Opal is the birthstone of OCTOBER but also Pink Topaz. YES Topaz exist also in Pink and we just get some recently in our Showroom!
OPAL:
- Did you know?
From the Latin name, opalus, for this stone, possibly derived from the Ancient Greek opallios for "color changing.
- A Gem with Special Needs
Opals are delicate but well worth the extra care. They have a great sensitivity to changes in temperature as well as a “crazing” tendency, which means they can easily develop cracks or “craze” as they dehydrate. (Cracks on the surface are called “checking”). They have a hardness of only 5.5, which makes them very susceptible to scratching.
- Opal care guide
Never clean opal jewelry in mechanical cleaning systems, such as ultrasonic, steam, or boiling. Use only the methods recommended below. Most opal jewelry can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and soft brush, just like many other gemstone jewelry pieces. Make sure you use mild soap only (no other cleaning solution) and a soft brush (not a toothbrush).
Store your opal jewelry separately from other pieces to minimize accidental contact or scratches.
Opals will craze (develop cracks on the surface) and lose their play of color if their water evaporates. Storing your opal jewelry pieces wrapped in soft, moist cotton may prolong their life.
Don’t store in oil or glycerin. This won’t help protect them and will make cleaning more tedious and messier.
Keep your opals away from sources of heat or cold, like fireplaces or open windows.
- Location & Myths
Many cultures have credited opal with supernatural origins and powers. Arabic legends say it falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.
- Energy
Once, it was thought to have the power to preserve the life and color of blond hair!