Mexico A yellow opal bracelet (5-7mm grains)

BRA-OPAG-01
Origin: Mexico
Grade: A

Bracelet composed of mini 5-7mm yellow opal tumbled stones.
Patterns and colors may vary from one bracelet to another

An opal is composed of hydrated silica, with traces of uranium, magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron, arsenic, sodium and potassium. It also has a high water content which can reach up to 20% depending on the variety.

Opal forms during alternating wet and dry periods. Precipitation loaded with various elements infiltrates into the substrate. Then in dry periods, evaporation will allow the formation of upper layers of chalcedony and quartz.

The etymology of the word opal comes from the Sanskrit upala meaning precious stone. We notice that opal is the only gem that is splendid without any cutting first.

For decades, the origin of the magnificent colors of noble opals was not explained until 1965, when the scanning electron microscope appeared. Thus, scientists were able to highlight the structure of opals. Made up of spheres of varying dimensions, opals have a milky appearance; they are common opals. In noble opals, the spheres are of identical dimensions and the light then interferes and produces this incredible multi-colored appearance.

It should be noted that water has a great importance in the appearance and behavior of the opal. It is not uncommon to see raw opals presented to the public in containers filled with water.

Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. For comparison, diamond has the highest hardness, 10 on this same scale.

According to Greek mythology, opal was associated with Zeus's tears of joy after his victory against the titans. Her tears upon contact with the ground transformed into opals. This legend mainly concerns blue opal. It is a common opal in various shades of blue. It was even thought that opal gave its wearer powers of clairvoyance and divination.

Among the Romans, opal is a stone of hope. Pliny the Elder tells the story of Nonius, senator dismissed by Mark Antony (83 - 30 BC), because he did not want to give him an opal. Marc-Antoine absolutely wanted to offer it to Cleopatra. Nonius preferred to flee with only his precious opal and his collection of stones. According to an 18th century legend, Nonius opal was found in the ruins of Alexandria.

In ancient times, opal was considered a precious stone. In the Middle Ages, blonde women wore opal necklaces to preserve the color of their hair. Opal also had the name “ophthalmios” which literally translates as “eye stone”. Indeed, it was thought to have eye protection properties.

Many writers describe this stone by comparing it to fireworks, volcanoes, galaxies, etc. The Bedouins explained that this stone fell during storms enclosing lightning.

In India, a legend says that the Rainbow Goddess was so beautiful that she was constantly courted, even harassed. She then chooses to transform into opal.

However, opal was considered a stone of misfortune. A myth from a novel by Sir Walter Scott entitled Anne of Geierstein or the Daughter of the Mists, published in 1829, harmed the stone. Indeed, the heroine Lady Hermione died after her opal received holy water. She was accused of witchcraft. In a few months, the opal market suffered a 50% drop.

But a more reasonable explanation emerged: 19th century lapidaries and stone setters had difficulty working this stone without damaging it. The frequent breakage associated with this stone gave the opal a connotation of bad luck.

The main deposits of opal are in Australia, USA, Spain, Mexico, etc.

Yellow opal stone has many of the same characteristics as other opals. However, these properties differ due to its bright color. Composed primarily of hydrated silica and inclusions of various other metals, yellow opal is extremely hydrated, containing approximately 20% water.

Its color is due to the significant presence of iron. It does not present any fire or in other words any reflection. The transparency of yellow opal varies from translucent to opaque. Its shine can be glassy, ​​matte, or even sometimes pearly. The hardness of opal is the same as for all opals, i.e. 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.

Yellow opal is one of the common opals. We find his trace among the Greeks, who attributed to him the gift of mediumship. Legend has it that one could read the future in a common opal. Then the yellow opal was, among the Romans, an indicator of social status. Possession of an opal showed a certain rank and recognized power in society. In the Middle Ages and until the end of the Renaissance in Europe, yellow opal was a stone of good luck and good health.

The main deposits of yellow opal are in Mexico.

Yellow opal provides fullness and balance of the mind. It wards off negative energies and emotional excesses. This balance allows us to overcome blockages linked to the past and move forward in life. It promotes projects and their accomplishment.

The person gains confidence in themselves and others. She opens herself to feelings such as compassion and empathy. She no longer remains focused on herself and shows a real interest in others.

This luminous stone brings joy and good humor. It removes sadness and makes its wearer resolutely optimistic and happy. This joyful and enthusiastic nature is communicative and is transmitted from person to person.

Yellow opal radiates and fights against anxieties, anxiety and excessive shyness. It gives assurance and self-confidence. The person doubts themselves much less. She is less demanding of herself and of those around her. She becomes more relaxed and much less stressed.

Yellow opal is known to combat the pride of its wearer. She brings him humility and loyalty by overcoming the misdeeds of an oversized ego. The person remains humble whatever their area of ​​success. This stone stimulates inner energies and allows its wearer to invest in new experiences.