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Opal is a mineraloid (not a mineral, as it lacks a crystalline structure) composed of hydrated silica, meaning it contains a variable amount of water. It is categorised into two main types: Precious Opal, which exhibits the phenomenal "play-of-colour" (iridescence) due to the diffraction of light through its internal structure of silica spheres, and Common Opal, which does not. The colour ranges from black, white, and grey to vivid reds, greens, and blues. It possesses a vitreous to waxy lustre. Australia is the world's primary source, and it is a popular and precious choice for all forms of jewellery.

Opal is known as the "Stone of Amplification and Hope." It is a highly sensitive stone that absorbs and reflects energy, including the wearer's thoughts and emotions, making it a powerful tool for inner work. It is believed to amplify traits and characteristics, bringing them to the surface for transformation and healing. Opal enhances cosmic consciousness, creativity, and spontaneity, and is a protective stone that aids in spiritual awareness and intuition. It is also historically considered a stone of luck, hope, and purity.

Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale (it is a soft stone and susceptible to scratching and temperature changes due to its water content).

Chakra: Varies significantly by colour (e.g., Black Opal for the Root, White Opal for the Crown), but generally works to align and balance the entire system.

Zodiac Sign: Libra, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. It is also the traditional birthstone for October.

Benefits: Amplifies energy and emotional states, enhances creativity, spontaneity, and originality, promotes emotional balance and stability by bringing issues to the surface, aids in spiritual awareness and intuition, and encourages hope, purity, and optimism.

Source: Australia (producing over 90% of the world's precious opal), Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, USA.

How to use Opal

Place it in your home: Keep a piece in a creative space to inspire originality and enthusiasm, or in a quiet area to promote serenity and peace.

Meditate with it: Hold the stone during meditation to enhance cosmic consciousness and access spiritual insights. Be mindful of your emotional state, as the stone will amplify it.

Carry it: Keep a piece in your pocket or bag to draw on its protective energy, which shields against negativity and encourages a light-hearted approach to life.

Wear it: As jewellery (a pendant close to the heart is powerful) for continuous access to its emotional balancing and creativity-boosting vibration. Due to its softness, opals are best worn carefully.

Use for inner work: Use the stone when engaged in deep self-reflection or therapy, as it helps to recognise and process suppressed emotions, leading to emotional maturity and resilience.