White (milky) opal - magical and healing properties of the mineral

/ List of stones / Compatibility of white opal with zodiac signs

0

4864

Article rating

White opal, in addition to its elegant appearance, has healing and magical properties. Its esoteric characteristics show that the stone is not suitable for all people. It depends on the zodiac sign.

Compatibility of white opal with zodiac signs

History and brief description of white opal

Elegant white opal has magical properties.
This gem has been known to people since ancient times. Its name itself comes from Sanskrit, in which it sounds like “upala”, which means “stone”. Pliny the Elder wrote about this mineral, calling its radiance similar to that of a carbuncle.

Despite the fact that opals are classified as semi-precious stones, these translucent crystals were extremely valuable back in Antiquity.

There is a legend about the stone of Nonius, a Roman senator who chose to go into exile rather than give Mark Antony his gem, decorated with opals. Among the gems that decorated the dress, there was one, the size of a hazelnut, of extraordinary beauty - it was the subject of a dispute among the patricians.

In Greece, it was believed that milky opal was able to reward its owner with the gift of becoming invisible. And the Vikings had a legend that the blacksmith Volunde created the stone from the eyes of his children, whom he killed. The Elder Edda says that if you peer into the depths of the crystal for a long time, you can see children's faces.

In ancient times, it was believed that opal owes its amazing iridescence to the water contained in it. This myth is partly true - the mineral, in addition to silicon dioxide, contains about 30% H₂O.

Where and how is it mined?

Precious opals are found throughout the world, but are most often found in South America and Australia. There are deposits in small quantities in Russia - in Kamchatka, and in Ukraine.

But Australia is considered the birthplace of milky white opals. The most beautiful varieties of the mineral of the rarest and most beautiful shades are mined there. Interesting specimens are also found in the USA and Brazil.

Gems are formed as a result of volcanic processes and are a product of lava solidification, in which silicon dioxide is formed under the influence of sub-high temperatures.

As a result, opal deposits have the appearance of stalactites and stalagmites, protruding nodules and inclusions in volcanic rock, but not the shape of druses, as is the case with other gems.

Often the mineral is deposited in sedimentary rocks and fossils - the remains of animals and plants. Crystals can also fill cracks in rocks. Gems are mined in the open, except in cases where the deposits are located deep underground.

Gems deposits

Precious opal is mined on an industrial scale in these countries:

• Ethiopia;
• Hungary;
• USA;
• Hungary;
• Czech Republic;
• Slovakia;
• Mexico;
• Brazil;
• Kazakhstan;
• Türkiye;
• Honduras.

In Russia there are also deposits of multi-colored stone miracles.

Hyalite is mined in the Nerchinsk region, fire and wax opal - in Kamchatka.

You can find opals in Altai and the Orenburg region.

Australia holds the lead in the volume of production of opal stones. Then come the Brazilian and Ethiopian deposits.

If you ask, what significance do rocks containing beautiful stones have for people, we will answer honestly. None yet. Only mining of beautiful stones to decorate women, and sometimes men.

Species diversity of opals

Opals are graded according to color scheme:

• white – almost transparent, with a slight bluish shimmer and bright tints;
• black is the rarest species; it includes specimens with intense coloring: bright blue, dark green, brown;
• fiery - this is the name given to gems of warm shades: pink, orange, honey, red; despite the weak play of light, when looking at such stones it looks like there is a fire burning inside;
• ordinary - nondescript translucent stones of white or milky color with a glossy sheen, also called porcelain;
• jirazol - this is the name given to blue-white crystals with a golden glow;
• hyalite is a transparent, colorless stone that begins to shimmer when light passes through;
• hydrophane - a cloudy white gem that begins to shimmer when immersed in water;
• chrysopal - greenish apple or bright emerald;
• Cacholong is white, opaque, and has a porous structure.

In addition, stones are also divided by origin. Thus, most of the black and white opals are mined in Australia. In Ethiopia, stones of warm colors are more common - honey-yellow, orange, red. Peru is characterized by blue-green minerals.

Some of the varieties of opal.

Varieties

The color of opal cannot be described in one sentence. The variety of shades is very large. Depending on how rich the color is and how pronounced the play of light is in the stone, jewelers divide gems into precious, semi-precious and ornamental.

The first category includes transparent specimens with pronounced opalescence (play of a light beam). Other crystals are considered semi-precious. They make simpler jewelry. They are also used as part of doublets, protecting more expensive varieties with plates from cheaper ones. And finally, faded and colorless stones play the role of ornamental stones, as well as materials for room decoration. Such gems include, for example, semi-opals - brown or yellow opaque minerals with a greasy sheen.

