Meaning & Healing Properties
Quick Facts
- Mineral Family: Hydrous Silica (Amorphous)
- Hardness: 5.5 – 6.5 (Mohs Scale)
- Vibration: High / Number 8
- Primary Chakra: All (Varies by color), specifically Crown (Corona)
- Zodiac: Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, and Pisces
- Birthstone: October
- Element: Water
- Key Mantra: "I am a kaleidoscope of light, expressing my true self in every color."
✨ Amura Tip
The "Emotional Amplifier": Opal is a highly absorbent and reflective stone. It acts like a mirror for your current state of being. If you are in a high-vibration, positive mood, Opal will amplify that joy and manifest it into your day. However, because it picks up what you put out, it is best not to wear it on days when you are feeling particularly angry or resentful, as it may intensify those feelings instead of soothing them.
1. Introduction: What is Opal?
Opal is a unique "mineraloid" rather than a crystal, as it lacks a traditional crystalline structure. It is composed of tiny silica spheres and contains up to 20% water. Its famous "play of color" is caused by light diffracting between these spheres, creating flashes of fire, neon blue, and golden green. Historically, it has been seen as a stone of magic because it appears to contain all other gemstones within its shifting colors.
2. The Spiritual & Healing Meaning
Opal is a stone of inspiration and seduction. It is deeply connected to the emotions and the subconscious mind.
Emotional & Mental Benefits
- Freedom of Expression: It encourages you to be your authentic self, breaking down the walls of "perfectionism" and allowing your inner fire to shine.
- Emotional Release: Opal helps to surface old emotional patterns and "clutter," allowing you to process and release them forever.
- Creativity: Known as a stone for artists and dreamers, it sparks original thoughts and helps you tap into "cosmic" inspiration.
Metaphysical Properties
- Spiritual Vision: It is used to induce psychic visions and to stabilize the connection between the physical body and the astral body.
- Karmic Reflection: Opal reminds us that "what we put out, we get back," teaching the wearer about the laws of cause and effect.
3. Physical Healing Properties
In lithotherapy, Opal is associated with:
- The Blood & Kidneys: Believed to help purify the blood and support the body's insulin production.
- Eye Health: Historically used to strengthen the eyes and provide clarity to those with failing vision.
- Childbirth: Often used to alleviate the discomfort of PMS and to provide emotional support during childbirth.
4. History & Lore: The Queen of Gems
- Ancient Rome: The Romans called it Opalus and considered it the most powerful gem because it carried the colors of every other stone.
- The "Unlucky" Myth: In the 1800s, a popular novel (Anne of Geierstein) falsely portrayed Opal as unlucky, causing its popularity to plummet for decades. This was a myth; for thousands of years prior, it was considered the luckiest of all stones.
- Arabic Legend: Ancient Arabs believed that Opals fell from the sky in flashes of lightning, which gave them their fiery "play of color."
5. How to Use & Place Opal
- For Self-Confidence: Wear an Opal ring or pendant to help you feel comfortable in social situations and to attract positive attention.
- In the Studio: Keep a piece of White or Fire Opal in your creative space to prevent "creative droughts."
- During Meditation: Hold a Black or Boulder Opal to help ground your energy while exploring the deeper reaches of your subconscious mind.
6. Care, Cleaning & Charging
- Cleansing: Use a soft, dry cloth. WARNING: Opal is very sensitive to chemicals, perfumes, and sudden temperature changes.
- Charging: Opal is a Water stone. To recharge it, place it in a bowl of distilled water for a few hours (or overnight) under the light of a Full Moon.
- Important Note: Opals are "soft" and can dry out. If an Opal loses its water content, it can "craze" (develop tiny cracks). Avoid wearing them in very dry or hot environments for long periods.
7. Opal FAQ
- Is it okay to get Opal wet? Yes! In fact, most Opals (except for "Hydrophane" Ethiopian Opals) love moisture. Keeping them in water occasionally can help maintain their color.
- What is "Doublet" or "Triplet" Opal? These are thin slices of real Opal glued to a darker backing. They are beautiful but much more sensitive to water and heat than "Solid" Opals.
- Can I wear Opal every day? Yes, but be careful. Because it is relatively soft (5.5–6.5), it shouldn't be worn during heavy physical activity or while doing household chores.