Opal Crystal: Crystal for Good Luck and Happiness

(Last Updated On: 2nd Jan, 2023)

Known for its unique beauty, find out what opal crystal means and how it can contribute towards your happiness.

Opal crystal is a type of semi-precious stone that is popular for its unique beauty and color.” Opal is derived from the Latin word ‘opalus‘, which means ‘precious stone’.

The name opal was first used in print by Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist, who described it as a gem that was “most like to the eyes of a young child.”

Opals are found all over the world, but most commonly in Australia. Australian opals are prized for their beauty and uniqueness. They come in a wide variety of colors, including white, black, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, and red.

It has been used in jewelry for centuries. It is said to be the birthstone for October, and is also associated with the zodiac sign Pisces. Opal is thought to bring good luck, love, and happiness.

They are delicate stones and should be handled with care. They should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or cleaners. Should an opal become dull or chipped, it can usually be repaired by a professional jeweler.

Opalite vs Opal

Opalite and opal crystal are often compared. In this section, we will explore what are their differences and commonalities.

The main difference between opalite vs opal is their formation process. While opal forms through the gradual deposition of silica molecules in water, resulting in its characteristic porosity, opalite is a solid stone with no pores. Additionally, opals can contain up to 20% water whereas opalite is typically around 98% quartz. This means that opals are more fragile and susceptible to damage from heat or direct sunlight than opalite.

Opalite is a semiprecious gemstone found in a wide range of colors. It is often mistaken for opal, but it is actually a type of quartz. Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, so opalite is relatively inexpensive compared to other gemstones.

Opalite has a vitreous luster and ranges from translucent to opaque in clarity. The stone gets its name from its play-of-color, which can resemble that of opals. However, opalite does not have the same color range as opals; it is usually white or pale blue with shades of green or yellow. The best quality stones are said to be those with strong rainbow hues. Opalite typically forms in sedimentary rocks such as sandstone and shale.

Opalite is sometimes also called, hence opal moonstone, although true moonstone crystal is a different gemstone entirely. Both stones have a similar appearance and share the property of fluorescence (meaning they glow under ultraviolet light). However, moonstone typically has a soft blue or pale pink color, while opalite can be any color imaginable.

Due to its low cost and easy availability, opalite is a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative uses. It is often used as an accent stone in rings, pendants, and earrings. Opalite is considered a birthstone for October, making it an ideal gift for Cancerians and Pisces.

The main difference between opalite and opal is their formation process while opal forms through the gradual deposition of silica molecules in water, resulting in its characteristic porosity. Opalite is a solid stone with no pores and typically around 98% quartz.

Additionally, opals can contain up to 20% water whereas opalite is not absorbent. As a result, opals are more fragile and susceptible to damage from heat or direct sunlight.

Types of Opal Crystals

There are many different types of opal crystals, each with its own unique set of properties. The most common include:

Crystal Opal

These opals are mostly transparent or translucent and have a striking play-of-color. They are found in a number of different countries, including Australia, Brazil and the United States. Crystal opals typically display a range of colors, making them quite popular with gemstone collectors.

Fire Opal

They got their name from their fiery red, orange or yellow coloration. They are typically found in Brazil and Mexico and make up a relatively small portion of the overall market for opals. While they lack the play-of-color seen in precious opals, fire opals can still be quite beautiful and are valued for their unique hue.

Green Opal

Green opal is a variety of silica that contains a small amount of water within its structure. It is an opaque, green-colored gemstone that has been used in jewelry for centuries. The benefits of green opal are numerous.

For one, green opal is said to have calming properties and to soothe the emotions. It is also believed to promote self-love, healing heartache, and romantic love relationships. In addition, green opal is thought to stimulate creativity and bring good luck. Furthermore, this gemstone is said to relieve stress, induce relaxation, and promote restful sleep.

It is also known for its ability to attract wealth and abundance. It is said to help manifest one’s desires and dreams, as well as increase business success. Other benefits of green opal include increased fertility, improved digestion, relief from menstrual cramps, and protection against negative energy.

The value of green opal is normally judged by its color, transparency, and size. The more intense the color is, the more valuable the stone will be. Transparent green opal is also quite valuable but it is much less common to find than translucent or opaque stones. The size of the stone plays a role in its value as well; large stones are always worth more than smaller ones. Smaller stones might be cut into beads or used as accents in jewelry whereas larger stones are usually cut into cabochons or faceted gemstones.

Boulder Opal

As the name suggests, boulder opals are found as large boulders that contain veins or patches of opal running through them. The host rock is usually ironstone, which gives boulder opals their characteristic reddish hue. Most Boulder opals come from Australia and they make up a significant portion of the country’s overall production.

Black Opal

Black opals are some of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world. They have a dark body color (hence the name) and an exceptionally bright play-of-color. Most black opals come from Australia, but small deposits have also been found in Ethiopia and Honduras.

White Opal

White opals are the most common type of precious opal. They have a white or light background color and a play-of-color that can include any hue in the spectrum. White opals are found in Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia and Honduras.

