White (milky) opal - magical and healing properties of the mineral

History and brief description of white opal

Elegant white opal has magical properties.
This gem has been known to people since ancient times. Its name itself comes from Sanskrit, in which it sounds like “upala”, which means “stone”. Pliny the Elder wrote about this mineral, calling its radiance similar to that of a carbuncle.

Despite the fact that opals are classified as semi-precious stones, these translucent crystals were extremely valuable back in Antiquity.

There is a legend about the stone of Nonius, a Roman senator who chose to go into exile rather than give Mark Antony his gem, decorated with opals. Among the gems that decorated the dress, there was one, the size of a hazelnut, of extraordinary beauty - it was the subject of a dispute among the patricians.

In Greece, it was believed that milky opal was able to reward its owner with the gift of becoming invisible. And the Vikings had a legend that the blacksmith Volunde created the stone from the eyes of his children, whom he killed. The Elder Edda says that if you peer into the depths of the crystal for a long time, you can see children's faces.

In ancient times, it was believed that opal owes its amazing iridescence to the water contained in it. This myth is partly true - the mineral, in addition to silicon dioxide, contains about 30% H₂O.

Opal is a stone that matches your zodiac sign

Astrologers call the shimmering gem a talisman of happiness for Libra and Scorpio of the first decade born in October. Patron planets are Jupiter, Moon and Venus. The secret of the attractiveness of pearlescent silica is the combination of colors and energies of the four elements, giving rise to almost tangible magic and the desire to become its owner.

But the properties of the opal stone are suitable for the zodiac sign of only 10 constellations, ennobling problem areas with a magical radiance. With his help:

1. Taurus - experiences the happiness of mutual love, sexual pleasure. Long-standing relationships will sparkle with new colors, friends and like-minded people will appear. Change is perceived as an adventure, not a stress.
2. Gemini - will overcome split personality, acquire stable principles, and reveal forgotten talents. Intuition and business success will become permanent.
3. Cancer - will take the path of loyalty to family values, leaving behind harmful addictions. Will develop attentiveness, foresight, emotional balance.
4. Virgo - you will find yourself in a cycle of interesting events, new people and offers. Excessive criticality will go away, creative courage will appear.
5. Libra - will blossom externally and internally, showing talents, increasing income, attracting fans. The aura will become impenetrable, and the ability to maintain a “golden mean” in a relationship will give you joyful calm.
6. Scorpio - will learn to control the natural source of energy, the power of brilliant intellect, replacing anger, malice, and aggression with magnanimous nobility. The talisman of success will be a black or red stone.
7. Sagittarius is the only sign of the fire element that can direct the power of opal to materialize career ambitions. Enemies, sensing the flow of protective energy, will prefer to fade into oblivion.
8. Capricorn - they will free themselves from internal restrictions and complexes, they will believe in happy love and a secure future. Hopes will be confirmed by an increase in financial income and pleasant, exciting meetings.
9. Aquarius - skeptical barbs of judgment will dissolve in the light of love and inspiration. An unexpected revolution of consciousness will allow you to take a fresh look at the usual way of things, show ingenuity, and change your destiny.
10. Pisces - long-cherished dreams of love, mutual understanding, and care for others will finally come true. The amulet cannot be worn for more than eight hours; the mind of Pisces will not cope with the influence on the third eye: a constant series of insights will immerse the consciousness in illusions.

The properties of opal stone for zodiac signs will work faster if you choose the right shade. Milky, pinkish-red, light green are suitable for Virgo, Capricorn, Libra. Blue-turquoise - Cancers, Aquarius, Pisces, Sagittarius. Harlequin - Taurus, Gemini. White is contraindicated for Scorpios. Astrologers advise putting the stone in the box from February 27 to March 30: it will re-tune to the vibrations of the cosmos and become stronger.

Where and how is it mined?

Precious opals are found throughout the world, but are most often found in South America and Australia. There are deposits in small quantities in Russia - in Kamchatka, and in Ukraine.

But Australia is considered the birthplace of milky white opals. The most beautiful varieties of the mineral of the rarest and most beautiful shades are mined there. Interesting specimens are also found in the USA and Brazil.

Gems are formed as a result of volcanic processes and are a product of lava solidification, in which silicon dioxide is formed under the influence of sub-high temperatures.

As a result, opal deposits have the appearance of stalactites and stalagmites, protruding nodules and inclusions in volcanic rock, but not the shape of druses, as is the case with other gems.

