Opal is the stone with a glow. It can look milky white, soft pink, or flash with color when you turn it in the light. Here is what opal actually is, what people have long said it means, and the one thing to know before you wear it.
What opal is
Opal is not a crystal like quartz. It is a form of silica that holds a little water inside, and that is why it looks soft and milky. It rates about 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so it is softer than quartz, agate or jade, and it needs gentler treatment.
Opal comes in a few kinds:
- Precious opal shows flashes of rainbow color, called play of color. It is the rare, expensive kind.
- Common opal has no play of color. White opal and pink opal are common opal. They are calm, even and opaque, and they make lovely beads.
- Opalite is a man-made glass that is sometimes sold as "opal." It is not opal. A seller should tell you which one you are buying.
What opal traditionally means
Opal is the traditional birthstone for October. In lore it is linked with hope, creativity and emotional expression, and pink opal is often described as a gentle stone of the heart. These are traditional beliefs, and we share them as lore. They aren't medical claims. For more stones, see our gemstone meanings guide and our plain guide to healing stones.
Opal pieces from Ellie
The Multicolour Cluster Necklace has small colorful clusters spaced along a strand of white opal beads. Each cluster mixes Indian agate, citrine, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal and copper snake blue abacus beads on nickel-free silver. It has a matching bracelet and matching earrings. The Pink Opal & Stone-Drop Statement Necklace is a wire-mesh statement piece in warm pinks and browns, with pink opal, agate, goldstone and bronze freshwater pearls around a large polished stone drop. The Bohemian Aquamarine & White Opal Necklace layers aquamarine, quartz, agate, freshwater pearls and white opal, and it has a matching bracelet.
Multicolour Cluster Necklace$110 CAD
Multicolour Cluster Bracelet with Lucky Charm$85 CAD
Multicolour Cluster Earrings$65 CAD
Pink Opal & Stone-Drop Statement Necklace$320 CAD
Bohemian Aquamarine & White Opal Necklace$350 CAD
How to care for opal
Opal contains water, so it does not like extremes. Keep it away from hot cars, radiators and strong direct heat, because it can dry out and crack. Don't soak it, and don't use steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Put it on after perfume and lotion, and wipe it with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry it. Store it in a soft pouch, away from harder stones that could scratch it. Our care guide covers the rest.
Browse every piece
Everything is one of a kind and handmade by Ellie. See the full jewelry collection.
Related reading
- Citrine meaning: what it is, what it stands for, and is it real?
- Healing stones and their meanings: a plain guide
- How to clean and care for gemstone jewellery
Gemstone jewelry by Ellie
Every piece is one of a kind, strung and wired by hand in Canada.
Explore the jewelry →Sources used: general gemology references for opal composition, hardness and care; GIA and Gem Society style stone guides for precious vs common opal; the same traditional-lore sources as our gemstone meanings guide.