Gaze into this kaleidoscopic gem and imagine its supernatural origins and powers.
October’s birthstone, the opal, is one of the world’s oldest symbols of mysticism. Ancient Romans name this gem, which means “precious.” For thousands of years, people have looked deep into its rainbow of colors to tap into powers of prophecy, insight, youth, hope, purity and love.
Every opal is a unique work of natural art, although the stone’s natural origins are shrouded in mystery. Scientists aren’t precisely sure how an opal is formed. They theorize that opals develop from rain falling into deep fissures of the Earth, where the water helps nearby minerals crystallize into colorful silica stones as it evaporates.
In 1976, the first synthetic opal is created in a lab. Some scientists devote themselves to developing artificial opals using chemicals, dirt, minerals and innovative techniques, but it’s debatable whether these gems are indistinguishable from natural opals. Lab-created opals often have bands or clumps of crystals rather than the glittering scale of a true opal, known as lizard skin iridescence.
Of course, for many opal fans there’s nothing like the real thing. Opals represent forces that come from deep within the planet – powers beyond humanity. Amazingly, scientists have recently discovered opals on Mars, making it the only earthly gemstone that also lives in outer space, other than the peridot.
Historically, kings and queens own famous opals that are often given stately names like Pandora, Empress, Light of the World, The Butterfly Stone, The Fire Queen and The Black Prince.
Today, the most famous opal in the world is on display, uncut, in Australia. Olympic Australis is 17,000 carats and has a rough white and reddish tiger-striped look to its exterior. Opal enthusiasts can only dream of what’s inside. At $2.5 million, it’s the most valuable opal ever mined on planet Earth.
Celebrating Iridescence
When you wear an opal, you show off a style that embraces color with open arms. The rainbow hues of an opal shine like a handful of precious gemstones – the red of rubies, the green of emeralds, the yellow of topaz, the blue of sapphires and the purple of amethyst.
For such a special stone, it’s particularly important to have the perfect setting and cut. Opals are almost always displayed in smooth, rounded shapes and polished to enhance their glistening interior to best effect.
Cutting and setting an opal can have unpredictable outcomes due to its fickle crystalline structure. For this reason, it’s essential to work with a talented jeweler who can guide the process and ensure your opal is carefully set to maximum effect.
Indy Facets – Everyone’s Private Jeweler
Indy Facets seamlessly blends the expertise and full service of a traditional jewelry store with the value and convenience of a personal jeweler experience. We give you the face-to-face interaction with an expert that you deserve, in a private setting where you can relax and feel comfortable. Owner/Designer Shaun Goodyear and his team have earned an excellent reputation as everyone’s private jeweler for engagement rings, custom design, investment grade diamonds, luxury Swiss timepieces, estate jewelry, jewelry repair and the highest level of customer service, available to you from an onsite, state-of-the-art Custom Design Studio and Gemological Laboratory by private appointment only. You are guaranteed a unique, fun and exciting experience without the hype, pressure, judgment or uncertainty associated with other jewelry shopping options. We schedule appointments at your convenience and are usually available evenings and weekends, too. Call 317-810-1665 for your private appointment or schedule online, IndyFacets.com/schedule/.