October is home to one of the most mesmerizing birthstones of all: opal. At Lilliane’s Jewelry, we love watching clients in our Leawood showroom tilt an opal back and forth, discovering new flashes of color they hadn’t noticed a moment before.
Nature's Fireworks
What makes opal so extraordinary is a phenomenon called play-of-color. Unlike most gemstones, which get their color from mineral impurities, opal is made of microscopic silica spheres arranged in a grid pattern. When light passes through these spheres, it diffracts into flashes of rainbow color that shift as the stone moves.
A Stone of Many Faces
Opals come in several distinct varieties. White and light opals have a pale background with colorful flashes, while black opals, prized for their dark body tone, make those flashes appear even more vivid. Fire opals from Mexico glow in warm orange and red tones, often without any play-of-color at all, valued instead for their vibrant transparency.
A Long and Storied Past
Opal has been treasured since antiquity; the ancient Romans considered it a symbol of hope and purity, second in value only to emerald. Its unlucky reputation is a more modern myth, largely traced back to a 19th-century novel, and has little basis in older traditions where opal was seen as a good omen.
Caring for Your Opal
Opal ranks just 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and contains a small amount of water within its structure, making it more delicate than many other gemstones. Extreme dryness can cause opal to crack over time, so it should be kept away from prolonged heat and direct sunlight, and never cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.
Lilliane’s Tip: Because opal is soft and sensitive to knocks, it shines best in earrings, pendants, and other pieces that see gentler wear. If you do choose an opal ring, a protective bezel setting helps guard the edges from everyday bumps.
Quick Facts About Opal
- Mohs Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5
- Color Range: White, black, and fire, each with possible rainbow play-of-color
- Symbolism: Hope, creativity, and inspiration
- Zodiac Connection: Libra and Scorpio
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it true that opals are bad luck?
A: No, this is a modern myth traced back to a 19th-century novel. Historically, opal was considered a symbol of hope and good fortune.
Q: Can I wear my opal every day?
A: Opal can be worn regularly, but because it is softer and more sensitive to dryness than many gemstones, we recommend avoiding activities like swimming, cleaning, or heavy manual work while wearing it.
Visit Us in Leawood
If you were born in October or are drawn to opal’s ever-changing beauty, we invite you to visit our Leawood showroom to see this magical gem catch the light in person.
