its one-of-a-kind look, this gem has also garnered attention over the years thanks to an irrelevant superstition.
Here’s the Story
The association between the opal and an imaginary bad luck first came to surface back in 1829 when Sir Walter Scott published his novel ‘Anne of Geierstein’. The fictional war book painted the stone in a poor light by highlighting it as demonic and an omen of bad luck.
This proclamation negatively impacted the stone’s popularity and led to the sharp decline of opal sales. However, the demand for this gem rose within a short period of time due to Queen Victoria of England who scoffed at the negative publicity painted by a fictional story.
It was easy to understand that the Queen was a real admirer of the opal because she went ahead and even gifted the gem to her daughters as wedding gifts. If that’s not enough, Napoleon Bonaparte was believed to be a fan too.
Other Interesting Myths
It is said that during ancient times, opals were used to infuse creativity and good vibes into a person’s life.
According to Aboriginal legends, the creator of Dreamtime (an ancient world created by the spirits) had visited earth on a rainbow. He conveyed to mankind his hope for eternal peace and returned to heaven. But the rock he stood upon absorbed all colours of the rainbow and turned into a vibrant opal.
Similar to the Aboriginal tribes, the Arabs too believed that this jewel was sent from heaven, while East Asians considered it a sacred stone.
Romans associated opal with the values of hope, fidelity and trust. Early Greeks, on the other hand, believed that it could be used to foresee the future.
While these myths are certainly interesting, it’s important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support any of these claims or beliefs.
Opal Today
Over the last few decades, the demand for opal rings, earrings and other accessories has increased tremendously, and mentioned below are the top reasons for the same.
1. Uniqueness
The beauty of this stone can mainly be credited to the play-of-colour; an optical phenomenon that causes the opal to flash different patterns and hues in reaction to light. Due to this unique feature, no two opals can ever look alike. This element certainly adds to the desirability factor of the gem.
2. Variety
While milky white opals are commonly found in the market, black opals are extremely rare. Depending on your preference and budget, you can pick from the many intriguing varieties of this gem. Looking for something unique and unconventional? Get yourself a pair of stunning opal earrings.
3. Legends
The opal is backed by a fascinating history that very few jewels can compete with. Folklores and legends associated with this gem give it a mystical, old-world charm that greatly increases its overall appeal.
Conclusion
Opals can’t dispense good or bad luck, but they can uplift your outfit and infuse it with eye-catching sophistication. If you haven’t already, we highly recommend making this gem a part of your opal jewellery collection.
Also read – What’s the Difference between Garnet and Rhodolite
