October’s Birthstone- The Opal

 October's Birthstones are the opal and tourmaline

 One of  October’s birthstone is the opal which symbolizes hope, innocence and purity. But beware, many people believe it is a portend of bad luck and witchcraft and say it should only be worn if it is your birthstone.

 

In mythology the gods cherished opals as the magical personification of all the beauty of all precious gemstones wrapped into one.  In India and the Far East the opal is worn as a lucky charm and a symbol of eternal hope. Opal necklaces are worn to repel evil and to protect eyesight.

The opal’s name comes from the Latin word opalus, meaning precious jewel or the Greek word Opallos, meaning to see a change of color. The magic of the opal lies in is ability to reflect various colors.

Opals are amazing gems which range in color from milky white to black with flashes of yellow, orange, green, red, pink, turquoise, cherry red, and blue. An opal's beauty is attributed to the contrast between its color play and its background. The fire opal is particularly beautiful with the red-orange sparkles in it. The most valued opal of all is the white opal with its milky white background with its gentle rainbow iridescence. 

The traditional metaphysical properties attributed to the opal are happiness, inspiration, faithfulness, loyalty and confidence. Opals enhance visualization, imagination, dreams and healing.  

 The opal has powerful healing properties and is particularly good for the eyes and eye infections. However their healing properties however relate to their color

·         Cherry opals are good for blood disorders as well as depression, apathy, lethargy, intuition. They offer joy.

 

 ·         Dark opals are good for the reproductive organs, the spleen, pancreas and bone marrow as well as red and white blood cell production. They are used to treat depression and sexual dysfunction. They help to balance emotions and enhance creativity and innovation.

 ·         Jelly opals help cure diseases of the spleen, abdomen, particularly with the absorption of nutrients, and also with cellular reproductive problems. They minimize mood swings and enhance spiritual thoughts.

 ·         Light opals balance the left and right brain hemispheres in neuro disorders. They cure abdomen, pituitary and thymus diseases, and stimulate white blood cell production. They enhance mystical experiences. 

 Opals which are one of October's birthstones are the most amazing stones and make beautiful jewellery. Give opals is a gift for your love born in October but if she is at all superstitious she will not want to wear an opal if October is not her birth month. Give a tourmaline instead.

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 October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.