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Opal

Photo: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Opal

Also known as: Pink opal, fire opal

October's birthstone – silica spheres that split light into flashing rainbow colours.

  • ColourWhite, Black, Pink, Orange, Rainbow flash
  • Mineral groupMineraloid (hydrated silica)
  • ChemistrySiO₂·nH₂O
  • Hardness (Mohs)5.5–6.5
  • Crystal systemAmorphous
  • Where it's foundAustralia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Peru (pink opal), Brazil
  • ChakraCrown, Heart
  • ZodiacCancer, Libra, Scorpio, Pisces
  • BirthstoneOctober

What is Opal?

Opal is hydrated silica – it contains water, typically 3–10%. In precious opal, tiny silica spheres are stacked in orderly rows that diffract light into flashes of colour, called play-of-colour. This was discovered by Australian scientists using electron microscopes in the 1960s.

Australia has long been the world's main source (Lightning Ridge black opal, Coober Pedy white opal), with Ethiopia now also important. Common opal without play-of-colour includes pink opal from Peru. Opal is a birthstone for October, together with tourmaline.

Opal astrology & birthstone

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Opal meaning & traditional properties

Opal is associated with creativity, inspiration and emotional expression in crystal traditions.

  • Creativity
  • Inspiration
  • Joy

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Opal

  • Wear opal as your October birthstone.
  • Keep pink opal in a calm, loving space.

How to care for Opal

Opal contains water and is sensitive. Avoid heat, sudden temperature changes, ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Ethiopian opal can absorb liquids. Clean with a soft damp cloth; don't soak opal doublets or triplets.

Shop Opal

Hand-picked opal crystals and jewellery from our Paralimni workshop.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Opal with a energy & motivation ritual

A bright morning ritual to wake up your energy and motivation.

Traditionally paired with: Lemongrass, citrus, mint or eucalyptus incense · An orange or yellow candle · Palo santo

  • Open the curtains and clear the space with palo santo.
  • Light an orange or yellow candle and citrus, lemongrass or eucalyptus incense.
  • Hold your crystal and name one thing you'll get done today.
  • Carry the crystal with you as your reminder.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Opal jewellery & pendulums

    Wear the energy of your favourite crystals every day – browse our handmade crystal jewellery and dowsing pendulums.

    Opal FAQs

    What causes opal's colours?

    Microscopic silica spheres diffract light into rainbow flashes.

    What month is opal?

    October, with tourmaline.

    Is pink opal a real opal?

    Yes, it's a common opal (without play-of-colour), mostly from Peru.

    Related crystals

    • Opalite
      In our shop

      Opalite

      Glowing milky man-made glass that flashes blue and gold – often confused with opal and moonstone.

    • Moonstone
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      Moonstone

      Feldspar with a floating blue-white glow, June's birthstone and a stone of the moon in many cultures.

    • Labradorite
      In our shop

      Labradorite

      Grey feldspar that flashes blue, green and gold – the 'northern lights' stone of transformation and intuition.

    • Rose Quartz
      In our shop

      Rose Quartz

      Soft pink quartz – the best-known stone of love, self-love and compassion in crystal traditions.

    Sources