Opal Stone Meaning: Healing Properties, Benefits and Uses

There is so much to Opal besides being a beautiful stone, one that has incredible healing properties and facts that prove its worth, and that has been around for thousands of years. A stone that was once worth more than diamonds and rubies. Opal Stone is one of those multifaceted stones where you will find the hues of rainbows embedded in it. Opal is known to have calming and supportive healing energies that can help you guide while embarking on new beginnings. Let’s find out more about it. Let’s find out about the healing properties, uses, and benefits of Opal stone.

What is Opal Stone?

Opal is a marvelous stone that reflects almost every color in the rainbow while still showcasing its iridescent shades. In more present times, Opal forms in Australia, Ethiopia, the US, and Mexico. Australia takes great pride in being the biggest producer of the stone as well as naming it as their national stone. Australia distributes roughly 95% of the stone around the world. Closely followed by Ethiopia. In the US, the supply comes from the desolate highlands of the Virgin Valley in Nevada. Despite its remote location on the map, miners, and admirers of the stone make their way to the valley to find the precious opal – The Black Opal.

Watch the below video to know the top 10 properties and uses of Opal stone:

How to Identify an Opal Stone?

Identifying a stone for its authenticity is crucial while remembering that no stone looks the same unless you’re purchasing two of the same stone. There are steps that you can apply to identify what a true opal stone looks like and how to differentiate it from its counterparts.

You can place the stone under sunlight to see its glaze reflecting, not necessarily the kind of reflection that comes from a piece of glass under the sun.
A stone made of glass will reflect you harshly, hence proving that it’s a fake.
If looked at from different angles, Opal stone will reflect shades of white and a little bit of every color.

Cuts and Shapes of Opal

The way we determine the authenticity of diamonds is based on their cut, opals are no different. You can figure out the true value and market value of the stone based on how it’s cut and presented in the market

Edges give it away. Look for details in the edges all around the stone and
Opal stone can fracture quite easily, having said that, it’s not the stone’s fault and instead people who don’t apply the right technique.
It’s important to keep in mind that while investing in a gemstone like an opal, it should be of good quality that can be a valuable investment and a beautiful piece to hold on to.
When it comes to recognizing different cuts of stone that can come from different parts of the world, it is easier to learn about it as you choose to buy Opal from that particular place.
Like any other gemstone that can be formed into jewelry, opal is no different.
There are many options to choose the desired shape that you want to give to the stone according to your preference necessary

Where is Opal found?

Australia is known to be the biggest exporter of opal stone and in fact, made Opal their national stone. Since the early 1800s, Australia has been the main source of precious opal. A little-known fact as to how Australia became the main source of opal dates back to 1889 when a man named T.C, (Tully) Watson gathered the finest cuts of the stone and took them to England and successfully sold them as fine jewels.
Ever since then Australia was known to be the biggest exporter of some of the finest Opal you can find in the world.
There are many reasons why the Australian opal is the most sought-after,

It is easily cuttable and can be made into beautiful, delicate pieces of jewelry and then sold as that, making it flexible to work with and make use of in more than one way.

When we talk about the Opal stone in the US, we often refer to the mighty Black opal found in the desolate location of the virgin valley in Nevada. But what if we tell you about another hidden spot?
Spencer, Idaho. Formed in thin layers and is only a millimeter or less. This Spencer opal can be as solid as a full stone and can be cut in half it is classified to be a precious stone due to its bright pigmented colors and beauty.

What is the Meaning of Opal Stone?

Opal Stone can be a highly intuitive stone that can guide you to reach your higher consciousness and practice deep inner healing that can lead you to unlock inspirations and imaginations that might’ve been suppressed.

Iridescent, and translucent in its appearance, Opal attracts many gemstone lovers across the globe. Though its overall look is quite a sight to behold, it is also an incredibly powerful stone that helps with different aspects, be it, creative aspirations, seeking inner peace, starting new projects, or beginning something new in general. Opal is known to be the stone that allows all of these endeavors to work out smoothly.

Due to its vast range of colors and different healing properties attached to those colors, it can get a little tricky to pick the right one.

