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When rain water ripples into deep crevices of the Earth’s crust and meets with silica, a remarkable reaction takes place and results in the formation of opal. Light diffracts between the tiny silica spheres of the opal and creates a stunning colour play on the surface of this mineraloid, which is scientifically known as opalescence.
This delightful colour display is what ultimately influences the value of an opal. Precious opals are those that display iridescent colours, while Common opals are opaque and translucent.
Brief history of the opal and its trade
Before documented discoveries of opal, ancient African civilizations had found the gem and incorporated it into their lives as a tool or decor, and precious opals were a symbol of wealth.
The earliest known opal artifacts were discovered in a cave in Kenya by an anthropologist called Louis Leakey. These opals date back to 4000 BC and are believed to have originated from Ethiopia.
There are about 20 countries known to have opal. However, Australia has been considered the home of opal due to its unique geological conditions that result in a vast amount of opals across the continent, as opposed to other locations. This has resulted in the continent dominating the opal market, with about 95% of control.
Since the 1800s, there has been mass opal extraction in Australia, making it the global mass producer of opal until 1994, when mass opal extraction began in Ethiopia. As opposed to Australian opal, which is found near margins of inland sea, Ethiopian opal is found in volcanic deposits. Some types of opal found in these volcanic deposits are known as fire opals. Fire opals have stunning bright red, orange, and yellow tones. Their consistent brightness makes them significantly different from other opals.
Even though Ethiopian opals are rarer, they are much cheaper due to Australia’s market control. As an attempt to thrive in the competitive market, Ethiopian opal sellers are only able to make a profit if they offer the gems at a lower price.
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Healing properties of an opal
The luxuries of an opal are not limited to monetary acquisition, this gemstone adds to the exuberance of human experience.
Opal enhances one’s consciousness through its vibrational energy. It stimulates one’s most authentic and creative nature, leading to the release of any internal inhibitions and providing a renewed sense of liberation and conviction.
The healing properties of opal can be generalised as an immune system booster, a body detoxer, a hormone regulator, a sleeping aid, an unleasher of creativity, and a good luck charm.
There are several benefits of an opal:
Physical healing properties
2) Opal alleviates the respiratory system and brings a lightness to the breath.
3) For those who struggle with water retention, opal can help flush out one’s system.
4) As a good elixir, opal brings brightness to the eyes, renews skin cells, and strengthens hair and nails.
5) Opal helps alleviate pain from menstruation cramps and labour contractions.
6) It is also believed that opal promotes the function of the liver.
Mental and emotional healing properties
Metaphysical properties
If one is seeking otherworldly contact, the opal is a great connector to the cosmic and spiritual realms due to its infusion with light.
The different shades of opal have links to each chakra. The opal’s vibrational energy links well to each chakra in accordance to its colour display.
1) For the Crown Chakra, use white opals and common opals for spiritual wealth, higher consciousness, and to alleviate headaches or migraines.
2) For the Third Eye Chakra, use mostly violet opals to strengthen your intuition and inner wisdom.
3) For the Throat Chakra, use mostly blue opals to ease and improve communication while enhancing the truth. Any throat and thyroid ailments should be alleviated, too.
4) For the Heart Chakra, use mostly green and pink opals to open up your heart to release any negativity and to accept love.
5) For the Solar Plexus Chakra, use mostly yellow opals to help ground your warrior spirit and promote the wellbeing of your stomach, liver, and gallbladder.
6) For the Sacral Chakra, use Ethiopian opals to conjure ancient wisdom, higher vibrations, and unadulterated joy. You can also use fire opals for this chakra to boost sensual and passionate energy, and enhance fertility.
7) For the Root Chakra, use black or boulder opals to feel grounded and stabilised.
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How to incorporate the Ethiopian opal into your life
When starting a new relationship with an opal, it is advised to carry it around with you in your pocket for a day or to spend time in its presence in order to establish a connection.
When you start using your opal, it will collect energy that you transfer to it. Cleansing is a vital process to ensure that the opal’s healing nature is consistently accessible.
This easy process needs to be performed once a month or after a significantly heavy energy session.
To cleanse your opal, rinse it under cool fresh water. A safer cleansing approach would be to smudge your opal. This process involves burning sage and letting the smoke waft over your opal for a couple of minutes.
To charge your opal after a cleanse, the traditional Native American technique of rubbing it together in the palm of your hands is the best option. Another charging method would be to leave your opal under moonlight.
Remember that the opal is a delicate mineral and a soft stone. Be cautious about sudden temperature changes; the stone needs a neutral environment. Be sure to handle your opal with care, while you embark on a harmonious journey.