Opal meaning
Opal meaning: the shimmering stone of creativity, emotion and inspiration in tradition, with ritual uses, love lore and care for the October birthstone.
- Colour
- Milky white or dark with flashes of color
- Chakra
- Crown and sacral
- Zodiac signs
- Libra, Scorpio
Meaning
Opal is hydrated silica, a stone that holds water inside its structure, and its famous play of color comes from tiny spheres that scatter light into flashes of red, green and blue. Australia produces most of the world's precious opal. Roman writers praised it as a gem that held the colors of all others, and some Aboriginal Australian stories link opal with a rainbow touching the earth. It is the birthstone for October. In crystal tradition opal is a stone of creativity, inspiration and emotional expression, linked with the crown and sacral chakras. Many people use it when they want to let feelings flow into art, or when they are rediscovering joy and playfulness.
Ways to use it
- Keep it in your studio or creative corner for inspiration
- Hold it while you journal through a big feeling
- Wear it on days you want to express more of your personality
In love
Opal is traditionally associated with passion, desire and emotional honesty. Many people use it to explore feelings they find hard to name, or to bring more color and spontaneity to a relationship. It is also a traditional gift for a fourteenth wedding anniversary and is linked with love that celebrates each partner's quirks.
Cleansing and care
Opal contains water and is fairly soft, so do not soak it, especially doublets and triplets, which can separate. Wipe it with a soft damp cloth. Keep it away from heat, harsh chemicals and long periods of strong sunlight or very dry air, which can cause crazing. Store it padded and separate.
Often paired with
Crystal meanings describe tradition and belief. They are not a substitute for care from a qualified professional.
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Questions people ask
Is opal an unlucky stone?
The idea that opal is unlucky largely traces to a nineteenth-century novel by Sir Walter Scott, which some say hurt opal sales for decades. In most older traditions opal was seen as a fortunate, hopeful stone. Today many people wear it happily as their birthstone.
What is the difference between white and black opal?
White opal has a light base color with flashes of color on top, while black opal has a dark base that makes its colors look especially vivid. Black opal from Lightning Ridge in Australia is among the most prized. Both share the same traditional meanings.