Here are a few examples of what each color of opal means :

White Opal is known to be used for its purity powers, used for new beginnings. Often advised to people who are going through a change or starting something new.
Boulder Opal is known to be a stone that grounds stability and a strong foundation. It is great for those who are either starting a new project or seeking stability in their life.
Blue Opal is known to unlock self-expression, a better communication channel.
Green Opal is known to be a stone that encourages growth. Green is a color that generates prosperity and growth in general, and using the stone can be a great way to incorporate that.
Pink Opal is known to have emotions that promote love and compassion, it allows you to create great connections and lead with love and care.
Black Opal is a mighty strong stone that’s used for protection and warding off negative energies.

Opal Stone Meaning in Ancient Lore and History

Originally, the stone was found in Ethiopia in 4000 B.C. Later on, the Romans found the stone to be a precious stone due to its various hues and called it ‘’Ocupid Paederos’’ – meaning, A child as beautiful as love. In 75 A.D. Roman Scholar, Pliney made an observation and seemed to be marveled at the sight of the colors of the stone which reflected, the yellowness from topaz, the dazzling blue of sapphire, and the ever beautiful deep tones of amethyst.

Historians have assessed that the word ‘Opalus’ meaning ‘’ seeing changes in hue’’ only came to be after 180 B.C after the Romans took over the greek states. It is said that greek believed that the ‘Opalus’ were the tears of joy from Zeus after he won the fight against the Titans.

Nevada produces all kinds of opal that vary from white, red, and yellow, but their most important production remains the black opal. The black opal remains in the stone of Nevada. Opal found in the virgin valley cannot be turned into a fine piece of jewelry compared to Opal from other places. The reason for this is known to be that most stones found in the valley can sustain damage and crazes if put under the wheel. Though it is not entirely impossible for the stone to be converted into a particular style, it sure takes a great deal of time to make it happen.

Crystal Healing with the Help of Opal

Healing properties found in crystals and stones have been used for thousands of years, and have worked in a spiritual sense.
Opal comes in different forms which allow it to work in different ways and tend to different needs of the user.
Opal is known to help with emotional healing and anxiety, and help you seek clarity that might further benefit you in different areas of life.

Metaphysical Properties of Opal

The metaphysical properties of the stone are believed to attract those who are seeking a sense of deep healing. You are either directed towards the stone or feel inclined to it, it’s the energies that you feed into it and receive in return that determines how well you will work with it.
Opal is the stone that targets ‘ Sahasrara’ ( The crown chakra), it is believed to carry the energy from different elements. The element that represents Opal is water. Water content in the stone can go up to 3-20%, which represents rebirth, rejuvenation, and the unlocking of new paths.
It is believed to carry energy from different elements. The element that represents Opal is water. Water content in the stone can go up to 20%, which means rebirth, rejuvenation, and the unlocking of new paths.
Due to its water element, opal can be the stone for water signs such as Cancer. It is the birthstone of those born in October.
There are legends associated with the stone as is the case with all stones and crystals. It is said that one should avoid giving themselves a piece of opal as it can be a stroke of bad luck. Often seen as a gift for others, it is believed to work best when you receive it.
Metaphysical properties are closely tied with the inner workings of our mind, body, and soul. The way we choose our stones and how we choose to align ourselves with energies around us can determine how we feel and perceive things in our life.

Spiritual Benefits of Opal

Spiritual properties are closely tied with the inner workings of our mind, body, and soul. The way we choose our stones and how we choose to align ourselves with energies around us can determine how we feel and perceive things in our life. Everything in this universe is energy and everything that carries energy can also drain energy, which affects us in more than one way. Both within us and around us. The right choice of stone can affect a person’s health, wealth, and overall well-being. This is why it is important to understand which stone works best for you.

Read about a few other Benefits of Opal here.

Opal & Feng Shui

Feng shui is a Chinese practice of arranging objects in your surroundings, and living places, to enhance your way of living and maintain a healthy balance. That’s the true meaning of feng shui.

This practice is adopted based on the philosophy of Taoism. Tao, also known as dao, is the way of nature. The order in which the universe works and following the right order can lead to a fulfilling life. There are stark similarities between the philosophies of feng shui and opal stone in general. Opal represents the practice of leading with intuition, and inner wisdom, and helps with amplifying your spiritual energy. You can use Opal in this spot which indicates new beginnings, harmony, and peace.

Incorporating Opal Stone along with the practice of feng shui can prove to be a harmonious collaboration. With the healing properties of the stone and practices of organizing and arranging your surroundings, the stone can be placed in different places in the bedroom, living room, and even office space.