Often the mineral is deposited in sedimentary rocks and fossils - the remains of animals and plants. Crystals can also fill cracks in rocks. Gems are mined in the open, except in cases where the deposits are located deep underground.

Physical properties

Opal is an amorphous silica without a crystal lattice, which is capable of impregnating the remains of small animals and vegetation, thereby forming fossils. The mineral fills cracks in the host rocks, forms various sinter forms, and pseudomorphs after other minerals.

This nugget exhibits the effect of opalescence - the internal glow of the stone, scattering on the surface in different colors. White stones are characterized by a radiance of white, red, blue or green colors. Black ones shine with all the colors of the rainbow, and fiery ones have a greenish-brown tint.

The percentage of water in a mineral is responsible for the transparency of the stone. Noble nuggets are always transparent, the water component reaches 13%. Stones with a lower value are considered translucent. There are specimens consisting of 30% water. Opals owe their variety of colors to impurities of various kinds of oxides.

The mineral is characterized by a glassy luster. Noble samples are famous for their pearlescent luster. The hardness of opal is average, the stone is quite fragile. Another feature is the complete dissolution of the mineral in an alkaline environment.

Also read: Jade – unique capabilities and compatibility with names and zodiac signs

Species diversity of opals

Opals are graded according to color scheme:

• white – almost transparent, with a slight bluish shimmer and bright tints;
• black is the rarest species; it includes specimens with intense coloring: bright blue, dark green, brown;
• fiery - this is the name given to gems of warm shades: pink, orange, honey, red; despite the weak play of light, when looking at such stones it looks like there is a fire burning inside;
• ordinary - nondescript translucent stones of white or milky color with a glossy sheen, also called porcelain;
• jirazol - this is the name given to blue-white crystals with a golden glow;
• hyalite is a transparent, colorless stone that begins to shimmer when light passes through;
• hydrophane - a cloudy white gem that begins to shimmer when immersed in water;
• chrysopal - greenish apple or bright emerald;
• Cacholong is white, opaque, and has a porous structure.

In addition, stones are also divided by origin. Thus, most of the black and white opals are mined in Australia. In Ethiopia, stones of warm colors are more common - honey-yellow, orange, red. Peru is characterized by blue-green minerals.

Some of the varieties of opal.

Physicochemical characteristics

The stone belongs to the quartz family and consists of silicon oxide hydrate and water (its content varies from 13 to 30%). This explains the high fragility of the gem: opal poorly resists temperature changes, the influence of chemicals, does not tolerate increased dryness, and is easily destroyed by mechanical stress.

Crystals often contain foreign inclusions, most often oxides of iron, aluminum, and magnesium. They appear in the pattern on the surface of the stone.

Medicinal properties

Even in ancient times, people began to use opals to heal various diseases. The mineral was applied to tumors and swelling to relieve inflammation. Today, lithotherapy has confirmed the healing properties of the stone.

Healers claim that the gem:

• improves hearing;
• normalizes the functioning of the digestive system;
• restores vision;
• strengthens the cardiovascular system;
• has a positive effect on the emotional background;
• stimulates brain activity.

In addition, opal is used as a diagnostic tool - during exacerbation of chronic diseases, even before symptoms appear, it changes color.

The mineral can be worn to improve hearing.

Healing and magical properties

The healing properties of white opal allow it to “assess” whether a person is healthy or not. The slightest change in color may mean the development of some disease, and the mineral thus tries to take on the disease, protecting the owner. Among the healing qualities of the stone, lithotherapists especially note the following:

• improved vision;
• normalization of metabolic processes;
• development of stress resistance in humans;
• increased mood;
• calming the nerves;
• elimination of female diseases and infertility;
• removal of harmful substances from the body;
• slowing down aging.

All opals of light shades are held in high esteem by white magicians and esotericists, as they also carry magical properties. White gems awaken people's thirst for knowledge, so they are recommended to be worn by schoolchildren, students and all people whose activities are related to learning and teaching.

Opals also develop an intuitive plane and clairvoyant abilities. They sharpen emotions at the right moments in life, provide protection from the evil eye and damage, and help develop patience and kindness.

The magical properties of white opal

Even in ancient times, miraculous properties were attributed to the stone. It was believed that the gem contributed to the development of supernatural abilities in its owner.

The stone does not interact with everyone, but if it suits a person, it affects him in a variety of areas:

• reveals creative abilities;
• enhances intuition;
• increases performance;
• attracts good luck;
• helps in achieving the goal;
• protects from troubles.

