Opal: properties, virtues and meaning of this precious stone
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Gemstone News
Mysterious, captivating, iridescent… Opal has fascinated since Antiquity with its unique play of light and multicolored reflections. Considered a precious gemstone with a thousand facets, opal enchants both crystal healing enthusiasts and fine jewelry lovers alike. Whether you discover a raw opal, or are drawn to an opal ring, bracelet, or necklace, this stone holds a universe rich in symbols, virtues, and mysteries.
In this article, we reveal everything you need to know about this precious gemstone: its origins, physical properties, metaphysical benefits, mesmerizing colors, ancient symbolism, and how it is used in modern jewelry. From white opal to pink opal, including Ethiopian and dendritic varieties, each type tells a unique story.
What is opal? Origin and characteristics
The opal is a precious stone composed of hydrated silica, known for its changing reflections called opalescence. Its amorphous structure, different from traditional crystals, gives it a unique shine, highly sought after in jewelry.
We distinguish several types of opals : white, pink, green, black, fiery or dendritic. Each variety is distinguished by its colors, its properties in lithotherapy and its uses in jewelry, like the ring in opal, the bracelet opal or the necklace in opal.
As for the origin, the most famous deposits are found in Australia, Ethiopia, and Mexico. price of an opal depends on its rarity, its brilliance, and the vividness of its colors.
Symbolic Meaning of Opal Through the Ages
Since Antiquity, opal has been shrouded in mystery. The Romans saw it as a symbol of love and hope. In the Middle Ages, it was considered a stone of luck and clairvoyance. Although some periods gave it a reputation as a stone of misfortune, it is now recognized in crystal healing for its ability to enhance intuition and inner balance.
Each color carries a specific meaning:
White opal: clarity of mind, serenity
Pink opal: sincere love, emotional gentleness
Green opal: balance, inner growth
Overall, opal is associated with creativity, transformation, and emotional protection, making it a deeply symbolic and personal gift.
The Healing Properties of Opal in Lithotherapy
In lithotherapy, opal is known for its powerful energetic properties, which vary depending on its color and origin. Whether set in a genuine opal pendant, an opal ring, or used in its raw form, this precious gemstone acts on the body, heart, and mind alike.
What is the power of opal?
According to tradition, opal's power lies in its ability to reveal deep emotions and encourage self-expression. It is often described as a mirror of the soul, amplifying positive feelings and helping one better understand emotional blockages.
Opal is a stone of transformation, ideal for supporting life changes or periods of introspection. It helps unlock creativity, strengthens intuition, and invites a deeper understanding of oneself.
Emotional virtues
- Soothes excessive or repressed emotions.
- Helps to heal emotional wounds.
- Stimulates self-love and acceptance.
- Promotes imagination and artistic inspiration.
The pink opals are particularly recommended for people seeking emotional comfort, while the white opals bring mental clarity and serenity.
Spiritual virtues
- Amplifies psychic abilities (intuition, clairvoyance).
- Strengthens meditation and inner listening.
- Promotes connection to subtle planes.
Green opal, in particular, is connected to the heart chakra and supports spiritual growth while maintaining strong emotional grounding.
Physical virtues (according to tradition)
- Would help to relieve sleep-related disorders.
- Would be beneficial for the kidneys, water retention, and urinary tract infections.
- Would support the hormonal system (according to some schools of thought).
Note: These properties are related to energy practices and should never replace medical advice.
Which astrological sign and chakra is opal associated with ?
In esoteric traditions, each stone is connected to one or more astrological signs and to some chakras specific. The opal, with its wide variety of colors and multiple facets, is a particularly versatile stone.
The astrological signs associated with opal
- Scale : a sign of harmony and aesthetics, the opal stone strengthens his sense of emotional balance.
- Fish : theopal helps to channel excess emotionality and develop deep intuition.
- Cancer: It promotes tenderness, emotional memory, and soothes inner fears.
- Depending on the color, some opals may also be suitable for Gemini (white opal), Sagittarius (fire opal), or Bull (green opal).
Chakras linked to opal
- Heart Chakra (Anahata) : the pink opal or green opal acts on emotions, compassion and love.
- Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) : the white opal stimulates spiritual awareness and higher connection.
- Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) : the fire opal awakens passion, creativity and vital energy.
Each opal stone interacts uniquely according to its type and color, making it a powerful tool in lithotherapy and in personal development.
Opal in Jewelry: A Gem as Precious as It Is Delicate
Used for centuries in fine jewelry, opal has become a highly sought-after stone in contemporary creations. Whether it's for an opal ring, opal necklace, opal bracelet, or even a genuine opal pendant, it captivates with its shimmering reflections and powerful symbolism.
Why choose opal jewelry?
Each opal stone is unique: its colors, internal patterns, and play of light are never identical.
It pairs beautifully with white gold, rose gold, or silver—especially in personalized designs.
Opal rings, particularly women’s opal rings, are often gifted as symbols of love, commitment, or to mark special occasions.