Noble opals

By precious varieties of gems, jewelers mean the following:

• Fire (Mexican) opals. These are minerals of rich red or orange color, with a pattern that resembles flames. They are mined, as the name suggests, in Central America.
• Black opals. Expensive and very rare gems. The dark stones are reminiscent of space in their hue. Any jeweler will happily take on a dark purple specimen.
• Harlequins. They were named after the character of the Italian folk theater, whose clothes were sewn from multi-colored pieces of fabric. These are gems with a beautiful polychrome pattern. The pattern on them consists of circles and squares in blue, green and red, which shimmer depending on the change in viewing angle.
• Another multi-colored variety is proudly called “royal opal.” Their core is bright red or bronze in color, and is surrounded by a green border. The outer edge of the mineral is completely devoid of color.
• Jirasols, or sky opals, are minerals that have a blue tint.
• Lechos opals are sea-green stones with deep carmine and green tints.

• 
  "Cat's eyes". Rare and expensive specimens of honey or golden color. Their distinctive feature is a vertical narrow black stripe in the middle of the stone.

The most expensive varieties are black stones, despite the superstitions that surround them. Royal (royal) opals are also highly valued. The cost of a gem increases depending on its size, usually exponentially. This means that a 3-carat piece will be at least twice as expensive as a two-carat piece.

Common opals

We have separate articles about many semi-precious and ornamental varieties of gems. They are often very different from their noble counterparts not only in transparency and play of light, but also in magical properties.

• Hyalites. These are colorless, watery and transparent crystals, similar to glass. They form growths in the form of clusters in places where there is very high humidity.
• Chrysopals are green opals that resemble apples in color.
• Moss gems are opaque white minerals with a pattern that resembles grass or moss.
• Peruvian blue opals are the “younger brothers” of celestial jirasols; they differ from them in the lack of play of light.
• Resin opals are matte black crystals.
• Cacholongs, or pearl opals. White gems with dark veins. In India, a legend is told about them that these stones appeared from the milk of sacred cows that spilled onto the ground. That's why they are also called dairy products.
• Irisopals are a colorless or brownish rock that is marketed in Mexico.
• Wax (yellow opals).
• Hydrophanes (water gems). Porous stones that become transparent when soaked in water. When precious specimens grow old, they turn into this particular subspecies.
• Wood (dendritic) stones. A species that occurs when a mineral replaces rotting wood. These crystals combine a whitish “opal” color with a wood-like structure.

Specimens that are natural doublets are called boulders. These are crystals where two rocks coexist, precious and ordinary. The most beautiful among them are the “rainbow” koroites, shimmering in dozens of shades. Iowa nuts are also interesting. This is the name given to stones where a noble variety is surrounded by a cheaper rock.

Physicochemical characteristics

The stone belongs to the quartz family and consists of silicon oxide hydrate and water (its content varies from 13 to 30%). This explains the high fragility of the gem: opal poorly resists temperature changes, the influence of chemicals, does not tolerate increased dryness, and is easily destroyed by mechanical stress.

Crystals often contain foreign inclusions, most often oxides of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. They appear in the pattern on the surface of the stone.

Medicinal properties

Even in ancient times, people began to use opals to heal various diseases. The mineral was applied to tumors and swelling to relieve inflammation. Today, lithotherapy has confirmed the healing properties of the stone.

Healers claim that the gem:

• improves hearing;
• normalizes the functioning of the digestive system;
• restores vision;
• strengthens the cardiovascular system;
• has a positive effect on the emotional background;
• stimulates brain activity.

In addition, opal is used as a diagnostic tool - during exacerbation of chronic diseases, even before symptoms appear, it changes color.

The mineral can be worn to improve hearing.

Opals in jewelry - features of the stone

Moisture is very important for opal; if the stone does not receive a sufficient amount of water from the air, it changes its qualities, which is why opals are recommended to be worn in wet weather as often as possible. Perhaps W. Scott knew about this feature of the gemstone and that is why he called opal the stone of October.

Jewelers often make protective settings for the stone because opals have low hardness. The surface of the opal was first covered with oil, then with artificial resin. But for black samples, only silver frames are used because gold ones make the product aggressive for the owner. Gold is also used for other types of frames: yellow, blue, green and bluish.

The magical properties of white opal

Even in ancient times, miraculous properties were attributed to the stone. It was believed that the gem contributed to the development of supernatural abilities in its owner.

The stone does not interact with everyone, but if it suits a person, it affects him in a variety of areas:

• reveals creative abilities;
• enhances intuition;
• increases performance;
• attracts good luck;
• helps in achieving the goal;
• protects from troubles.

