[October birthstone]

Origin of opal

The Greek word ``opallios'' means ``to see a change in color.''

There is a legend among Australia's Aborigines that says, ``The Creator descended upon the earth on a rainbow and brought tidings of peace to all humans.''

It is said that a rainbow-colored opal was created where the creator landed.

The meaning of opal

"Hope", "Luck", "Joy", "Innocence"

There are positive and bright words lined up, and it seems like you'll be happy just by owning it, but this is because opal was made in ancient Roman times.

It is said that this is because it was treated as a gemstone that brought good luck.

The color of opal is very complex and reflects a variety of colors, so it has the meaning of a ``mirror'' that reflects the inside of your heart, and it is said to be a way to express your inner beauty and talent.

It is also said that it will bring you encounters.

Opal loved by great writers

Because no two gemstones have the same shine or color, this one-of-a-kind gemstone, a one-of-a-kind gemstone, seems to have captivated even great writers.

Shakespeare described opal in ``Twelfth Night'' as ``this mysterious stone is the queen of precious stones,'' and Kenji Miyazawa frequently featured opal in ``The Fire of Shells'' and ``The Camp of the University Scholar,'' expressing its beauty. It describes the beauty.

The secret and types of opal brilliance

Opal has a play of color effect called play of color, but the secret behind why it shines in such a variety of colors lies in the structure of opal.

Opal is made of a mixture of silicon particles called silica and water.

The particles act as a prism, and a phenomenon similar to a rainbow occurs on the surface of the gemstone, creating a unique color.

In addition, the hue of the play-of-color effect changes depending on the size of the particles, starting with the smallest particle.

The color changes from purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red.

Opal can also be divided into the following two types depending on whether it has a play of color effect or not.

・Precious Opal: Opal with play-of-color effect ・Common Opal: Opal without play-of-color effect

About handling opal

Opal contains water.
It also supplies water, so if you soak it in colored water, it will become colored or fade.

There is no problem if you wash it off quickly, but if you leave it in a humid place, the play-of-color effect will change.
It is also sensitive to dryness, so please be aware that if you store it in a place exposed to direct sunlight or in a dry place, it may crack.