Changeable October
Opal is the birthstone for the month of October.
Different names
The name opal is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone,” and later the Greek derivative “Opallios,” meaning “to see a change of color.
Australia’s most loved
Opal is considered to be the national gemstone for Australia, 97% of the world's entire supply of opal gemstones are produced in Australia.
Three Types
Opals can be divided into three main subgroups: precious opal, fire opal and common opal (potch).
Stone of confidence
Opal stone strengthens its wearer marital concord, confidence, beauty, good health, love and prosperity.
Water base
Many believe that opal is formed when water from rain seeps down into crevasses in the rock. When the water evaporates, the silica that is left behind dries out and hardens into precious opal.
Tears of Zeus
The ancient Greeks believed that opals were formed from the tears of joy wept by Zeus when he defeated the titans, and that the opal bestowed prophetic powers.
