Whether you can use a gem is certainly influenced by astrology and a person's character. Some zodiac signs will find it easier to achieve harmony with night opal than others. But it's not just your date of birth that you should check before buying a stone. You also need to make sure that you are not purchasing a fake. We will talk about all this in more detail in today's article.
Description of black opal
The dark surface with bright inclusions, characteristic of black opal, is reminiscent of the depths of space.
Black opal is one of the most common varieties of this gemstone.
Color reflections are often blue, green, burgundy. However, the most expensive specimens have red and golden opalescence. The mineral looks unusual due to reflections. It requires careful treatment and special care. Drying out of the stone leads to the loss of specific characteristics and the appearance of cracks on its surface.
Historical background on Australian opal
Australian opal was first mentioned in the 19th century. But it's official. Legends about the mineral are more ancient. One says that the stone appeared after the Creator’s descent to Earth. According to the myth, the Lord came down to people to become better acquainted with their way of life. Where his foot stepped, multi-colored Australian opals formed. They shone so brightly that people could not forget about the coming of the Creator for a long time.
Another legend is about how one day a rainbow fell to the ground. The fall was so strong that colorful rainbow particles scattered for many kilometers around. This is how the colored Australian opal was formed.
The scientific theory of the appearance of the stone has nothing to do with legends. Scientists say Australian opal is the result of climate change. The main deposits of the rock were found in caves, where constant moisture and animal remains accumulated, combining with silicon secretions. Gradually, the climate changed, the pressure and temperature changed, and colored opals formed at the site of the accumulation of rocks.
Origin story
Black opals are an amorphous form of silica, i.e. a combination of silicon dioxide and water. A mineral is not a stone in the full sense. This is a dense hydrogel. The water content in most samples does not exceed 1-5%, but in rare specimens it reaches 20%. The formation of opals occurs during post-magmatic activity, when the extinction of a volcano is accompanied by the appearance of geysers. Opals do not form in large layers. They fill voids in the rock, forming narrow veins or biconvex lenses.
Deposits and stone mining
Dark opals are found in veins of other rocks. They are especially often identified among agates. Thus, targeted mining of the mineral is not carried out. The main tools used to obtain gemstones are a pickaxe and a shovel.
Most of the samples entering the world market are mined in Australia.
There are mineral deposits in the following areas:
- Honduras.
- Japan.
- Egypt.
- Brazil.
- Turkey.
- Ukraine.
- Mexico.
- Guatemala.
- Slovakia.
- Kazakhstan.
- India.
In Russia, good quality specimens are found in Kamchatka in the area of extinct volcanoes, where geysers are still active. In other regions, only small samples were found that are not used in jewelry.
Amulets and talismans
The strong energy of the stone led to its use as a protective agent.
A talisman or amulet is capable of:
- protect the owner from external influences;
- cheer up;
- protect housing from fire, theft, elements, lightning;
- help in work, give strength.
Black opal is a powerful talisman of creative people; it does not come into contact with financially preoccupied people.
For a talisman or amulet, a silver frame is preferable. When choosing the gold option, you should evaluate your own strengths. The energetic properties of metal and gem are equally strong. Not everyone can withstand double mental stress (positive or negative).
You should not constantly wear a ring or earrings with opal. If you want, it is better to choose something that does not come into contact with the skin - cufflinks or a keychain.
Physicochemical characteristics
The chemical formula of black opal is SiO2.nH2. The color of the main body of the mineral is due to the inclusion of impurities of magnesium, potassium and iron oxides. Hardness on the Mohs scale is 5.5-6.5 points. The hydrogel has a characteristic glassy luster and pronounced opalescence. Density ranges from 1.96-2.20 g/cm³. Opal is quite soft and easily subject to mechanical stress. It can dissolve in alkalis. The structure of the mineral is preserved only if it is regularly in contact with water.
Geologically speaking, opal is a silica compound.
Medicinal properties
For medicinal purposes, both contact with the stone and a water tincture are used. In addition, the mineral is used to prevent many diseases.
Universal
Lithotherapists note the following medicinal properties of dark opal:
- stabilization of the psycho-emotional state;
- restoration of kidney function;
- cleansing the body of toxins;
- activation of wound healing;
- reduction in the number of migraine attacks;
- increasing immunity;
- improved vision;
- suppression of inflammatory processes, etc.
Water tincture
Dark opal is used to infuse water.
It is believed that the mineral can improve the taste of the liquid and give it healing properties. Drinking such water helps suppress infectious diseases.
In addition, it helps to improve immunity and eliminate the manifestations of pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
The magic of black opal
Black opal is not suitable for all people. His influence will be useful only to strong personalities. He will help them achieve their goals. It is not suitable for weak-willed people.
