Common Opal
Crystal Properties:
Colour: Common opal displays a broad range of colours, including white, cream, pink, tan, brown, grey, and black, without the characteristic 'play of colour' seen in precious opals.
Chemical Composition: Hydrated silicon dioxide.
Hardness: Ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Transparency: Generally opaque, though some specimens can be slightly translucent.
Lustre: Waxy to dull.
Historical and Geological Background:
Common opal, also known as potch, is found in various locations around the world, including Australia, Mexico, the United States, and Brazil. Unlike precious opal, common opal does not exhibit the play of color but is valued for its subdued beauty and range of body colors. Historically, opals have been used as talismans and protective stones, believed to ward off evil and illness.
Metaphysical Associations:
Chakra: Associated with the root chakra, supporting grounding and connection to the earth.
Element: Water, as it helps to promote emotional healing and fluidity of feelings.
Planet: Moon, which enhances its calming and soothing properties.
Zodiac Sign: Cancer, due to its nurturing and protective qualities.
Numerology: Often associated with the number 3, symbolizing creativity, communication, and community.
Healing and Therapeutic Uses:
Emotional Support: Common opal is known for its soothing and supportive energy, which can help calm the emotional body and alleviate stress.
Physical Wellbeing: It is believed to strengthen the will to live, enhance digestion, and improve water balance in the body.
Mental Relief: Provides mental relief and assists in overcoming fatigue and exhaustion.
Spiritual and Esoteric Uses:
Grounding: Enhances grounding, especially useful for those who need to stabilize their energy and connect more deeply with physical life.
Emotional Cleansing: Useful in emotional cleansing, helping to clear old emotional wounds and fostering emotional recovery.
Emotional and Mental Aspects:
Stress Reduction: Offers a calming presence that reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation, enhancing emotional resilience.
Self-awareness: Encourages self-awareness and personal introspection, aiding individuals in understanding their intrinsic emotional patterns.
Numerology:
Numerological Significance: The number 3 brings creativity, joy, and social interaction into play, aligning with common opal’s nurturing properties.
Additional Properties:
Creative Expression: Encourages creative expression and can help unlock artistic abilities, particularly in those who feel blocked or uninspired.
Social Harmony: Assists in creating harmonious social environments, promoting understanding and cooperation among groups.