As of late we’ve noticed a shift happening in the fashion scene and TBH, we aren’t mad at it. Between Halloween and the holiday season, green gems have become the stylish name of the game and everyone from our mothers to our stylish colleagues at Angara seem to be understanding the assignment. Want to jump on the bandwagon in a way that’s totally your own? Green opals are sure to help you do that!
After all, not only are they absolutely spectacular to look at but the mystery surrounding their history is enough to captivate any conversationalist.
Want to know what sets these gorgeous greens apart? Read on to find out!
What Is Green Opal Stone?
Natural green opals, on a chemical level, are like the quirky cousins of traditional quartz. They’re a hydrated amorphous form of silica, boasting the chemical formula SiO2·nH2O. Now, don’t let the chemistry jargon scare you away; it’s just a fancy way of saying they feature a disorganized internal structure. If green opals were students, they’d be the ones who can never find their textbooks or their glasses. They might be a bit chaotic, but that’s what makes them lovable.
Did You Know?
Almost all green opals are classified as ‘common.’ Yes, you read that right. These stunners are like the introverts of the gemstone world – shy and uninterested in the spotlight. In opal lingo, ‘common’ refers to the type that lacks the iridescent play-of-color that opals are typically famous for. Instead, they flaunt a subtle optical trick known as ‘adularescence.’
But wait, there’s more! Inclusions, which are essentially trapped materials or substances within the opal, can make green opals even more fascinating. These inclusions, which are quite rare, can be made of all sorts of things, from iron ‘dendrites’ that look like teeny-tiny moss formations, to sticks that wandered into the opal’s path and even ancient bugs and opalized animal fossils. Who knew that opals had their own version of Jurassic Park lurking within?
Now, while green opals might not blatantly show off their inclusions, that doesn’t make them any less captivating. Picture a lush, green opal with mossy iron inclusions. It’s like Mother Nature threw a verdant party and invited the whole forest inside. Who wouldn’t want to own a gem that’s essentially a little piece of Mother Nature’s hip, secret garden?
Where can I find these beauties, you ask?
Well, raw green opals are globetrotters. They can be found in several regions, but Madagascar and Tanzania are the places to be if you’re on the hunt for these green treasures.
Now, before you go racing to get your hands on this type of opal, there’s one tiny thing to keep in mind: Their Mohs mineral hardness scale rating. At 5.5-6, this opal stone might not be the toughest cookie in the jewelry jar. That said, as long as you stay away from more perilous everyday tasks like gardening or Taekwondo, you should be good to go.
The Story Behind Green Opal’s Color
Green opal gemstones can come in a variety of shades, from deep and saturated emerald greens to yellowish and mature chartreuses. Many green opals come in a muted jade color, to the point where cut and polished versions of the gem could be easily mistaken for jade when set in jewelry.
The secret to their lush green color? Nickel, baby. Yes, you heard that right. Nickel has got that Midas touch when it comes to turning opals green, especially in the case of prase opals. Now, that’s what we call a cool science trick!
Green Opal History: Everything You Need to Know
Believe it or not, there’s very little known about the mining history, except for the fact that prase opals were discovered in Tanzania in 1975. Seriously, it’s as if they suddenly materialized in the 20th century, begging the question – where have they been hiding all this time?
In fact, these green gems have probably been lurking around for thousands of years. We’ve known about opals for about 6,000 years, and since a significant portion of opals are green, we can safely assume that humans have had green opals on their radar since the dawn of time. But they’ve played it cool, waiting for just the right moment to make their grand entrance.
Green Opal Symbolism: What Does the Stone Stand for Today?
Honestly speaking, the answer to this question depends on who you ask!
According to contemporary spiritual practices, these whimsical gems are all about the heart and emotions. Others typically associate the stone with nature and renewal, which in our opinion, makes it a great gift for anyone who’s starting a new chapter in their life. But that’s not all, the gem is also used to represent good luck. So, the next time you’re looking for a good luck charm, you know which stone to treat yourself to.
In conclusion, green opals may not be the most famous gemstones out there, but they certainly have a unique charm. They bring with them a history as old as time (well, nearly), an array of symbolism and a splash of good fortune, all wrapped up in their charming green hues. What’s better than that?
Interested in opals but not the green kind? You’ll love our opal jewelry collection. From jaw-dropping opal rings and opal earrings to mesmerizing opal bracelets and opal pendants, we’ve got something for everyone.
We also have multiple opal engagement rings and opal wedding rings on our website. So, if you’re planning on popping the question or exchanging your vows in style, these stunners are sure to help.