Positive
The positive magical properties of the stone are accessible only to strong, but at the same time honest and benevolent people. The mineral is able to expand the capabilities of the mind and strengthen the intuition of the owner. When in contact with the stone, a person can gain self-confidence and gain strength to implement the largest projects.
In addition, black stone can sharpen perception. Under the influence of opal, a person can reveal his talents, incl. paranormal. The mineral is suitable for people suffering from phobias. It will help you overcome your fears. Opal is recommended to be carried by a person who has a long journey ahead. It will protect you from troubles and bring good luck.
Negative
It is believed that magicians use opal to prepare poisons. It is dangerous for weak-willed people to come into contact with this mineral, because this may push them to commit crimes and take unnecessary risks. In addition, opal reflections increase the craving for gambling.
Balance
It is believed that the balance of the negative and positive magical influence of opal will be achieved only if its owner steps over personal greed and selfishness. The owner of the gem will receive maximum benefit, but will always need to balance between virtue and vice.
Who suits black opal according to their zodiac sign?
The magical properties of black opal will manifest themselves especially clearly if the wearer is Scorpio . The matrix will help you get rid of excessive irritability, find harmony and calm. The gem is also suitable for other Water signs - Cancer and Pisces . They will be able to become more self-confident and more purposeful. All water signs, with the support of the stone, will learn not to be distracted by small and insignificant matters, moving towards their main goal.
Black opal harmonizes well with the water signs of the zodiac.
Night opal can also be worn by Air signs. Libra to find spiritual balance and find that “golden mean” between two extremes. Aquarians will become more active in expressing their creativity, it will be easier for them to find original ideas and overcome the crisis of fantasy. Gemini will be able to get rid of excessive rationality, but this sign should be careful - such changes can lead to problems at work and excessive financial expenses.
Astrologers do not recommend wearing black matrix for fire and earth signs. Under his influence, Sagittarius Leos may discover a tendency towards excessive pride and arrogance. Aries - to stubbornness and laziness. Capricorns should be wary of conflicts in the family and among friends, and Taurus should be wary of gluttony and unnecessary spending.
The only Earth sign that dark opal will undoubtedly suit is Virgo .
Such people, having achieved harmony with the crystal, will notice changes for the better. The mineral helps to become more creative, to find a balance between impulses of feelings and rational thinking.
Combinations of black opal and other minerals
Opals with a dark base have powerful energy. They go well only with stones belonging to the elements of Water and Earth, including:
- topaz;
- pearls;
- alexandrite;
- tourmaline;
- emerald;
- nephritis;
- turquoise;
- zircon;
- malachite;
- moonstone;
- chalcedony;
- aquamarine;
- agate, etc.
Black opal pairs well with many other stones.
It is not recommended to wear opal with minerals belonging to the elements of Fire and Air, incl. ruby, amethyst, amazonite, beryl, garnet and diamond.
Where and how to get a noble gem
The Australian Lightning Ridge mine guarantees the highest quality black opal.
Fine black Australian opals are still, like a hundred years ago, often mined using primitive methods. The volumes of extraction of such stones are small, and the use of expensive mining equipment is unprofitable.
Therefore, like the first opal seekers, today's ones freeze on the cold Australian nights, and during the day they succumb to the merciless heat of the sun. The climate here is characterized by sharp temperature changes, day and night. Like a hundred years ago, primitive tools are used - a shovel and a pick. The rock is lifted in a bucket tied to a rope.
The production of this black-colored gemstone accounts for no more than 5% of the total production of Australian opals.
Educational: opal is the national stone of Australia.
How to distinguish a real stone from a fake
To determine the naturalness of a mineral, you need to examine the structure of the stone under a magnifying glass. If it contains sparkles, the gem is not real. When the mineral is natural, when refracted, the rays create a play of light.
In addition, you need to apply the gem to the skin. Rapid heating indicates a fake. Natural mineral remains cool for a long time, unlike plastic and glass. It is more difficult to identify a fake if it is made of natural opal of a light shade. When creating it, the stone is pumped with black liquid. Opalescence is clearly visible against a dark background.
Only gemological examination can determine a fake.
How to wear it correctly
Jewelry with opal can be combined with both everyday and evening outfits. The strength of the mineral is low, so you need to protect it from falling from a height. The structure of the stone is quite porous, so it is undesirable for cosmetics or perfume to get on its surface.
A brooch with black opal is the best choice of a talisman for a woman.
Identifying a fake
There are counterfeits of black opals on the jewelry market. It is difficult to determine them on your own, without resorting to the services of an independent appraiser, but there are a couple of ways:
- Game of colors. In artificial imitation, the transitions between “particles” of different colors are quite clear. In natural stone they are blurred, the colors smoothly transition into one another.