A delicate gemstone that requires careful handling
On the Mohs scale of hardness, opal ranges between 5.5 and 6.5, making it more prone to scratches and impacts than harder stones like sapphire or diamond.
Opal naturally contains water (up to 20%), making it sensitive to heat, excessive humidity, and sudden temperature changes.
It’s best to avoid contact with chemicals, perfumes, or solvents, as these can dull its shine.
To protect your women’s opal ring or opal bracelet, store it separately in a soft-lined box. And to preserve the beauty of your opal stone, avoid wearing it during intense physical activities.
How to choose an opal jewelry ?
Choose one jewel in opal requires special attention, as each opal stone is unique. His color scheme, its clarity and its origin not only influence its aesthetics, but also its symbolism.
Criteria for choosing your opal jewelry well
- Opal color : depending on the desired effect, you can opt for a white opal (sweetness), a pink opal (love), a green opal (balance), or a fire opal (energy).
- Type of jewelry : the most popular ones are the opal ring, the opal necklace, the opal bracelet, or the genuine opal pendant.
- Style and assembly : a protective setting is recommended to preserve this precious opal stone, especially in the opal rings, often subjected to shocks.
On what occasion to offer an opal jewelry ?
- Symbolic anniversary (e.g. 34 years of marriage = opal anniversary).
- Birth gift (for October babies, month of the opal).
- Declaration of love, transitional or emotional protection jewel.
The opal rings for women are particularly appreciated for their delicacy and originality. Pair them with a precious metal like gold or platinum to enhance the opal stone.
How to clean and recharge opal ?
Opal is a delicate precious stone, which requires a adapted maintenance to maintain all its shine. Its porous structure and water content make it sensitive to external aggressions.
How to clean an opal jewelry ?
- Use a soft cloth (like microfiber) slightly dampened with warm water.
- Absolutely avoid chemical cleaners, ultrasonic or aggressive jewelry baths.
- Do not rub vigorously: this could dull the natural shine. opal stone.
For a opal bracelet or a opal ring for women Very dirty, it is recommended to entrust the cleaning to a professional.
How to recharge an opal ?
- Moonlight : leave it exposed for a night under the full moon on a natural fabric.
- Amethyst druse or geode : ideal for gentle purification.
- Quartz cluster : to recharge without altering the precious opal stone.
⚠️ The opal stone Does not like prolonged direct sunlight, nor too dry environments. Never purify it with salt or by burying it in the earth.
Opal at Celinni: towards a custom-made creation ?
At Celinni, we know that every stone tells a story. That's why we offer you a service of custom jewelry, to bring your jewelry to life opal precious stone, according to your desires, your style, and your personal history.
Create a unique piece of jewelry with an opal
- You wish for a opal ring for women with an original design ?
- A opal bracelet to offer for a special occasion ?
- A opal necklace that resembles you, with an engraved message or a symbolic shape ?
Our jewelers accompany you step by step to design a unique piece, with a choice of raw or cut opal, advice on color, frame and setting.
Why choose Celinni for your opal jewelry ?
- Expertise in natural precious stones.
- Access to a rigorous selection of quality opals, including some Ethiopian opals, pink opals and dendritic opals.
- Hand crafted creation and personalized support in our workshops in France and internationally.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Opal
What is the spiritual meaning of opal?
Opal symbolizes creativity, emotional protection, and inner transformation. It is often seen as a stone that reflects the soul and amplifies positive emotions. In crystal healing, it is used to enhance intuition and calm the mind.
What are the benefits of opal based on its color?
- White opal: mental clarity, serenity
- Pink opal: love, emotional softness
- Green opal: balance, emotional grounding
Each opal color works on a specific emotional or spiritual level.
Which zodiac signs is opal associated with?
Opal is connected to water signs such as Pisces and Cancer, as well as Libra, due to its ties to harmony and love. Other varieties may also suit Gemini, Taurus, or Sagittarius, depending on the color.
How do you care for opal jewelry?
Clean your opal jewelry with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid chemicals, impacts, and heat sources. Since opal is delicate, a protective setting is recommended—especially for women’s opal rings or opal bracelets.
Can opal jewelry be given as a birthday gift?
Absolutely. Opal is a perfect stone to symbolize sincere love, a new life chapter, or a meaningful moment. It’s ideal for celebrating opal wedding anniversaries (34 years of marriage) or as a birth gift for October babies.
Conclusion: Opal, a Gem of Emotion and Light
Evoking magic, intuition, and natural beauty, opal is more than just a gemstone—it's a mirror of the soul, a personal talisman, and a living sparkle that accompanies life’s most special moments. Whether worn as a ring, bracelet, or necklace, every opal reveals a part of your story and sensitivity.
At Celinni, we put our expertise at the service of your emotions, crafting unique, ethical, and lasting opal jewelry. Whether you’re drawn to white opal, pink opal, green opal, or rare Ethiopian opals, we guide you in creating a jewel that reflects who you are.
Looking for a custom piece?
Book an appointment in one of our showrooms or contact our team to design your personalized opal creation together.
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