Black opal stone – properties, virtues & benefits
Black opal stone is a unique gemstone, featuring shimmering colors and fascinating depth. This gemstone is prized for its mysterious beauty and rarity, and is often used in jewelry to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Discover the characteristics and meanings of black opal stone in our comprehensive guide.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BLACK OPAL
- Chakra: Root (1st chakra).
- Properties: Protection, emotional healing, creativity, intuition, purification.
- Astrology: Pluto.
- Zodiac: ScorPio.
- Elements: Earth, water, fire, air.
- Colors: Black, gray, dark green, dark blue, purple.
- Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale.
- Chemical Formula: SiO2-nH2O.
- Associated god: None.
Black OPAL STONE – ITS HISTORY
For many years, black opal stone has been found on several continents, according to Pliny the Elder, a 1st-century physician who recounts in his writings that a senator was exiled by Antony for an opal estimated at 20 years’ pay for a legionnaire. The stone was so precious that it was the only object the senator took with him into exile. In the 18th century, the opal was found in Alexandria and sold to a Frenchman for 40,000 thalers. Unfortunately, it has since been lost. Josephine de Beauharnais is also said to have owned a fire opal called “Incendie de Troie”, as did Queen Victoria, who wore such a stone to symbolize a 40-year period of mourning. Empress Eugenie, on the other hand, was afraid of opal because she believed it attracted misfortune.
An Australian legend tells of God descending on a rainbow to bring a message of peace to the people. His feet touched stones on earth, which began to move as if alive, giving birth to opal. In Australia, some tribes have nicknamed opal the “rainbow snake” in reference to this story, while another rumor claims that the rainbow helped create the gemstone.
Black opal stone is highly valued on the mineralogy market due to its thin layer of color. It can be worth several thousand dollars per carat, and if its color layer is thicker, it can be worth even more. Jewellers are constantly on the lookout for the most precious stone on the market. In ancient times, the Greeks worshipped opal because it was believed to develop clairvoyance and prophecy, while the Romans used it to symbolize purity and hope in lithotherapy. During this period, opal was also sold massively on Roman markets, and Marc Antony even banished a senator from the emPire for refusing to sell him one of his finest specimens.
According to Greek legend, Zeus’ tears of joy gave birth to opals, while in Indian culture, the goddess of the rainbow transformed herself into an opal to escape her suitors. In addition, the Arabs believed that stormy light remained locked in black opal, which was formed thanks to lightning.
Today, the value of black opal can reach 60,000 euros due to its rarity and beauty, making it one of the most prized gems on the gemstone market. Jewellers continue to search for the most precious stone possible, hoPing one day to find it.
Opal mining dates back 10,000 years in the American Virgin Valley, while ancient objects bearing opals have been discovered in a Kenyan cave dating back to 4,000 B.C. These stones may have come from a deposit in EthioPia. In the Middle Ages, opal was known as “ophthalmios” (French for “eye stone”), as it was used in lithotherapy to improve vision. Fair-haired women also wore opal jewelry to prevent the appearance of white hair.
For a long time, black opal was considered to bring bad luck due to a novel published in 1829, in which a young woman accused of witchcraft poured holy water over the stone before dying. This rumor caused the opal’s value to plummet by 50% within a few months. DesPite this, Napoleon gave a stone containing almost 700 carats to his wife, whose value today is estimated at $50,000. However, trace of this stone has been lost since the Second World War.
In summary, opal has been mined for thousands of years in different parts of the world, and has been used for a variety of purposes in lithotherapy. Although considered bad luck for a time, opal remains one of the most prized gems due to its rarity and beauty.
BLACK OPAL STONE – ITS ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION
The word “opal” comes from the Sanskrit “sanskrit”, meaning “precious stone”. This term gave rise to the Latin word “opalus” and the Greek word “opallios”. Prior to 2007, opal was considered an ore. It is composed mainly of tridymite, hydrated amorphous silica and cristobalite, with a high water content of up to 9% by weight, and even 20% in some varieties. The crystalline structure of black opal is particularly pure, resulting in unique iridescent reflections.
There are two subgroups in the opal family: noble opal and common opal. Noble opal is the most sought-after and transparent, while common opal has varied colors but no reflections. It is possible to play with opal colors using microscoPic plates, as light penetrates the stone quite well. Black opal is originally multicolored and vivid, but takes on a darker hue when exposed to strong light.
