Opal

Opal - the name may have several origins. There are differing suggestions as to its first use: One is that it comes from a Sanskrit word ‘upala’, simply meaning precious stone. Another that the Romans knew it by different names - "opthalmus", from the Greek word for "eye", and as "opalus". Whatever the actual name origin; opal has been a favored, valued stone throughout a long period of history.

Peoples of the Far East prized opal as a symbol of purity and considered that the wearer of the gem was protected from illness. To the Romans, opal was a much valued stone; as well as being a universal good luck charm, it was considered as a preventative medicine against any eye disease, to have aphrodisiacal qualities, not to mention having the capability of bringing great wealth to its owner. All in all, history has considered opal as well worth having around. It appears that the Aztecs of Central America also admired the stone – it has been found in tombs of that ancient race.

Considered a gift from Pachamama, the goddess of fertility, good fortune, and nature, rich blue-green Peruvian opal has been used by native Inca in ritual and jewelry for millennia. Each stone bears the unique marks of the earth in which it was formed and will therefore vary in color from light shades of sky blue to darker turquoise. Peruvian opal is found in the Andes Mountains near San Patricio, Peru. Copper may be the essential trace element that causes its soft distinctive color.




Glossary