Opal
Opal takes its name from the Latin word "Upala" meaning "precious stone".
Pliny, a learned Roman scholar, described opal as having "the fire of the carbincle, the brilliant purple of the amethyst and the sea-green color of the emerald, all shining together in incredible union".
The Romans believed opal was the symbol of hopes and purity.
They called it "cupid paederos" (child as beautiful as love) and thought the wearer safe from disease.
The Arabs believed that opals fell from heaven in flashes of lighting and thus acquired their marvelous play-of-color.
Ancient Greeks also believed the opal had the power of giving foresight and the light of prophecy to their owners.
To help preserve their beauty, opals should be treated with care due to their fragile nature.
An occasional light coating of glycerine will help the stone retain its luster.
Opal is the birthstone for the month of October and is designated for the 13th wedding anniversary.
Hardness: 4.5-6
Refractive Index: 1.43-1.47
Toughness: Fair
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