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Black OPAL STONE – VERTIES AND PROPERTIES
Psychological aspects of black opal
Black opal stone is known for stimulating creativity, imagination and originality, while absorbing negative energies. It is able to capture the feelings and thoughts of others, and trigger karma, meaning that those who have harmed you will soon receive their just reward. It also encourages tolerance and justice towards others. People born in October have a natural affinity with opal, which is their official stone.
The use of black opal can lift energy barriers, promote meditation and ward off fears. It awakens awareness, allows you to let go and focus on the present moment, without fear of change or difficulty. LithotheraPists recommend black opal to help people suffering from excessive sadness or anxiety and impulsivity, absorbing negative energies and stabilizing emotions and feelings.
BLACK OPAL ON THE PHYSICAL LEVEL
Black opal stone has many beneficial physical properties. For women, wearing opal jewelry can help during pregnancy and childbirth, and alleviate premenstrual syndrome. By encouraging creativity and artistic sensitivity, it can also promote a more sensual life and has aphrodisiac virtues. It has a calming effect on those who wear it and promotes quality sleep if placed in the bedroom.
Black opal also boosts the immune system and has a positive effect on the whole body. It protects vital organs and improves the functioning of the renal and digestive systems, relieving bloating and digestive disorders. It purifies the body of toxins and can aid convalescence after surgery or prolonged illness, restoring physical strength. Some people also claim that black opal can prevent joint pain and improve eyesight.
Black OPAL STONE – CLEAN AND RECHARGE
To preserve the lithotherapy benefits of black opal, it’s important to maintain it regularly and give it special attention. If not properly cared for, it can send back the bad energies it has absorbed. However, it can be difficult to regularly clean a black opal mounted on gold or silver jewelry, as these materials do not tolerate salt water or sunlight.
It is therefore recommended to perform the purification ritual by placing the opal in a bowl of clear water at room temperature. To recharge it, expose it to morning sunlight for 4 to 5 hours, avoiding the hottest hours of the day. If this is not possible, moonlight can also be used. By following these tips, you’ll be able to maintain the beneficial properties of your black opal for a long time to come.
WHERE DOES THE NAME BLACK OPAL COME FROM?
The name “black opal” refers to a variety of opal that is mainly black or dark gray in color, but can also show multicolored iridescence from certain angles. Black opal is mainly mined in Australia, where it is known as “black opal” in English.
The term “opal” itself derives from the Latin word “opalus”, which in turn derives from the Greek word “opallios”, meaning “change of color”. The stone was so named because of its unique optical properties, which give it spectacular coloured reflections when light passes through it.
Black opal is particularly sought-after for its rarity and unique beauty. It is often used in jewelry to create spectacular and precious Pieces.
WHICH CHAKRA DOES BLACK OPAL ACT ON?
In lithotherapy, black opal is usually associated with the root chakra or Muladhara, which is located at the base of the sPine. The root chakra is linked to stability, security, physical strength and grounding.
Black opal is considered a stone of protection and security. It is believed to help boost self-confidence, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote emotional stability. It is also used to help balance and stabilize the body’s energy, promoting grounding and strengthening connection to the earth.
Thus, placing a black opal on the root chakra can promote balance and harmony in this energy center, reinforcing a sense of security, stability and self-confidence.
WHICH ASTROLOGICAL SIGN IS ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK OPAL?
Black opal is associated with the astrological signs of ScorPio, Aquarius and Pisces.
In astrology, each sign is associated with stones and crystals assigned to them according to their characteristics and energy. Black opal is considered a stone of transformation and protection, helPing to balance emotions and promote sPiritual growth.
ScorPio is often considered an intense and passionate sign, and black opal is thought to help balance this energy and promote personal transformation. Aquarius is associated with originality and independence, and black opal is said to help support this energy while promoting grounding and stability. Pisces is often associated with sensitivity and intuition, and black opal is said to help protect against negative energies and promote sPiritual alignment.
BLACK OPAL STONE SUMMARY
Black opal stone is a precious or semi-precious stone used in lithotherapy for its energetic properties. It is considered a stone of protection, transformation and regeneration.
On a physical level, black opal stone is used to help relieve menstrual pain, stimulate the immune system and improve blood circulation. It is also considered beneficial for skin, hair and nails.
On an emotional and sPiritual level, black opal stone is considered a stone of transformation and regeneration, helPing to release emotional blockages and encourage personal growth. It can help overcome fears and anxieties, bring emotional stability and improve self-confidence.
In short, black opal stone is a precious or semi-precious stone with energetic properties beneficial for physical, emotional and sPiritual health.