- Reflections on hands and surrounding objects. A true matrix in direct sunlight casts spots of different colors on its surroundings. This is due to the interference of light.
In addition, you should be suspicious of inexpensive black opal products.
Black opal
This is an expensive stone, and when the price is low, they are trying to sell you, if not an outright fake, then a “triplet” - a composite of stone sections glued together, of which only the middle one is a noble black opal.
Storage and care
Jewelry with dark opal should be stored in a separate bag made of soft fabric. It is not recommended to leave it in a box with other jewelry. This will help avoid cracks and scratches on the surface of the mineral. About 2 times a month you need to wash the gem under running water. After this, you should leave the stone in damp cotton wool for 2-3 hours. Then the surface of the stone is rubbed with glycerin oil. This will reduce the risk of drying out and cracking of the mineral. The gem should not be left in direct sunlight.
Stone jewelry
Black opal is used to make jewelry:
- rings;
- pendants;
- rings;
- earring;
- cufflinks;
- bracelets;
- brooches
Older people should wear a gem; a young, fragile girl can wear jewelry with a small gem; a large one will look massive and heavy.
It is believed that jewelry with a black stone goes with any color of clothing. It is important not to overdo it with the number of shades in your wardrobe, otherwise the shine of black opal will go unnoticed. Successful combinations:
- beige suit and earrings;
- yellow dress and bracelet;
- colorful cardigan and brooch;
- blue shirt and cufflinks.
Caring for stone and products
Due to properties uncharacteristic of a gemstone, caring for black opal is quite specific:
- The soft structure requires separate storage with other decorations. You can wrap the product in a soft cloth or put it in a case.
- The jewelry is put on some time after applying cosmetics - lotions, deodorants, perfumes. Once it absorbs the chemical, it will lose its shine and brightness of color.
- It is necessary to regularly (once every 3-5 days) wipe the gem with a cotton swab dipped in glycerin. This will prevent cracks from appearing due to dryness.
- Do not drop the product even from a small height. If it does not burst or crumble, cracks and chips will form.
- When dirty, you need to clean it. To do this, wash the opal in warm water with the addition of baby soap, and if necessary, rub it with a brush.
- Avoid contact with aggressive substances. These include household detergents and cleaning products.
In addition, see what jewelry with this stone looks like:
Interesting Facts
There are many interesting factors associated with black opals:
- In Egypt, this gem was associated with death. It was used in funeral rituals.
- In many eastern countries, dark opal was a symbol of deception.
- Medieval alchemists introduced crushed gems into poisons.
- According to one Australian legend, opals were formed in places where the Creator walked.
- Opal compounds surrounded the skeletons of ancient animals, protecting them from decomposition.
In addition, the fates of many historical figures are connected with this mineral. It is believed that Julius Caesar had a talisman with a dark opal and helped him in his conquests. The mineral turned away from its owner when he became proud.
Esoteric meaning of the mineral
Black opal is one of the most energetically powerful rocks. It was indeed used by ancient sorcerers and shamans and continues to be used as talismans, amulets and amulets.
- It is believed that the mineral protects against black magic and the evil eye, damage and evil spirits. But that's not all. Many believe in the magical property of the gem to develop the gift of providence and clairvoyance. In addition, there is an opinion that the nugget is a symbol of good luck and luck for everyone who becomes its faithful owner.
- Indians have an interesting attitude towards the mineral. In this country they believe that the stone helps raise healthy and happy children. The gem here is considered the best talisman for establishing friendly connections and strengthening family ties. Indians believe and admire the breed, believing that it inspires and motivates them to create unique creative works.
- Europeans are confident that black opal in gold or platinum, for example, despite its gloomy color and mysterious aura, is a stone of hope, faith and good humor. Residents of the East have a slightly different attitude towards him. Muslims consider opal to be a mineral that does not live up to expectations and destroys a person’s personality from the inside.
Mysterious black nugget and zodiac signs
Who is suitable for black opal according to the horoscope? The stone communicates well with almost all zodiac signs. The main thing is pure thoughts and good intentions. A tandem with Sagittarius, Scorpio, Aquarius and Libra will be especially successful. The mineral will thank the representatives of these signs for their dedication with improvements in life, helping them to be active, purposeful and decisive.
It is strictly forbidden for evil, envious and cruel people to choose a stone as a talisman. Their negative energy will deprive the gem of its power. It is not recommended to exchange breeds. Each mineral gets used to its owner, is imbued with its energy, and gives back its own. You can’t just give your stone to someone or accept someone’s personal black opal as a gift. This will not lead to anything good, and trouble will affect both sides.