It is believed that wearing a stone makes its owner kinder and cleaner. It is not for nothing that in ancient times opal was considered a symbol of purity.

Areas of use

The gem has been valued by magicians and healers since ancient times. And today it is widely used in esoteric practices and used in occult ceremonies.

He is also extremely revered by palmists. Even ancient priests and magicians endowed opal with the ability to protect the purity of the soul and clarity of mind. It is still used in rituals to remove damage and the evil eye.

In jewelry, jewelry with white opals is not very common, but true connoisseurs love rings, pendants, and gems with this wonderful stone.

In addition, the mineral is used in the manufacture of decorative items - vases, figurines, candlesticks, boxes. It is also used for interior decoration.

Deposit and description

The first deposit of opal was discovered relatively recently, it happened in 1849. It was discovered completely by accident on one of the farms in Australia. It was processed for the first time 40 years after its “discovery”. And those deposits were called “Australian opal fields”.

The extraction of these unusual gems took many years under difficult conditions. The desert climate is characterized by sharp changes in temperature regimes. In addition, the extraction process is complicated by strong winds, which provokes the creation of scalding hot winds during the daytime and cold winds at night.

The mining depth of the mines can reach 40 meters, the minimum distance is 5 meters. Previously, work was done manually, but at the moment the situation in many mines has not changed, since the rocks are nearby and the volume of extracted raw materials is small. The amount of money spent on modern equipment is not always justified.

Almost 96% of the total volume of extracted raw materials is of Australian origin, so it is rightfully considered the official symbol of South Australia.

Sedimentary rock mining in Russia is carried out in several regions: Saratov, Ulyanovsk. Its deposits are also located on the territory of the Ural Mountains, on the eastern side. There are deposits in Transcaucasia and the Trans-Caspian region. Opal is available abroad in Italy, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan and other countries.

Of course, the most famous and largest is the noble gem from Australia. The best types of opal, according to scientists, are found in Mexico, Kazakhstan, the USA, Central America and Australia. There are very few deposits of the noble gem used in jewelry.

Scientists are still debating the origin of the stone. Some argue that it arose as a result of acid weathering of rocks and the replacement of minerals. It can be based on stone or fossilized remains of mammals and other animals, as well as plants.

Conventionally, there are several types of opal; their significant differences are color, structure and content. One of the main parameters is water. The percentage of water can even reach 30%. With a gradual loss of liquid, opal changes into chalcedony, while sudden dehydration provokes its disintegration and disintegration.

Opal is a kind of gel made from water and silicic acid. Over time, the water evaporates and the stone begins to fade. White opal, in turn, consists of a large number of small crystals, they create spherical particles of silica almost identical in diameter.

Since this rock is isotropic, the mineral does not exhibit birefringence, which is found in many other minerals used in jewelry. Opal belongs to the category of stones that are “afraid” of high humidity and high dryness, so it may swell and then suddenly crack.

Opal does not tolerate dirty water or water with dyes, as it has a high absorbency. As a result of such experiments, the stone can acquire completely unpredictable colors. It should not be subjected to heating or hypothermia; this determines such a careful and careful attitude of jewelers to its processing and attentive attitude from the owners.

There are several types of white opal:

• 
  reed - milky white appearance;

• milky opal is opaque, its color varies from milky white to blue, yellow and green;
• white is a mineral with a white or light-colored base and is the most accessible of all opal varieties.

Magical and healing properties

Like many other stones, white opal, according to experts, has a number of magical properties. It is claimed that it influences the development of supernatural abilities in humans.

Residents of India are convinced that if a child wears a talisman with this stone, then his ability to quickly assimilate knowledge will increase, his health and psychophysical state will improve. White opal also has a beneficial effect on the development of mental abilities and memorization of information.

In the eastern part of Eurasia, opal is a unique symbol of hopes, goals and illusions. In Europe, it is considered a talisman of trust and romantic love. Over the years, people have been able to discover that the stone has a beneficial effect on health; it cures certain diseases caused by nervous disorders, stress, and neuroses. It treats eye diseases and relieves stress.

A special feature of white opal is its ability to change color and structure, that is, it diagnoses the initial stages of disease development through loss of shine and changes in shade.

There is an objective explanation for this: the mineral reacts to an increase in temperature by losing liquid, which is why its shine disappears.

Opal is recommended for creative people to wear, as it is considered a mineral of inspiration. It affects the development of imagination, enhancing creativity. It helps improve emotional well-being, calmness, and also enhances positive feelings and emotions.

