October Birthstone : Opal

A delightful mix of colors, what we would call the best of all worlds, is what an opal truly is and you couldn’t agree more with Pliny’s words above. In fact early Romans valued opals more than even diamonds or pearls due to their iridescent quality. The name opal in itself echoes the characteristics of the stone. In Sanskrit ‘upala’ means precious stone and in Greek ‘Opallios’ means ‘to see a change of color’.

Opal is the birthstone for the month of October. Called the queen of gems opal was considered by the Romans to be a symbol of purity and hope. It was also said to cure one from diseases, being fortified with strong therapeutic powers. Some believed it brought ill luck if those not born in October wore opal. Sadly, opal has been an infamous stone and believed to bring devastation to the entire family of one wearing it. This myth came along with a few unfortunate incidents that coincidentally happened to those sporting opal. This superstition most likely stemmed from the fact that these stones being dry broke during the process of cutting and polishing and hence were considered ominous.
There were some who did not much bother about these fallacies the best example being Queen Victoria. She truly fancied opals and wore them generously besides having a personal collection of these fine gems. She also gave them away as wedding gifts to all her five daughters.

Truly a gem of the royals opals were quite generously used in crowns. The striking ‘Orphanus’ adorned the crown of the Holy Roman Emperor and is said to have been safeguarding the regal honor. In fact Napoleon gifted a red one with dazzling flashes called ‘The Burning of Troy’ to his Empress Josephine.

The Romans are said to have been in love and in complete awe of opals. So much so that Mark Antony in his quest for a particular opal belonging to Senator Nonius dismissed him on being refused to buy the mesmerizing jewel from him. It was after all meant to be a gift for his lady love Cleopatra and no way would he accept an answer in the negative. They were so sought after that another Roman Emperor is believed to have traded one third of his kingdom in exchange of a sole opal.

I honestly feel a painter’s palette when crystallized would resemble an Opal. The gem has a unique quality of portraying multiple colors at the same time. Who can after all resist these flickering beauties. Agreed it is a gemstone for all of you born in the month of October but it definitely wouldn’t be fair to deprive others of its charm. Not to forget, royalty from all across the world fell easy prey to the charisma of these distinctively exclusive gems.

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