Opal is the birthstone for October and has a fascinating history as a gemstone. The gemstone is unique in that it can display a range of colours depending on the angle at which it is viewed, and is often described as having a "play of colour".
Opals have been highly prized for their beauty and rarity for thousands of years, and were particularly valued by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed that the gemstone had many mystical and healing properties. In addition to its beauty, opal was believed to have many powerful properties, including the ability to protect the wearer from harm, promote good health, and bring good luck and prosperity.
Opals were also highly valued in ancient India and were often used to decorate sacred objects such as statues and temples. The gemstone was considered to be a symbol of purity and perfection, and was believed to have the power to bring happiness and fulfilment to the wearer.
In the Middle Ages, opals continued to be a highly prized gemstone, and were often used to decorate the crowns and robes of royalty. However, they also began to develop a reputation as a "bad luck" stone, with some people believing that wearing an opal could bring misfortune and disaster.
Today, opals are still highly valued for their beauty and rarity and are often used in fine jewellery such as wine charms, rings, necklaces, and earrings. They are considered to be a symbol of creativity, inspiration, and imagination, and are often given as a gift to mark special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.