Opal

Opal is the name of an iridescent gemstone which is classified as a mineraloid (as are Ambers and Pearls). Most etymologists seem to agree that the word “opal” was ultimately borrowed from the Sanskrit “úpala” (उपल) meaning “precious stone, jewel”. The opal is the gemstone of October which contains the astrological signs of Libra and Scorpio. The color spectrum of the opal contains all the colors of the rainbow and its iridescent quality showcases its wavelengths of light. Valued highly among almost all ancient civilizations, opals became ornaments of good luck and symbols of hope by the Middle Ages. Hairpieces made of opal were also worn by blondes to ensure the longevity of their hair color. Unfortunately opals got a bad rap in the early 19th century thanks to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott's novel “Anne of Geierstein” (1829). In the book, Lady Hermione wears a dazzling opal jewel in her hair. When a few drops of holy water come into contact with her gemstone, the opal’s sparkle dulls and Lady Hermione promptly dies, disintegrating into a heap of ashes in her bedchamber. Readers became convinced that the opal was an emblem of bad luck (the cause of her death); so much so that opal sales in Europe immediately dropped by an astounding 50%! After recovering from this bit of bad luck, the opal eventually went on to become one of the so-called gemstone names which were fashionable at the end of the 19th century (Opal, Pearl, Ruby). Although Pearl and Ruby are currently seeing a revival in the 21st century, Opal is not.