Type II Opal

Type II opals are a relatively new discovery and they differ from other opals in their chemical composition. Instead of being composed of silicon dioxide, type II opals contain a significant amount of water (up to 20%). This gives them a softer, more pliable texture than other types of opal and can also make them more difficult to cut and polish. Type II opals have only been found in very small deposits in Ethiopia and Australia.

Opalized Wood

Opalized wood is a type of petrified wood that has been replaced by opal. It typically has a colorful play-of-color and is quite popular with gemstone collectors. Small deposits of opalized wood have been found in a number of different countries, including the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Benefits of Opal Crystals

Opal crystals are some of the most beautiful gemstones in the world. They come in a wide variety of colors, and each one is unique. Some people collect opals because they are simply beautiful, while others may collect them for more spiritual reasons. Here are some of the top reasons to collect opal crystals:

Promotes positive energy

Opal crystals have long been associated with good luck and fortune. If you’re looking to attract positive energy into your life, then collecting opal crystals can be a great way to do it.

Boosts self-confidence

Wearing or carrying an opal crystal is known to help to boost your self-confidence. This is because opals represent strength and power. If you’re looking to feel more confident in yourself, then collecting these stones is a great way to do it.

Promotes creativity

If you are hoping to tap into your creative side, then opals can be very helpful. These stones are known for promoting creativity, so if you’re hoping to get those creative juices flowing, then collecting opals is a great way to do it.

Relieves stress and anxiety

If you are looking for a way to reduce stress in your life, then collecting opal crystals can be very beneficial. The soothing colors of these stones are known for helping to calm and relax the mind, which can lead to less stress overall.

Improves healing

Opal crystals have long been used as a healing stone. If you are looking to promote healing in your life, then collecting these stones is a great way to do it.

Makes excellent crystal grids

Crystal grids are a great way to amplify the energy of your stones. If you’re looking to create a powerful grid, then including opal crystals is a great way to do it.

Beautiful jewelry

In addition to being beautiful stones, opals also make stunning jewelry. If you’re looking for unique and beautiful jewelry, then collecting opal crystals is a great way to do it.

Relatively affordable

Opal crystals are actually quite affordable, especially when compared to other gemstones. If you’re on a budget but still want to collect beautiful stones, then opals are a great option.

Easy to find

These days, it’s easier than ever to find high-quality opal crystals. You can find them online or at local gemstone shops.

Opals are a great way to get started in the world of collecting gemstones: If you’re new to the world of collecting gemstones, then opals are a great place to start. They’re easy to find, relatively affordable, and very beautiful.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to collect opal crystals. No matter what your reason is, these stones make a wonderful addition to any collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are looking to add opal crystals to your collection, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about its meaning, properties, and healing benefits.

What are opals?

Opals are a type of gemstone found in a number of different colors, but typically with a white or light background. They are composed of tiny spheres of silica deposits that diffract light to create a play-of-color effect. Precious opals display all the colors of the spectrum and tend to be very valuable. Common opal, on the other hand, often lacks this range of color and is less expensive.

What are the physical properties of opals?

Opals generally have good physical properties, making them suitable for use in a wide range of jewelry applications. They are relatively hard (5.5-6.5 on the Mohs Scale) and have a specific gravity that ranges from 1.98 to 2.38.

Precious opals also have a unique property known as diffraction, which results in their characteristic play-of-color effect. This occurs when light waves bounce off the tiny spheres of silica that make up an opal and are then split into their component colors by our eyesight.

How are opals formed?

Opals are typically formed in ancient sedimentary rocks that have been subjected to high temperatures and pressure. This can happen either through natural processes (e.g., the heat generated by a volcanic eruption) or through human activity (e.g., when oil and gas deposits are mined). As the rocks are altered, water-rich fluids move through them, depositing small spheres of silica along the way. Over time, these spheres bind together to form an opal crystal.

What are the uses of opals?

Opals have a number of different uses, both practical and decorative. They are perhaps best known for their use in jewelry, where they can be cut into a variety of different shapes and set into everything from rings to necklaces.

Opals are also used in industry for applications such as abrasives and polishing compounds. And, because of their unique diffraction properties, opals are sometimes used in optical devices like cameras and microscopes.

What are the most common opal treatments?

The most common treatment for opals is known as “potch” or “seed” filling. This involves injecting a clear substance (typically resin or glass) into small fissures and cracks in the gemstone.

The potch fills these voids and helps to stabilize the opal, making it less likely to crack or chip. It also enhances the play-of-color by diffracting light more efficiently. Potch-filled opals are typically quite durable and can be worn without fear of damage.

What is the difference between precious and common opal?

Precious opal is composed of tiny spheres of silica that diffract light to create a play-of-color effect, while common opal does not exhibit this property. Precious opals tend to be much more valuable than common opals, although both can be found in a wide range of colors.

Summary

Whether you are looking for a unique gift for someone special, or simply hoping to add a touch of beauty to your own jewelry collection, opal crystal is definitely worth considering.