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Crystal meanings
Opal: meaning, traditions and care
Opal is hydrated silica, made of tiny spheres that split light into colour, usually white, black or crystal with flashes of every colour ('play of colour'). In modern crystal tradition it is linked with creativity and hope. At 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale it is hard enough for everyday handling and jewellery.
Key facts
| Opal | |
|---|---|
| What it is | Hydrated silica, made of tiny spheres that split light into colour |
| Colour | White, black or crystal with flashes of every colour ('play of colour') |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5.5–6.5 |
| Typical sources | Australia (most of the world's precious opal) and Ethiopia |
| Chakra (tradition) | Crown and sacral |
| Star signs (tradition) | Libra and Cancer |
| Birthstone | October |
History and folklore
- Walter Scott's 1829 novel Anne of Geierstein helped give opal a reputation for bad luck; Queen Victoria's love of opals helped turn that round.
- Opal is the birthstone for October.
Traditional meaning
In modern crystal tradition opal is associated with creativity and hope; October birthstone. These ideas mostly come from twentieth-century crystal books, built on older folklore. We share them as tradition and for personal meaning, not as health or medical claims.
Zodiac and chakra associations
Crystal writers link opal with Libra and Cancer, and with the sacral chakra and crown chakra. Lists differ between books, so treat these as starting points.
How to care for opal
Opal contains water and can crack if it dries out or changes temperature quickly. Avoid hot water, ultrasonic cleaners and long spells in hot sun. Wipe it with a damp cloth.
Store it in a soft pouch or a lined box, apart from harder stones such as quartz, which could scratch it.
Choosing opal
- Look for even colour that suits you; natural opal varies from piece to piece.
- Ask whether a piece is dyed, treated or reconstituted. Honest sellers say so.
- Pick tumbled stones for carrying, larger pieces for display and set jewellery for wearing.
Good companions
Opal is often paired with Opalite, Moonstone and Clear quartz.
Shop opal
Questions answered
What is opal?
Opal is hydrated silica, made of tiny spheres that split light into colour. It is usually white, black or crystal with flashes of every colour ('play of colour').
What does opal mean?
In modern crystal tradition it is linked with creativity and hope; October birthstone. This is tradition and belief, not a health claim.
Can opal go in water?
Best not. Opal contains water and can crack if it dries out or changes temperature quickly.
Which star signs is opal linked with?
Libra and Cancer, in modern crystal tradition.
Where does opal come from?
Mainly Australia (most of the world's precious opal) and Ethiopia.
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