Blue opal is a unique gemstone that has captured the hearts of many with its stunning and vibrant blue color. This gemstone is rare and highly sought after, not only for its beauty but also for its significance in various cultures. In this blog post, we will explore the origin, significance, and use of blue opal in jewelry. October babies are honored with the lucky blue opal birthstone.
What is Blue Opal?
Blue opal is a variety of the gemstone opal that comes in shades of blue and blue-green. It is a fascinating, unique gemstone and technically, it isn’t a mineral. Opals are a family (or “species”) of gemstone known for the silica spheres, mentioned above. It is a relatively hard stone, similar to hematite and turquoise in this regard.
Where is Blue Opal From?
Blue opals are found in various parts of the world, including Peru, Australia, and the United States. The largest deposits of blue opals are found in Peru, where they are mined in the Andes Mountains. The Peruvian blue opal is known for its vibrant blue color and unique patterns, making it one of the most desirable types of blue opals in the world.
Significance of Blue Opal
Blue opal is known for its healing properties, making it a popular choice for those seeking emotional and spiritual healing. This gemstone is believed to calm the mind and reduce stress, making it an excellent choice for meditation and relaxation.
In ancient cultures, blue opal was also considered a symbol of loyalty and faithfulness. It was often given as a gift to loved ones to show commitment and devotion.
In addition to its spiritual significance, blue opal is also believed to have physical healing properties. It is said to help with issues related to the respiratory system, digestion, and the immune system.
What Does The Blue Opal Symbolize?
This translucent stone with its signature color blue symbolizes a balance between the sea and the sky, meaning between the earthly, physical world and the spiritual world.
Blue Opal Jewelry
Blue opal is a popular gemstone for jewelry due to its stunning color and unique patterns. It is often used in necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, and is especially popular in bohemian-style jewelry.
When used in jewelry, blue opal is typically cut into cabochons, which are polished and rounded gems with a smooth surface. This allows the gemstone to display its unique patterns and color variations, making each piece of blue opal jewelry truly one-of-a-kind.
One popular type of blue opal jewelry is the birthstone necklace. Blue opal is the birthstone for the month of October, and is believed to bring good luck and positive energy to those born during that month.
How to Care for your Opal Jewelry
Opals should not be cleaned by steam, in an ultrasonic cleaner, or with any harsh cleaning agents or in warm soapy water because of its hydrophane nature. When cleaning your Opal jewelry, you should avoid chemicals of any type and do not submerge in water to soak, simply use warm water and a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. If your Opal gets wet, the color and transparency will change temporarily but it will revert to its original color in a few days. If you live in a desert climate with low humidity, it is advisable to store your Opal jewelry in a small zip lock bag with a damp cotton ball to provide a little moisture and avoid it drying out. Opals should also be protected from blows, as exposed corners can chip.