It is believed that wearing a stone makes its owner kinder and cleaner. It is not for nothing that in ancient times opal was considered a symbol of purity.

Areas of use

The gem has been valued by magicians and healers since ancient times. And today it is widely used in esoteric practices and used in occult ceremonies.

He is also extremely revered by palmists. Even ancient priests and magicians endowed opal with the ability to protect the purity of the soul and clarity of mind. It is still used in rituals to remove damage and the evil eye.

In jewelry, jewelry with white opals is not very common, but true connoisseurs love rings, pendants, and gems with this wonderful stone.

In addition, the mineral is used in the manufacture of decorative items - vases, figurines, candlesticks, boxes. It is also used for interior decoration.

Talismans, amulets, amulets

For a long time, it has been noted that the gem has the ability to warn of dangers or diseases that threaten the owner. With impending troubles, the stone changes color and becomes cloudier. This property was widely used in the creation of amulets.

People of creative professions like to wear it as a talisman - it is believed that it stimulates the development of talents. For fishermen and hunters, the stone brings good luck in fishing, and protects travelers from dangers on the road.

Charms with white opal warn people from danger.

Opal for women

Women wearing opal become wise, calm, peaceful, and charming. They show maximum femininity. Young girls are recommended to use opal to become flirtatious, attractive, and interesting to members of the opposite sex.

Opal is the talisman of the hearth keeper. Married women use opal figurines and other decorative elements to protect the house from robbers and natural disasters, to maintain comfort and family harmony.

What zodiac signs is it suitable for?

The stone is not suitable for everyone. If it gives cheerfulness to some, then, on the contrary, it can make others feel blue. Before purchasing jewelry with this gem, you should definitely contact astrologers for advice.

Sagittarius

People born under this sign should avoid wearing the stone. It can increase their temper and even make them aggressive.

Capricorn

Not the best choice: the stone will develop even more stubbornness. But if the desire to own a gem is stronger, astrologers recommend that this sign wear fire opals rather than milky and white ones.

Aquarius

It is best to choose stones with a slight bluish tint and a bright play of light. They will help develop creative abilities.

Fish

Opal will help develop intuition and protect against diseases. Promotes the development of the best spiritual qualities.

Aries

Energetic Aries should not wear jewelry with this stone: it adversely affects their energy and depresses emotions.

Taurus

This is not the best solution for Taurus. The gem should not be worn too often, but can be used as a talisman for risky undertakings.

Twins

For Gemini, the mineral will help strengthen their financial situation and help solve financial problems.

Cancer

These representatives of the zodiac circle are recommended to wear jewelry with opal before important decisions. It sharpens intuition and attracts good luck.

a lion

You should not wear the gem too often. This can cause emotional exhaustion.

Virgo

For this sign, white opal will be the best decoration. It will help maintain health and clarity of mind.

Scales

The stone will help you find like-minded people. Promotes luck in endeavors and success in business.

Scorpion

For those born under this zodiac sign, the gem will relieve negative thoughts and protect them from despondency. Will help maintain health.

Best time to buy a stone

Opal is a special stone and if you are buying it for medicinal and magical purposes, then you need to take into account all the nuances. The phases of the moon will help you with the exact date of purchase of the stone. There are different rules for each stone color.

1. White opal must be purchased on the 4th day of the lunar phase and used on the 18th lunar day
2. It is better to buy a milky stone on the 14th lunar day and wear it from the 28th lunar day.
3. It is best to buy a fire gem on the 25th day of the lunar cycle and can only use it on the 11th day of the next lunar cycle.
4. It is better to buy all other types of stone in the middle of the lunar cycle on the 15th, and use it after the 30th.

After the purchase, you need to do some more steps to ensure the maximum return from the stone.

1. Under a stream of cold water, the mineral is cleansed of excess energy.
2. Wear jewelry after applying makeup.
3. The ring must be worn on the middle finger of the same hand.

Combinations of white opal and other stones

It is best to combine gems with blue, blue and violet crystals in jewelry:

• amethyst;
• lapis lazuli;
• turquoise;
• onyx;
• beryl.

It is under no circumstances recommended to combine opals with jasper, garnet and ruby. You should not wear jewelry with diamonds and aventurine at the same time. But it is favorable to wear opal and amber together.

It is best to choose silver as a frame. The stone looks good in white gold and platinum.

Opal for men

The stone reveals typical masculine qualities in representatives of the stronger sex, makes them more confident, persistent, courageous, decisive, responsible, helps them deal with everyday difficulties, and teaches them a rational outlook on life. Opal is a talisman of a strong, authoritative, self-confident man.

