About Opal
A hydrated amorphous form of silica, prized for its unique play-of-color (opalescence) in precious varieties. It's an emotional stone, amplifying feelings, enhancing creativity, and encouraging spontaneity and freedom. (A mineraloid).
Primary Hues
Colorless, White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Green, Blue, Brown, Black, with play-of-color (opalescence)
Metaphysical Properties
An emotional stone that reflects the mood of the wearer. Believed to intensify emotions and release inhibitions. Encourages freedom and independence.
Associated Tarot Cards
The Moon
Type: Major Arcana
Rationale: Represents intuition- dreams- and the subconscious- aligning with Opal's mystical and emotional nature.
Queen of Cups
Type: Minor Arcana
Suit: Cups
Rationale: Symbolizes emotional depth- intuition- and creativity- resonating with Opal's energy.
Associated Deities
Persephone
Pantheon: Greek
Domain: Underworld- Rebirth- Mystery
Rationale: Persephone's journey into the hidden realms connects to Opal's enhancement of intuition.
Cerridwen
Pantheon: Welsh
Domain: Knowledge- Inspiration- Transformation- Magic
Rationale: Cerridwen's cauldron of inspiration and transformation aligns with Opal.
Metaphysical Uses
Enhancing Psychic Awareness
Promoting Creativity
Emotional Exploration
Please read our Metaphysical Disclaimer
Geological & Scientific Details
Opal is classified as a mineraloid mineral which typically crystallizes in the amorphous[2] system. Its chemical formula is Hydrated silica. SiO2·nH2O. Common crystal habits include irregular veins, in masses, in nodules.
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Mineraloid
- Chemical Formula: Hydrated silica. SiO2·nH2O
- IMA Symbol: Opl[1]
- Crystal System: Amorphous[2]
- Predominant Geological Color: Colorless, white, yellow, red, orange, green, brown, black, blue, pink
- Crystal Habit: Irregular veins, in masses, in nodules
- Cleavage: None[2]
- Luster: Subvitreous to waxy[2]
- Streak: White
- Diaphaneity: opaque, translucent, transparent
Associated Minerals
- Common Opal (no play-of-color)
- Precious Opal (with play-of-color)
- Fire Opal (transparent to translucent with warm body colors)
- Boulder Opal (in ironstone matrix)
- Black Opal
- Hyalite (Water Opal)