A cabochon is a very old style of cutting a gemstone, and was the first type of gem cut before faceting became the preferred cut (faceting opals is usually a no-no as the cut doesn't benefit the gemstone). The most common cuts and shapes for Australian opals include cabochon rounds and ovals, as well as marquise, pear and heart shapes.
OPAL BIRTHSTONE PLUS
While many people know about diamond's 4Cs - cut, colour, clarity, carat weight - you might be surprised that the same 4Cs are just as important with pricing an opal - plus some special extras! One thing's for sure, opal is a lot harder to grade than diamond thanks to its many variables and complex classification system. Either way, it's important to know a little about this remarkable gemstone and the factors that go into its value. You might have purchased your first opal or decided on a piece of jewellery to celebrate your birthstone.
This spectral phenomenon, as well as opal's amazingly beautiful patterning, is caused by light refracting and diffracting in the voids between opal's silica spheres. Different size spheres result in different colours. It is the only gemstone on earth known to display a really cool, unique phenomenon called 'play of-colour,' or iridescence. In science terms, opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, with a water content ranging from 3% to 21% by weight (some incorrectly believe solid opals can not get wet, which is untrue, but it's still advised to keep them away from hot water). After the rainwater dried up, layers of tightly packed spherical silica deposits were left behind, forming opal. As the rainwater penetrated the ground, it deposited a dissolved mineral called silica through cracks in underground rocks. Opal is an ancient gemstone, formed millions of years ago when rain soaked the earth in desert locations throughout central Australia. Wearing your birthstone is believed to bring luck and good fortune, so by wearing opal jewellery or carrying opal, October-borns can tap into amazingly positive energy, and feel secure, strong and empowered.
October babies should feel special about being associated with such an amazing gem. Also a stone of creativity, opals help stimulate originality and bring out the wearer’s inner light and spontaneity.
OPAL BIRTHSTONE FULL
It is believed to amplify existing traits, enhance self confidence, and help the owner realise their full potential. Opal is also said to be a stone of protection, giving the wearer cover against dangerous places, fevers and infections. For those born under the star sign Libra, it also represents purity and sincerity. Folklore often says to wear an opal to enhance your optimism in life. And its properties are fascinating! Traditionally, and culturally, opal is said to be a symbol of good luck, love, passion, desire, fidelity, harmony and seduction. WHAT DOES OPAL SYMBOLISE?īeing October's traditional birthstone, opal is a highly symbolic, spiritually significant, positive and healing gemstone. Even the Romans had a word resembling opal - opalus - which means ‘to see a change of colour’. It is also said to originate from the Greek word opallios which translates to 'seeing a change of colour' - absolutely fitting for this amazing gemstone that is renowned for its 'play of colour'. The word 'opal' is steeped in ancient history, originally deriving from the Sanskrit word upala meaning 'precious stone'. Here in our ultimate guide to opal, explore the fascinating world of this remarkable gem, its history and properties, and also celebrate those born in the month of October who are lucky enough to have an opal birthstone. From its mesmerising spectrum of vivid colours to its iridescence and ethereal properties, it is the most popular of all opals. Īustralian opal is one of the most captivating gemstones in the world. This one-of-a-kind October birthstone is found mainly in Australia, with the rarest type - the black opal - ethically sourced by small teams of opal miners deep underground in the outback town Lightning Ridge. Opal is a beautiful, rare and colourful gemstone that is the birthstone of those lucky enough to be born in the month of October, and also those under the astrological star sign Libra.
0 kommentar(er)
