Birthstone for October

Mohs hardness 5.5 - 6
Mineral Class - Quartz group
Symbol – Hope

It is also the recognized gift for the 14th wedding anniversary.

Alternate Birthstones: Pink Tourmaline and Rose Zircon

Because opals encompassed the colors of all other gems ancient Romans called the opal the Queen of Gems. No two opals are alike and they occurs in different body colors, ranging from semi-transparent to opaque. White opal is the most common while most valued variety, black opal, has a dark blue, gray, or black body color. Fire opal are bright orange, yellow, or red opal which are different from the other varieties of opal. Crystal opal is clear with glints of swimming color while Boulder opal is black opal with some of the ironstone in which it occurs.

The shifting colors seen in opal, called "fire," are the result of microscopic spherical structures within the stone which reflect different wavelengths of light depending on their spacing, creating the colorful shimmering effect.

Opal is a symbol of fidelity, but it would bring trouble to someone who was unfaithful. Some legends say that opal is good for the eyes, both improving vision and warding off eye troubles. Scandinavian women wore opals in their hair to prevent it from going gray. It also has a reputation for sharpening the mind and the emotions. One of the reasons this gem has been so revered is because of its supposed mystical powers. The Arabs thought opal would ward off lightning and grant invisibility to its wearer. Other powers ascribed to the gem include the ability to grant vigor, aid the heart and kidneys and protect against fainting and infection. It was worshipped by the Romans as a symbol of hope, fidelity, purity and good luck.

Opal was mined by eastern Europeans, the Aztecs and the ancient tribes of Central Africa. Today opal comes from Australia, Brazil, the United States and Mexico.

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