Opal is a stone of sympathy and compassion, pure thoughts and confidence. It is the most unpredictable stone, a symbol of ever-changing fortune. The name "opal" originated from Sanskrit «upala» which means "jewel". Colors of Opal are very diverse (almost all colors of the spectrum). There are more then 100 color varieties of Opal. When submerged in water, some varieties of Opal become semitransparent. The Opals are known to humanity at least since 250 B.C. An opal stone was inserted into a crown of Roman emperor Constantine who claimed that this stone shines in darkness, and believed it protects imperial authority, and his life. In his numerous stories about Opal he mentioned one miracle property of this stone which will allow the wearer to become invisible. Naturally, opal became the talisman of thieves. Some people thought Opal is a stone of "vain hope" while others believed that Opal's sparkles clarify mind, give pure thoughts and drive fears away. In the East Opal was considered the stone of faith and love, in Europe it was a symbol of hope and happiness. According to Delphian oracle, Opal is a symbol inconstancy, typical in beautiful women. Shakespeare also shared this opinion. Astrologists consider Opal a stone of the Moon.
Talismans & amulets
Opal talisman boosts foresight. According to some legends Opal's wearer can telepathically influence other people - if not for his own profit. As a talisman, Opal is supposed to be worn on the right index finger, gold-mounted. As an amulet, Opal works best when in trinket. White Opal helps musicians and composers. Fiery Opal protects from natural disasters. Black Opal is a stone of Scorpio.
It was believed that water, fire and heat are enclosed in Opal so it is a remedy for many diseases. Opal helps against heart diseases, calms nerves, guards against melancholy, restores visual acuity, normalizes functioning of epiphysis and hypophysis.
It is a stone of deceptive hopes and illusions, secret passions, superstitions, the favourite stone of magicians and alchemists. Opals intensify intuition and promote inspiration. Opals help recollect the past lives. Magical properties are related to the color of stone and since Opal's colors are very diverse so are its magical properties. For example, on one hand Opal as a stone of sympathy and compassion is a protector of Nurses and Doctors, on the other hand it is a stone of thieves; it can clarify spirit and thoughts and also can induce its wearer to foolish actions. People with instable character would better avoid wearing Opal. To increase Opal's magical properties it should be mounted in gold or silver. Opal reaches its maximum power in October.