Fire.
Black opals are the most valuable opals in the world. The most beautiful examples of these come from the Lightning Ridge mining area in Australia.
Opals are classified according to the pattern of the fire within the stone. This example is a cross between pinfire and palette.
While some lists show that Tourmaline or Pink Zircon is the gemstone for those who were born in October, opal is actually the traditional stone. Now days, Tourmaline is said to be an alternative. I think that came about because they come in so many different colors. I don‘t know who came up with Pink Zircon, but it was hugely popular when I was a kid as THE stone for October birthdays. Personally, I never considered it valid.
“October‘s child is born for woe,
And life‘s vicissitudes must know;
But lay an Opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those foes to rest.”Birthday poem from
“The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones”
by William T. Fernie, M.D.
Opals have traditionally been considered “lucky” stones…but only for those born in the month of October. It has been considered bad luck to wear them if you were born in any other month.
These stones are thought to be able to confer the gift of invisibility on their wearers. According to ancient lore, the gem was wrapped in a green bay leaf and hidden from sight while carried on the person. I‘ve tried it, but I wasn‘t truly invisible. But it did seem like people failed to notice me, which would kind of amount to the same thing!
Unlike other stones, opals are very useful for healing purposes. It contains all the colors of the other stones, thus, it could be used in place of any of them. (They are akin to quartz crystals, in this aspect.) Opals are frequently used for healing the spirit, bringing hidden emotions, and unrecognized issues to the surface where they can be dealt with.
This stone is probably my favorite stone. This may be partially due to the fact that they are my birthstone, and I have been surrounded by them all of my life. For me, they are protective and invigorating. I normally use them during Journeying, and when doing “readings” for other…anything where I am using altered states of consciousness. I find that they help me to understand the symbols of my visions in a way that makes them meaningful for others.
Zen Gem drawn on Strathmore Vellum Bristol Micron pens. Coloring done with Crayola and Copic markers. Shading done with Tombow, Zig and Copic markers and graphite pencil.