White opal has a strengthening effect on the development of the will to live. Lithotherapists claim that it affects the functioning of the digestive system and the metabolic process. Its “radiation” affects the functioning of the intestines, liver and kidneys.

Bearers of the stone believe that opal helps them restore their strength and increase productivity. It also contributes to an easier, calmer transfer of a person’s experiences, that is, it calms the nervous system.

Talismans, amulets, amulets

For a long time, it has been noted that the gem has the ability to warn of dangers or diseases that threaten the owner. With impending troubles, the stone changes color and becomes cloudier. This property was widely used in the creation of amulets.

People of creative professions like to wear it as a talisman - it is believed that it stimulates the development of talents. For fishermen and hunters, the stone brings good luck in fishing, and protects travelers from dangers on the road.

Charms with white opal warn people from danger.

What zodiac signs is it suitable for?

The stone is not suitable for everyone. If it gives cheerfulness to some, then, on the contrary, it can make others feel blue. Before purchasing jewelry with this gem, you should definitely contact astrologers for advice.

Sagittarius

People born under this sign should avoid wearing the stone. It can increase their temper and even make them aggressive.

Capricorn

Not the best choice: the stone will develop even more stubbornness. But if the desire to own a gem is stronger, astrologers recommend that this sign wear fire opals rather than milky and white ones.

Aquarius

It is best to choose stones with a slight bluish tint and a bright play of light. They will help develop creative abilities.

Fish

Opal will help develop intuition and protect against diseases. Promotes the development of the best spiritual qualities.

Aries

Energetic Aries should not wear jewelry with this stone: it adversely affects their energy and depresses emotions.

Taurus

This is not the best solution for Taurus. The gem should not be worn too often, but can be used as a talisman for risky undertakings.

Twins

For Gemini, the mineral will help strengthen their financial situation and help solve financial problems.

Cancer

These representatives of the zodiac circle are recommended to wear jewelry with opal before important decisions. It sharpens intuition and attracts good luck.

a lion

You should not wear the gem too often. This can cause emotional exhaustion.

Virgo

For this sign, white opal will be the best decoration. It will help maintain health and clarity of mind.

Scales

The stone will help you find like-minded people. Promotes luck in endeavors and success in business.

Scorpion

For those born under this zodiac sign, the gem will relieve negative thoughts and protect them from despondency. Will help maintain health.

Opal and zodiac signs

Gold ring with opal

Opal is an ambiguous stone. His astrological preferences vary depending on color, namely:

• The same fire opals are suitable for fire zodiacs. They will make Sagittarius , Aries and Leo lucky and winners, but at the same time they will add emotionality to their already hot-tempered natures, as a result of which representatives of these signs may experience unpredictable outbursts of laughter, aggression, unexpected streams of tears and nervous breakdowns. Astrologers recommend Sagittarius to bet on blue varieties of gems. He will balance them and make them happy. Aries and Leo should prefer white opals or any other light pastel colors. Such stones will give the fiery zodiacs peace, smooth out their congenital shortcomings and teach them to use their own strengths.
• The signs of the air element - Gemini, Libra and Aquarius - are protected by the majority of opals. Only with the black variety will it be difficult for them to find mutual understanding. White stones will add stability to the air zodiacs, relieve them of mood swings and a tendency to depression, fire stones will charge them with energy, teach them to think positively and fill their lives with bright colors. Blue opals will make Aquarius and Libra more attentive, more collected, push them towards personal development and professional growth, and pink opals will reveal the creative potential Gemini
• Cancers, Pisces and Scorpios - water signs - will suit all varieties of blue and blue tones. They will become excellent helpers for them in business, protect them from various misfortunes, and show them a way out of a difficult situation. Moreover, each water sign has its own patron opal. Pisces will need yellow gems to become more ambitious and enterprising, more confident and fearless, as well as to improve their financial situation. Cancers will become more successful with a white stone, and Scorpios will increase their self-esteem, while getting rid of negative character traits, thanks to black opal, which will add happiness and joy to their lives as a bonus.
• For zodiacs of the earth element, opals can also become generous patrons of benefits. Virgos and Capricorns are most favored by fire (yellow-red) opals. With them, representatives of these signs will stop worrying and getting upset over trifles, get rid of excessive self-criticism and constraint, become kinder and softer, more smiling and open in communication. Such internal changes will entail significant improvements in all areas of life. For Taurus , blue and green gems are suitable. The first ones will make Taurus more patient, teach them to seize a good moment, instead of going ahead. The second will protect you from your own negativity (fears, stubbornness, fear of change) and from external aggressive factors of both an energetic and physical nature.

