Precious Opal
Crystal Properties:
Colour: Displays a full spectrum of colours, including white, black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. This phenomenon is known as "play of colour."
Chemical Composition: Hydrated silicon dioxide.
Hardness: Ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Transparency: Ranges from transparent to opaque.
Lustre: Vitreous to resinous.
Historical and Geological Background:
Precious Opal is famed for its vibrant play of color, caused by the diffraction of light by silica spheres within its structure. Opals were treasured by ancient monarchs as symbols of foresight and prophecy. The majority of today's precious opal supply comes from Australia, which accounts for 95% of the world's production. Other notable sources include Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil. Historically, opals have been associated with luck, magic, and mysticism.
Metaphysical Associations:
Chakra: Generally associated with all chakras, particularly the crown chakra, due to its ability to enhance psychic and mystical visions.
Element: Water, reflecting its hydrating components and its enhancement of emotional states.
Planet: Venus, emphasizing its beauty and connection to love and passion.
Zodiac Sign: Cancer, Libra, and Scorpio, linking it to deep emotions and transformative energies.
Numerology: Resonates with the number 8, symbolizing wealth, abundance, and spiritual enlightenment.
Healing and Therapeutic Uses:
Emotional Healing: Known for intensifying emotions and releasing inhibitions, it encourages both freedom and independence.
Physical Healing: Traditionally used to treat infections and fevers, enhance memory function, and purify blood and kidneys.
Mental Clarity: Aids in expressing one’s true self, enhancing qualities of loyalty and faithfulness.
Spiritual and Esoteric Uses:
Enhancing Visions: Facilitates mystical and psychic visions, enhancing meditation and clearing the aura.
Energy Amplification: As a stone of manifestation, it is used to amplify thoughts and desires, bringing them into reality.
Emotional and Mental Aspects:
Stress Relief: Provides comfort and tranquillity, particularly useful in soothing troubled minds and calming nerves.
Creativity Booster: Inspires originality and boosts creativity, making it ideal for artists, writers, and creatives.
Numerology:
Numerological Significance: The vibrational energy of the number 8 in opals helps to foster abundance and self-power, aiding in spiritual and material accumulation.
Additional Properties:
Interpersonal Connections: Strengthens interpersonal connections, enhancing emotional security and fostering loyalty.
Protective Qualities: Offers a protective shield, deflecting negative energies and enhancing personal safety.