For men's jewelry, jewelers usually use opals of dark shades. It is recommended to wear opal amulets for military personnel and government officials so as not to forget about justice and make the right decisions.

What does the cost consist of?

The stone is interesting because when evaluating it, it is not the size in carats that is taken into account, but criteria such as:

• tone;
• brightness;
• transparency;
• drawing on the surface.

In addition, the following parameters also affect the cost of opal:

• play of light (opalescence) - in the most valuable specimens it can be seen from any angle;
• shape – preference is given to stones that do not require complex processing;
• presence of inclusions.

Whole gems with a minimum of foreign inclusions are most highly valued. Such stones are used for jewelry and in collections.

How to distinguish a real stone from a fake

Counterfeits of white gemstones are quite rare, although there are valuable specimens among them. Identifying natural white opal is not difficult. You need to keep some nuances in mind and know the features of the stone:

• Although the mineral does not have high strength, unlike glass, it will not leave cracks if it is acted upon mechanically. Try to lightly hit it on some surface; if the stone is damaged, it is a fake.
• Triplets and doublets (artificial analogues of the mineral) can be distinguished by their unnatural color, layered structure, and lack of opalescence effect.
• The natural mineral will not stick to the surface of the tongue. The synthesized opal will linger for a couple of seconds.

In the video, a natural Australian mineral:

Rules for wearing jewelry

The stone is highly fragile, so you need to treat it with care. When getting ready, you should put on jewelry last, after makeup has already been applied.

It is better to use perfume and eau de toilette in advance - opal is sensitive even to such influences. It is not advisable to wear products with stone if you are going to spend the evening in a stuffy or smoky, poorly ventilated room. You should avoid wearing the opal with other jewelry that could scratch it.

Opal jewelry in gold and silver should be worn with care to avoid damaging the stone.

How opals are formed

Opals are sedimentary rocks, meaning water passes through the earth, under appropriate conditions, enriching it with dissolved silicates. Opals are formed from microscopic globules of precipitated silicates under the influence of drops of water.

If the spheres of silicates that form the opal have the same shape and size and are neatly stacked on top of each other, then the mineral will easily transmit light. Such opals are called jewelry (precious) stones.

If the silicate spheres that form the mineral are placed in a fairly orderly manner and vary in size and shape, then an industrial, dull stone is formed, which lacks optical properties and is of no interest to jewelers.

Secrets of storage and care

The stone contains from 13 to 30% water, so it is necessary to ensure sufficient humidity in the room where the jewelry is stored. If the room is too dry, you can put a damp cloth in the box.

To prevent moisture from drying out, it is recommended to periodically treat the stone with a weak solution of glycerin.

You can wash jewelry only with the most delicate products. To clean heavy dirt, use a soft sponge or toothbrush.

Stone care

Since the gem is fragile, it requires careful handling when worn. You need to wash it with a soft brush in a weak soap solution, then rinse gently under running water, wrap it in a damp cloth and leave for several hours. Dry the opal in sunlight, the main thing is not to overexpose it so that it does not change its color or fade.

Do not allow gems to come into contact with any other detergent (except water and soap during cleaning). For storage, select suitable containers with walls lined with soft fabric. You need to put jewelry in the box after wrapping it in a soft rag.

White opal is a stone of amazing beauty. Despite its fragility and vulnerability to the environment, it is always popular among jewelry lovers. With careful care, the gem will delight the owner with its unique and delicate beauty for a long time.

Facts about White Opal

The unusually beautiful semi-precious stone was valued by monarchs. So, it was Queen Victoria's favorite gem. And the ancient Romans considered the stone precious, along with rubies, sapphires and diamonds.

The Peruvian Indians believed that opal was born from lightning that struck from the sky. This myth received original confirmation already in our millennium: opals were discovered in rock samples delivered from Mars.

This stone is considered alive - it has the property of aging. This is due to the fact that the mineral does not have a crystalline structure and is almost 30% water.

Opals - the history of the stone

Pliny - Roman scientist back in 75 AD Fr. This kaleidoscopic gemstone features the colors of different stones. Green like emerald, red like ruby, yellow like topaz, amethyst and sapphire blue.

The Roman Emperor Constantine ordered this stone to be placed in the crown. He believed that opal glowed in the dark, and claimed that it protected his life and power. In Byzantium, they believed that opal as an amulet helped the owner to become invisible, which is why black opal for a long time served as a talisman for petty market thieves.

In some countries, it is believed that opal should be worn by people born in October and is not advisable for those born in a different month of birth. This myth gave rise to the 19th century novel “Anne of Geierstein” by Walter Scott, and the superstition has nothing to do with ancient knowledge, for which opals are the patrons of almost all zodiac signs.