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Combinations of white opal and other stones

It is best to combine gems with blue, blue and violet crystals in jewelry:

• amethyst;
• lapis lazuli;
• turquoise;
• onyx;
• beryl.

It is under no circumstances recommended to combine opals with jasper, garnet and ruby. You should not wear jewelry with diamonds and aventurine at the same time. But it is favorable to wear opal and amber together.

It is best to choose silver as a frame. The stone looks good in white gold and platinum.

How to wear it correctly?

Opal is a special stone that requires special attention. When a gem is purchased for the purpose of receiving magical or healing help, all aspects of use must be taken into account, starting from the moment of purchase. Here the phases of the Moon will come to the rescue, and minerals of different colors have their own rules:

• It is recommended to purchase white opal on the 4th day of the lunar cycle, and start using it only on the 18th lunar day.
• It is advisable to buy the milky mineral on the 14th lunar day, starting to use it on the 28th lunar day.
• The fire gem is purchased on the 25th day of the cycle, and can be worn from the 11th day of the next lunar cycle.
• It is better to buy all other varieties of the mineral on the 15th lunar day, and use it in the last days of the cycle (29-30 days).

Also read: Diorite - features of volcanic rock

Once the purchase is made, all that remains is to follow some recommendations that will help you get the most out of the stone:

• A mandatory aspect is the contact of the gem with human skin, otherwise healing or magical powers will not manifest themselves.
• It is better to wear jewelry with a stone as often as possible, since the mineral needs moisture to exist, which it takes from the air or from the owner’s body. Otherwise, the stone is in danger of drying out. However, time away from each other is also necessary.
• Under a stream of cold water, the opal is cleansed of foreign energy.
• Jewelry with the mineral is worn after applying makeup.

It is recommended to wear the ring on the middle finger, without changing it from one hand to the other.

What does the cost consist of?

The stone is interesting because when evaluating it, it is not the size in carats that is taken into account, but criteria such as:

• tone;
• brightness;
• transparency;
• drawing on the surface.

In addition, the following parameters also affect the cost of opal:

• play of light (opalescence) - in the most valuable specimens it can be seen from any angle;
• shape – preference is given to stones that do not require complex processing;
• presence of inclusions.

Whole gems with a minimum of foreign inclusions are most highly valued. Such stones are used for jewelry and in collections.

How to distinguish a real stone from a fake

Counterfeits of white gemstones are quite rare, although there are valuable specimens among them. Identifying natural white opal is not difficult. You need to keep some nuances in mind and know the features of the stone:

• Although the mineral does not have high strength, unlike glass, it will not leave cracks if it is acted upon mechanically. Try to lightly hit it on some surface; if the stone is damaged, it is a fake.
• Triplets and doublets (artificial analogues of the mineral) can be distinguished by their unnatural color, layered structure, and lack of opalescence effect.
• The natural mineral will not stick to the surface of the tongue. The synthesized opal will linger for a couple of seconds.

In the video, a natural Australian mineral:

Rules for wearing jewelry

The stone is highly fragile, so you need to treat it with care. When getting ready, you should put on jewelry last, after makeup has already been applied.

It is better to use perfume and eau de toilette in advance - opal is sensitive even to such influences. It is not advisable to wear products with stone if you are going to spend the evening in a stuffy or smoky, poorly ventilated room. You should avoid wearing the opal with other jewelry that could scratch it.

Opal jewelry in gold and silver should be worn with care to avoid damaging the stone.

Secrets of storage and care

The stone contains from 13 to 30% water, so it is necessary to ensure sufficient humidity in the room where the jewelry is stored. If the room is too dry, you can put a damp cloth in the box.

To prevent moisture from drying out, it is recommended to periodically treat the stone with a weak solution of glycerin.

You can wash jewelry only with the most delicate products. To clean heavy dirt, use a soft sponge or toothbrush.

Facts about White Opal

The unusually beautiful semi-precious stone was valued by monarchs. So, it was Queen Victoria's favorite gem. And the ancient Romans considered the stone precious, along with rubies, sapphires and diamonds.

The Peruvian Indians believed that opal was born from lightning that struck from the sky. This myth received original confirmation already in our millennium: opals were discovered in rock samples delivered from Mars.

This stone is considered alive - it has the property of aging. This is due to the fact that the mineral does not have a crystalline structure and is almost 30% water.