Magic of opals

Opals are enchanting gemstones that change colours. The ancient Greeks associated opals with the thunder god Zeus. They believed that the gems were once tears of happiness shed by Zeus after winning a battle against the Titans. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder said this about opals: "There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald - all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendour rival the colours of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or fire quickened by oil." The Romans themselves considered opals as gems of purity and hope, a protection stone against illness, a cupid paederos or "child as beautiful as love."  

Despite that lovely belief, many considered opals were unlucky. It was considered bad luck to wear white opals with diamonds. Opals were thought to be an unlucky engagement ring. Some believe black opals are lucky but it was always believed these black opals were used by witches. Some strange superstitions about opals include the idea that opals will lose their shine if the owner passes away, that opals help turn people invisible, change their hair colour, or make golden haired women's hair even shinier. Opals were believed to help some people foretell the future and helps eyesight. Opals were considered evil during the Middle Ages. During the 11th century, Bishop Marbode of Rennes wrote about the opal: "Yet tis the guardian of the thievish race; it gifts the bearer with acutest sight; but clouds all other eyes with thickest night." 

Opals were once thought to be magical enough to ward off evil spirits and predators so they were used as a talisman to protect children. The Bubonic Plague was responsible for killing many people during the Middle Ages, and opals were worn by those who were sick from it. Often it was rumoured that those infected with the plague who had been wearing opals noticed that the gems turned vivid colours and then paled when the person died. Apart from the ill omens associated with opals, the gem is thought to be a very lucky stone, and was once linked to healing. It was believed that the Rainbow Goddess in Hindu mythology transformed herself into an opal to  escape from many unwanted attention. Also the Australian Dreamtime belief in the creator god called the Rainbow Serpent had left a path of opals after visiting the earth. There is much beauty in an opal as well as abilities to help relieve stress and increase psychic visions and immunity.   

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