Opal - The October Birthstone

Birthstones
Precious stones are held in high estimation for generations because of their beauty as well as protective powers. Specific gemstones assigned to each month of the year are known as the birthstones. This concept is prevalent since many centuries. Wearing jewelry containing birthstones is believed to bring good luck to the wearer. There are mixed conceptions about the properties of opal all over the world. In some parts of the world, it is considered unlucky, while in other parts it is a treasured precious stone.

Opal - The October Birthstone
Opal, the October birthstone, is also the anniversary gem of 14th and 18th year of marriage. It is the birthstone of Libra, the seventh Zodiac sign. Opal is found in a variety of colors like red, yellow, green, orange, blue, indigo, etc. This precious stone is also found in transparent, white and black variety. An opal flashes rainbow like colors when viewed in different angles. The reddish opal having multi-colored patches is known as Harlequin opal. The lustrous opals reflecting light are the rare, precious ones. Common opals have a milky appearance.

Opal has derived its name from the Latin word opalus, meaning precious stone. Another considered possibility is that the name is derived from the Sanskrit word upala, also meaning precious stone. Opal is a form of non-crystallized silica. It is found in the places where hot water springs existed in the past. When these springs dried up, silica combined with water forming opal. Opal contains 30% of water and is relatively soft. It reflects as well as refracts light.

As opal was known since olden times, there are many myths and legends associated with it. It was called Opthalmius as it was believed to improve eyesight. A legend about the source of opal is that it directly fell on the Earth during lightning. In ancient India, an opal was rubbed across a person's brow to strengthen his memory. Romans called opal cupid paederos, which means child as beautiful as love. In Greece, opal was believed to possess powers of prophecy. Therefore, opal was treasured by monarchs and rulers equally for its beauty as well as powers.

Properties of Opal
Opal, being the October birthstone, is recommended mostly to only those born in this month. It is believed to conduct energies of the planet Venus, the ruling planet of Libra. Opal is considered to strengthen eyesight. Innocence, purity and hope are the significant properties of opal. Opal has protective powers to ward off evil and nightmares. Qualities like confidence, happiness, loyalty and faithfulness are generated in the wearer. Opal radiates powerful positive energy and helps in dispelling fear. It also enhances dreams, insights and imagination. It is well-known for its healing powers relating to eye problems. There is also a superstition that opal proves unlucky for the person wearing it if it is not his birthstone.

Pink Tourmaline, the alternate October birthstone, is also a beautiful and distinctive gemstone. It is found in nearly all shades of pink and is believed to generate creative powers in the wearer.

Opal is found in southern Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Czechoslovakia and the US. Opal is used in a lot of fashion jewelry. Choosing opal jewelry can be a confusing as well as exciting task as opal is available in numerous colors. Although, it must be protected against heat as it can crack. The colorful opal is considered to bring good luck as it contains virtues of the all the colors present in its spectrum. As it is a symbol of faithfulness, jewelry containing opal is a right gift for those born in October.