At the end of the day, the feng shui practice is supposed to help you feel balanced in your environment, and the stone can be impressive and versatile and used in different spaces. Many practices present themselves in the form of mediation, feng shui, and ayurvedic practices where you can incorporate stones.

Opal and Birthstone

Opal is known to be beneficial for those who are –

: Born in October

: Their zodiac sign is Libra

: Their ruling planet is Venus.

Opal is heavily influential for those who identify as water signs and associate themselves as empaths. Opal has a water content that can go up to 20%, it can help those who feel inclined towards water elements and gemstones. It can direct your emotions and guide them with clarity and provide stability within your planetary alignment.

Do you want to know How to Tell if the Opal is Right for you? Read here.

Opal Chakras and Chakra Healing

It is not uncommon to make sure that the stone that you’re investing in aligns with your spiritual needs and journey. Learning about which part of your spiritual healing needs attention and which one of your chakra needs alignment can determine what you need.

Since there are different varieties of opal and all of them possess different healing properties, it will be easier to differentiate what works and what doesn’t after learning about them. (As explained at the beginning of the article)
Opal is known to be an emotive stone as it presses emotional center points, allowing revelations and emotional clarity to come to the surface.
Chakras manage and regulate our subconscious and stones are known to influence our energy levels, both of which go hand in hand while starting on a spiritual journey that involves gemstones.
Opal is known to target the ‘Third Eye chakra and the ‘Crown’ chakra, also known as ‘Sahasrara’.

Uses and Affects of the Opal Stone

Opal is a versatile stone that allows us to explore different problem areas with different kinds of opals allowing us to have more than one or two options.

There are many ways in which opal can be incorporated.
Opal can be used in meditative practices that can help with grounding
Opal can be a part of feng shui and is used in a positive way to bring balance to home, career, and relationships.
Opal stone has different uses depending on the color of the stone and its purpose.
White Opal is known to be used for its purity powers, used for new beginnings. Often advised to people who are going through a change or starting something new.
Boulder Opal is known to be a stone that grounds stability and a strong foundation. It is great for those who are either starting a new project or seeking stability in their life.
Blue Opal is known to unlock self-expression, a better communication channel.
Green Opal is known to be a stone that encourages growth. Green is a color that generates prosperity and growth in general, and using the stone can be a great way to incorporate that.
Pink Opal is known to have emotions that promote love and compassion, it allows you to create great connections and lead with love and care.
Black Opal is a mighty strong stone that’s used for protection and warding off negative energies.

Caring for your Opal Stone correctly

How to Cleanse Opal?

It is crucial to know how to cleanse your stones and charge them before you use them. It can be a new stone that you just purchased and was seen and picked up by others. Stones can pick up the energy of those who come in contact with it and they can pass it on to different people who come in contact with it.

These are a few options –

Rosemary plant
Sage plant
Sandalwood

Rosemary and Sage are known to have powerful properties that can ward off negative energies. A lot of people use sage around their homes to cleanse the space. Sage and Rosemary can be found outside holy places as it protects us against the evil eye.

Can Opal Go in the Water? Is Opal Water Safe? Read here.

How to Charge your Opal stone?

Sound healing is a practice that has been used for as long as the stones have been around, maybe even longer.
Sound healing releases frequencies and vibrations that can charge stones and crystals that pick up on those vibrations.
Tibetan bowl is often used for its sonic powers before starting to meditate. It enhances our senses and brings clarity as we tune in.
Sound and vibrations are known to have healing powers that can be beneficial for those seeking things like sonic therapy, and music therapy.

How to Activate Opal?

All gemstones absorb energies. Whether you’ve just purchased it online or bought it from a shop, everywhere that it has been and everything that it comes in contact with can drain the energy from the stone.

Stones should be cleansed and charged before activating them at least once a month.
Depending on how the stone is molded and remade- it can be activated by putting it under sunlight.
Opal, since it’s a water sign will be highly affected by lunar energies. Moonlight can energize the stone and activate it.

Opal: How do Determine the right price?

Once you learn how to differentiate between a real opal stone and a fake one, you will find it easier to spot what’s worth your penny. The price range differs based on the color, shape, cut, and the place where it comes from.

The Australian Opal market is the one where you can trust to find the best cuts and price points for your choice of opal stone.
The starting price point can start anywhere from $20, $50, and $100.
A bit darker shade of opal can also be referred to as a boulder opal and can range anywhere from – $150 to $200.
The most expensive stone in the Opal family is the black opal with its black hues reflecting all the other shades within its black matrix, making it one of the most sought-after stones.

