Opal
Opal — from the Greek opallios, "to see a change of color" — is the only gemstone that can display a full rainbow in a single stone. Unlike most crystals, opal has no orderly crystal structure: it is built from microscopic silica spheres stacked in neat rows, and light bouncing between them creates the famous play-of-color — flashes of red, blue, green and gold that shift as the stone moves. It is also October's birthstone, and no two opals ever look alike.
What Is Opal?
Opal Varieties
- Black opal — the most prized variety, with vivid play-of-color against a dark body tone; red flashes are the rarest and most valuable.
- White & crystal opal — bright rainbow flashes on a light or transparent ground; the classic opal look.
- Pink opal — soft, porcelain-like pink without play-of-color; gentle and romantic in feel.
- Blue & golden opal — serene blue or warm honey tones, popular in everyday jewellery.
- Common opal (potch) — opaque, single-color opal such as our white "protein stone" earrings; valued for its soft, milky glow.
What Is Opal Good For?
Opal is the crystal world's muse. Practitioners traditionally associate it with creativity and inspiration — fresh ideas, imagination and artistic breakthroughs. It is also treasured as a stone of personal charm: in traditional belief it draws out the wearer's inner magnetism and warmth, supporting love, friendship and new encounters. Many wear it when they want to feel radiant, expressive and confidently themselves.
How to Use Opal
- Wear it for creative days — A pendant or ring keeps its inspiring presence close when ideas matter.
- For special occasions — Opal's shifting fire makes it a natural choice for evenings out and celebrations.
- Near the skin — Many believe opal's glow responds to being worn; regular gentle wear is part of its traditional care.
- As a birthstone gift — An October birthstone with a personal, one-of-a-kind character.
Care & Cleansing
- Treat it gently — opal is relatively soft (5.5–6.5 Mohs). Remove before sports, housework or heavy activity.
- Avoid heat, sudden temperature changes, harsh chemicals, sweat and ultrasonic cleaners; wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
- Store in a soft pouch or lined box, away from harder gemstones.
- Cleansing: keep it dry — rest it on a Clear Quartz cluster or in moonlight around the full moon rather than any water-based method. Read our full cleansing guide.
- Avoid salt water — some shops recommend it as a cleansing method, but salt can permanently dull or damage the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is opal's play-of-color?
Flashes of rainbow color that move across the stone — caused by light diffracting between microscopic silica spheres inside the opal. It's the single most important factor in an opal's beauty and value.
Is opal fragile?
It's softer than quartz and dislikes knocks, heat and chemicals — but with normal jewellery care (remove for sports and housework, store softly), opal jewellery wears beautifully for years.
Is opal really October's birthstone?
Yes — opal is the traditional October birthstone, treasured for centuries as a gem of inspiration and personal charm.