Opal: The Gemstone of Imagination – Colors, Types, and Meanings

The stories that one may read about opal might leave one sceptical but the warmth that this tender piece of work holds makes the gem one of the most fascinating gemstones in the world. Opal Ratna as a gemstone has considerable play-of-colour and in history the gemstone is linked to imagination, creativity and symbolic significance. It is high time to immerse ourselves in the kaleidoscope of colour, types and symbolism that have been interesting people for centuries.

Colours of Opal

The main distinguishing characteristic of original Opal stone is the play of colors: this means is a fans of rainbows when attractive nuances of colors are reflected from the surface of the gem. This gemstone have an amazingly complex color range, ranging from red and orange to blue and green.

White Opal: This gem shows white or light background and intense color play. It is mostly found in countries such as Australia, Ethiopia and Brazil.

Black Opal: The black body tone that emphasises the value of play-of-colour is one of the most valuable types of opals that exist – and the rarest one. 

Boulder Opal: As in this variety, the gemstones seams are enclosed within silicious and iron stony conglomerates giving a beautiful hope with the colour-shifting properties of the opal. 

Fire Opal: Different to other types of gemstone opal, fire opal does not always sparkle or show flashes of other colors. However, it is preferred because of its vivid to deep red body colour. 

Types of Opal

According to the aspect of color, origin and quality, opal stone is grouped into the following categories. These classifications assist the lovers of gemstones along with jewelers understand the uniqueness of this gemstone.

Common Opal: The common opals present pretty much of pastel shades and are put to several uses in ornamental products.

Hydrophane Opal: One more form of opal is hydrophane opal that means that it is capable of absorbing water and the specimen shining more brightly, as well as possessing better play-of-color when wet. It is important to take care of these ops in order to get their appearance as shown above.

Matrix Opal: Located in the host rock or matrix, veins or patches of opal occur in the natural stone as mineral deposits. This is done in a pattern that interlinks the colours of the gem with the exterior part of the rock to create a mosaic-type appearance.

Meanings and Symbolism: The Heart of Imagination

Allure and mystique of opal are well reflected in the legends that have surrounded this incredible gemstone for centuries. In superstition, it is credited to the attributes of imagination, creativity, and the intensity of feelings.

Imagination and Creativity: It is widely taught that this gemstone tends to encourage creative thought, and also improves the powers of imagination. As such artists, writers, and musicians referred to this stone in order to inspire the work being created. It is also said that the colours in the stone change in the same way as human imagination – is free and limitless.

Emotional Healing: It is also rightly believed to possess a calming nature. It is credited with helping you manage stress, chill your brain out, and gain psychological equilibrium. Some people think that the energy of this stone is rather calming, and that is why this stone can help to heal the heart’s wounds.

Symbol of Hope and Purity: Historically, opal represented not only hope but purity as well. The Romans thought as their name appointed that gems contained all sorts of other precious stones and mystically and magically were able to hold benefits and shield their possessors.

Love and Passion: This fiery play of opal has sometimes been associated with love and passion. It is considered to kindle passion and strengthen relationships, that is why diamond rings, special gifts for lovers, and engagement rings are made of it.

Conclusion

Owing to its enchanting play-of-color and the abundance of imaginative interpretations, Opal has to be the gemstone of imagination. The gem leaves its mark in the gem world because of its artistry, therapeutic effect, or solely on account of its aesthetic value. Interpreting the colors, types, and symbolism, you will be amazed at this gemstone and its properties more and more. Thus while shopping for the gem let its bright colours and beauty guide your thoughts and make your day sparkle a little.

If you also want to embrace this beautiful and alluring gemstone then buy it from a reputable source like Navratan, the online gem bazaar, where you will get authentic and lab-certified gemstone at the best opal prices.