Opal is one of the world’s most captivating gemstones, famed for its mesmerising play of colour — an ever-shifting display of spectral hues that looks stunning in rings, pendants, watches and brooches. Few gems are as unique or as steeped in legend as the Opal. Here are some awesome facts about Opals that you may not know.
1. Opal Is the Birthstone for October
Opal is the official birthstone for October, symbolising purity and hope. It is considered a beautiful gift of love for those born in this month.
2. Opals Are Formed by Water
Opal forms through a fascinating natural process involving water. It is believed that when rainwater seeps down into cracks and crevices in rock, it carries dissolved silica. As the water evaporates, the silica is left behind, hardening over time into precious Opal — which is why Opal is sometimes poetically called a “gemstone born of water.”
3. Opal Has Been Found on Mars
Remarkably, Opal is one of the very few gemstones ever discovered beyond Earth — traces of opal-like silica have been identified on Mars, making it a truly cosmic gem.
4. Opal’s Ancient History
The name Opal comes from the Greek Opallios (meaning “to change colour”) and the Roman Opalus. In ancient Greek belief, opals were formed from the tears of joy wept by Zeus after the defeat of the Titans, and the stone was thought to carry prophetic powers.
5. Is Opal Lucky or Unlucky?
Opal has long been regarded as a lucky gemstone, used by many civilisations across history as a stone of fortune. Its “unlucky” reputation is a myth — traced back to a 19th-century English novel and later fuelled by competing gem marketers. In truth, Opal has been cherished as one of the most beautiful and auspicious stones on Earth for centuries.
6. Royalty Loved Opals
Opal was a favourite of Queen Victoria. Though she owned sapphires, rubies and diamonds from across the British Empire, she was especially captivated by the intoxicating colours of the Opal — and her patronage helped restore its popularity.
7. The Secret Behind Opal’s Play of Colour
Opal’s famous “play of colour” comes from its internal structure: tiny silica spheres arranged in an orderly pattern. When these spheres are just the right size and uniformly arranged, they refract light and split it into the spectrum — creating the shimmering rainbow flashes that make Opal so mesmerising.
Opal in Vedic Astrology
Beyond its beauty, Opal is astrologically the gemstone of the planet Venus (Shukra) — the planet of love, luxury, beauty and relationships. Wearing an Opal is believed to strengthen a favourable Venus, bringing harmony in relationships, artistic inspiration and prosperity. As a powerful stone, it is best worn after consulting an astrologer to confirm Venus’s placement in your chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Opal a lucky gemstone?
Yes. Opal has been regarded as a lucky stone for centuries. Its “unlucky” reputation is a myth traced to a 19th-century novel and marketing rivalry, not to any tradition.
Which birthstone is Opal?
Opal is the official birthstone for October, symbolising purity and hope. It is considered a meaningful gift of love for those born in that month.
How is Opal formed?
Opal forms when silica-rich water seeps into cracks in rock and evaporates over time, leaving behind hardened silica. This natural process gives Opal its unique, water-born character.
Why does Opal show different colours?
Opal’s play of colour comes from tiny silica spheres inside the stone. When uniformly arranged, they refract light into the spectrum, creating Opal’s signature shimmering rainbow flashes.
Which planet is associated with Opal?
Opal is the gemstone of Venus (Shukra) in Vedic astrology. It is believed to strengthen a favourable Venus, bringing love, harmony, beauty and prosperity.
Buy a Certified Natural Opal
For genuine beauty and benefit, always choose a certified, natural stone. Buy online natural certified Opal gemstones at wholesale prices from AstroKapoor, or consult an astrologer to check whether Opal suits your chart.