Impacts of Opal Stone

There is so much more to stones than we allow ourselves to give credit.

These stones can carry an immense source of energy that can truly influence the way we feel a shift in our energy in all aspects.
Opal is known to help with emotional clearance by encouraging us to confront our inner conflicts and troubles that we usually suppress.
Alongside practicing ancient methods such as feng shui, we can incorporate different kinds of stones to take up a little bit of space in our environment for spiritual guidance, peace of mind, and the overall well-being of ourselves and our loved ones.

To know how to wear Opal stone click here.

How to differentiate between Real and Fake Opal?

Finding the suitable stone for you is a task in itself, but finding the real stone in today’s market can be equally challenging. The market for stones and crystals is corrupted by dishonest sellers tricking people into buying fake stones that do not hold any healing properties and aren’t from the places where they are originally from.

Most of the time, they use glasses and make them look exactly like the stone they are trying to sell.
Since Opal is a stone that can be opaque and iridescent, and also comes in lighter shades like white and pink; it makes it easier for these sellers to make a counterfeit stone that may look identical to the real one.
Be wary and do your research before you purchase a stone either in a market or online.
You can purchase stones and get them verified by a gemologist who will know the difference between a real stone and a fake one.
You can tell by the cut of the stone whether it was done professionally or by someone who didn’t know how to handle a delicate stone such as Opal.

Here are a few tips to remember the next time you’re on the hunt to find real opal –

Real opal is not going to have snake-like or scratchy patterns or layers on it
Real opal will reflect in an opaque, iridescent type of color
While purchasing opal, make sure the stone does not have any layering of gold or metal on the back. Any authentic stone will not have those.
Real opal cannot be kept under sunlight – as it is made of silica and can have a water content that is up to 20%.
Opal stone in its original color will have different hues reflecting off of it.

Here are a few things to look out for if you spot a fake

Fake opal will be made of glass, it will be easy to guess from the reflection
Fake stoned are often sugared or smoked to give it that authentic look
Fake opal will probably have a very low quantity of real opal in it, not enough to classify it as a real stone.

Counterfeits will always be available in flea markets, crystal and stone shops, and online. The online market for fake stones is soaring high at the moment, especially after the beauty trend of using gua sha and jade rollers took off, and now everyone uses it. You can find real, authentic stones online based on their price too. You just have to be wary about it.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, stones and crystals are here to guide us in more ways than one,

And it is up to us to realize which one of them is our true calling. It is about trusting our intuition and allowing these mystical and magical stones to enhance that journey.

Summary of Opal Stone

Name of Crystal	Opal Stone
Other Names	Precious Opal – Opaline
Origin(s)	Australia
Color(s)	Translucent – Available in all colors
Precious	Yes
Semi-Precious	Yes
Formation	Silicon Dioxide and Water
Majorly Found at	Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Western US
Zodiac Suited for	Libra and Taurus
Chakra	Heart Chakra
Healing Properties	High Vibrational response, Balanced state of mind, Brings hope.
Health Benefits	Helps with insomnia, wards away nightmares, and reduce stress before sleep.
Types of Crystal	Translucent, Opaque, Subtle yellow, Subtle Pink
Uses	Great for creatives, Inspiration, Motivates, and reduces sleep problems.
Goes in Water?	Yes
Goes in Salt Water?	No
Goes in Rain Water?	Yes
	Yes
Moh’s Scale	6.5
Real	It has a natural sheen on its surface that reflects light and moonlight.
Fake	Glass-Made Opal won’t reflect shine or reflect light. It won’t have the same weight either.

FAQs

What is the stone Opal good for?

For those who are seeking clarity and direction in navigating new beginnings, Opal can be a highly intuitive stone to help direct the course of your new path.

How costly is Opal?

It can vary anywhere from $25 to $50 and can go up to $200 – $500.

Who should wear Opal stone?

People born in October and naturally inclined toward water elements to opt for Opal.

Is Opal a lucky stone?

Opal is an incredibly lucky stone for those who understand its uses.

How do you activate an Opal Stone?

Opal can be activated with the help of sound vibrations, and even by moonlight.

How can I tell if my Opal is real?

Real Opal won’t reflect the same as a glass stone.