October is the month for the opal birthstone. Learn about the meaning and healing properties of this unique gemstone. Shop for opals online and find out how to care for them properly. Enjoy wearing your October birthstone!
What Is Opal?
Opal is a non-crystalline form of silica whose water content can range from 3% to 21% by weight. However, it is typically between 6 and 10%. Because it does not have a crystalline structure, it is classified as a mineraloid rather than a mineral.
What is the natural color of Opal?
Common Opal is usually orange-brown in color, opaque to translucent, but it can come in any color. Some types of Opal are very attractive.
Physical Properties Of Opal
Opal is treasured for its beauty and unique physical properties.
1. Composition: Opal is composed of oxygen and silicon dioxide.
2. Hardness: The hardness rating of Opal ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
3. Specific Gravity: Opal’s specific gravity ranges from 1.97 to 2.5, depending on the amount of water contained within it.
4. Refractive Index: Opal’s refractive index can range anywhere between 1.37 to 1.45, depending on the light reflected off it.
5. Thermal Conductivity: Opal is an insulator that does not conduct heat very well.
6. Cleavage: Opal does not have any cleavage, meaning it does not easily break along smooth lines.
7. Transparency: Opal is usually translucent, although it can range from transparent to opaque.
8. Streak: Opal has a white streak.
9. Fracture: Opal has a conchoidal fracture, which fractures along curved surfaces.
10. Lustre: The lustre of opal is waxy to resinous.
Metaphysical Healing Properties Of Opal
Opal is said to have many healing and metaphysical properties. These include:
1. Enhancing Self-Worth
Wearing Opal is said to help one feel more confident and secure in oneself.
2. Balancing Emotions
Opal is believed to help balance emotions, helping one remain calm and centered in difficult situations.
3. Improving Clarity of Thought
Opal can be used to help one gain clarity of thought and greater mental focus.
4. Enhancing Creativity
Opal is said to help one tap into their creative side, aiding in artistic pursuits.
5. Increasing Intuition
Wearing Opal is believed to increase intuition and psychic abilities, allowing one to access more profound levels of understanding.
How To Use Opal?
If you’re looking for ways to bring the energies of Opal into your life, here are some suggestions:
1. Wear it.
Opal can be set in jewelry and worn. Wearing a piece of Opal close to you is said to bring its healing qualities into your life.
2. Meditate with it.
Sitting with an opal while meditating can help bring the gemstone’s energies into your meditation practice.
3. Place it in your home.
Placing an opal somewhere in your home is said to bring its energies into the space and create a calming atmosphere.
4. Carry it with you.
Carrying a piece of Opal with you can help call upon its healing properties throughout the day.
How To Cleanse Opal?
It’s important to cleanse Opal regularly to keep its energies strong and vibrant. There are a few simple ways you can do this:
1. Place it in the moonlight.
Placing an opal under the light of a full or new moon is believed to help cleanse and recharge its energies.
2. Hold it under running water.
Holding an opal under running water for a few minutes can also help clear any negative energies from it.
3. Smudge with sage.
Burning sage and wafting the smoke around an opal can help clear away any residual negativity.
4. Place it in a bowl of sea salt.
Placing an opal in a bowl of sea salt overnight is said to draw out negative energies and cleanse it.
5. Bury it in the earth.
Burying an opal in the ground for a few days is believed to help cleanse and recharge it.
It’s important to take good care of your Opal by cleansing it regularly. Doing so will ensure that its energies remain strong and vibrant. With proper care, an opal can be used for many years to come!
The Magical Powers Of Opal
Opal is not only physically and spiritually beautiful, but it is also said to have a variety of magical powers, including:
1. Protection
Opal is believed to protect its wearer from harm and negative energies.
2. Enhancing Psychic Powers
Opal is known as a “stone of clairvoyance,” meaning that it can help enhance one’s psychic powers when used correctly.
3. Increasing Luck & Good Fortune
Wearing Opal is said to bring luck and good fortune into one’s life.
4. Balancing Emotions
Opal can be used to balance emotions and also promote positive energy throughout the body.
5. Manifesting Dreams
Opal is said to help manifest dreams, bringing them into reality with its powerful energies.
Where should I place my Opal crystal?
The best place to keep your opal crystal is somewhere close to you. This could be in a pocket or near a bedside table so that it can work its magic on you and bring its energies into your life. Keeping an opal in the bedroom is said to help promote restful sleep and relaxation.
You may also like to keep your opal crystal near a window or in the living room, as it is believed to bring positive vibes and energy into a space. If you’re looking for an even more powerful effect, try placing your opal crystal on an altar or sacred space. This can help amplify its energies and give you access to its magical powers.
No matter where you choose to keep your opal crystal, it is important to ensure that it is kept clean and safe. Keeping it away from harsh elements such as heat or direct sunlight will help ensure that its energies are not depleted and remain strong and vibrant.
Other Opal Varieties
In addition to the traditional Opal, a few other varieties can be used in crystal healing. These include:
1. Fire Opal
This type of Opal is known for its vibrant and fiery colors, ranging from yellow to orange and red. Fire opal has powerful energies that are associated with creativity and passion.
2. White Opal
White Opal is a stone of peace and tranquility. It can help restore balance and harmony to a person’s life and is also said to promote spiritual growth.
3. Black Opal
Black Opal has protective energies that are believed to shield its wearer from negative energies and ill will. It is said to bring luck, good fortune, and success.
4. Boulder Opal
This type of Opal has strong grounding energies that can help its wearer stay connected to the earth and its environment. Boulder opal is also said to be a powerful tool for manifesting one’s dreams into reality.
No matter which type of Opal you choose, it is important to remember that each one has its own unique powers and energies. Take the time to explore them all and find the one that resonates most with you.
FAQs
What are the benefits of opal gemstones?
Opal can not only help with your physical health by treating fevers and boosting your immune system, but it can also improve your emotional well-being. It is great for promoting balance, amplifying positive energy, and helping you to work through challenges with clarity.
Who can wear an opal?
Opal is a highly recommended gemstone for someone going through the Mahadasha or Antardasha of Venus (Shukra) in their horoscope, according to Indian astrology. Opal birthstone is recommended for the Libra sign by Western astrology.
After wearing Opal, what will happen?
The Opal is a gemstone that, when worn, supposedly turns the wearer into a more loving and affectionate person. It is also said to increase mutual understanding between couples and love in general. Some believe that wearing an opal can lead to peace and satisfaction in life. This gemstone is known for opening the spiritual third eye of the wearer.
Who should not wear white opal jewelry?
Superstitions says that if you weren’t born in October, you shouldn’t wear Opal. Also, opals should never be gifted or accepted as gifts because it’s bad luck. If the natural gemstone is gifted anyway, the curse can be negated by giving the giver a small amount of money (making it more like a financial transaction).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the October birthstone – Opal is a magnificent stone with a wide variety of colors and unique physical properties. This gemstone has many healing properties that have been known to aid in emotional and physical stress relief. Opals can be worn as jewelry or carried around in a purse or pocket, and they make wonderful gifts for October babies! Do you own any opal jewelry?