Opal
Stone of Angelic Energy
A guide for the history, meaning, metaphysical uses, purposes, crystal healing, and properties of the Seraphic Opal.
History of the Stone
This fascinating and truly nonpareil stone has captivated many throughout history. Pliny the Elder thought of it as a stone that was, actually, a medley of many precious gems, such as rubies, amethysts, and emeralds. Opal was ranked very highly by the Romans along with Emerald. Opal was so prized by Romans that some would rather face punishment from the state than relinquish the stone. Roman senator Nonius was cast into exile after refusing to surrender his prized opal (worth two million sesterces, or twenty-thousand gold coins in Roman times). Marcus Nonius is said to have inspired the film “Gladiator” and his tomb was unearthed decades ago. By the medieval period, it became known as the “lucky” stone. A lot of opal was exported from Mexico to Spain. Opal can be found in many Aztec carvings and many gems are engraved. In Europe, many localities exist in Hungary. Since ancient times, Hungary was known have a vast wealth of opal ready to be mined, cut, and sold. Despite this, Opal tends to have minor flaws in it.
Scientific Information
Opal Pronunciation: /opəl/ or /oʊpəl/ (o-puhl or oa-puhl)
Opal Misspellings: Opil
Hardness: 5-6
Lustre: Vitreous
Crystal System: Amorphous
Etymology: Either the Latin word for it, Opalus, or Sanskrit Upala
Location: Global
Opal is a silicate stone that can consist of up to 20% water, all trapped inside. Being a very bright, colorful stone, it was held in high regard by some cultures, including Romans and Bedouins.
Metaphysical Properties
Documentation and reports of opal's properties are as old as time. In many ways, it's like you have a bouquet of beautiful stones. Mirroring this, properties are plentiful and powerful, as it is in full supply of Earthen and Astral energy.
- Stone for Astral Energy
- Stone for Earthen Energy
- Stone for Third Eye
- Stone for Enlightenment
The Wrap Up
Opal is legendary, gorgeous, and has a multitude of metaphysical properties that many enjoy. People often employ it on supernatural journeys to help them gain insight on potential growth.
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Crystals and gemstones are nature's true beauties, but they are not a substitute for seeking professional medical, legal, health, or financial advice. Crystals and gemstones are to be used in conjunction with any professional care you are receiving and do not provide healing, cures, or other remedies modern medicine can provide. The information provided in our listings with regard to the powers of crystals and gemstones are all derived from personal & professional experience with crystals & gems as well as ancient wisdom and texts documenting knowledge gained from civilizations around the world. They are not backed by the FDA or scientific/government resources. Our crystals & gemstones are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or malady. Our crystals and gemstones are also not a replacement for seeking professional legal advice, financial advising, or any other field of professional expertise. Crystals and gemstones are intended to be appreciated for their natural power and beauty, and used alongside modern, professional methods.
Sources
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7675633.stm
King, Charles William. The Natural History of Gems Or Decorative Stones. United Kingdom, Bell & Daldy, 1867.
Ball, Sydney Hobart. A Roman Book on Precious Stones: Including an English Modernization of the 37th Booke of the Historie of the World. United States, Gemological Institute of America, 1950.
Rapp, George R.. Archaeomineralogy. Germany, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2013.