Opal: Gemstone to Dispel Fear and Heighten Insight

 Rainbow-flecked white opal is the traditional Birthstone of October and given to commemorate the 14th wedding anniversary. Opal is said to dispel fear and heighten insight.

Opal Stone comes from the Latin word "opalus" meaning "stone". Opals are an interesting stone found in many color combinations. The most popular is the milky white stone infused with rainbow colored flecks that glow in the light. They were believed to have fallen from the heavens by many cultures to explain these extra-ordinary colors embedded in the stone. Opals can also be found in orange, red, yellow, indigo, and blue. The most rare and costly is black. Black opals are considered extremely lucky.

It is a common myth that if the wearer of an opal stone is not born in the month of October bad fortune will transpire. This myth was brought about by the author Sir Walter Scott. In his book Anne of Gerstein, Scott credits the main character's untimely death on the fact she wore an opal stone which was not her correct birthstone. This myth has long since been dispelled of its unlucky forces that were published almost 200 years ago.

There are many myths and lore about opal throughout time and place:

* Rubbing opals across the forehead improved memory in ancient India

* Monarchs in Greece used its power to predict the future

* If ground up and ingested, some cultures believed opals to ward off nightmares

* Romans believed opals to be a symbol of hope, love and purity

* In Medieval times a change in color would mean a change in health

* To attract the attention of Mark Anthony, Cleopatra wore opal jewelry upon his visits

* Asians believed opals to be symbols of hope and loyalty

Opals are a very delicate due to their varying amounts of water found in the stones. They can contain up to 30% water which make the stone very soft. Spheres made up of silicon and oxygen are organized into tiny pockets. These pockets diffract light at different wavelengths to create shiny flecks of unique colors when moved around in different directions.

Whether getting the attention of a potential companion or being born in the month of October, opal jewelry has the history and beauty to bring anyone joy. It is also the stone designated for the astrological sign of Libra. Given as a gift, opal jewelry is said to symbolize confidence and faithfulness. Celebrate your 14th wedding anniversary with an opal ring, earring, or necklace.