The Opal's fascinating play of color phenomenon
has inspired fantasies and passions throughout the ages. It was mentioned in
historical sources of Roman Age (Gaius Plinius Secundus, AD 23/24–79)
when it was very much appreciated, considered as a sacred stone and reached
very high prices.
Different healing properties were assigned,
such as that of treating eyesight problems, to make the person invisible (this
superstition earned opal the popular designation of patronus furum,
Latin for “patron of thieves”), to make the birth easier; all of which led to
different assessments of its commercial value.
To the aborigines of Australia, the opal is
linked to their cosmovision of creation. (Dreamtime Heritage”, Australian
Aboriginal Myths, Ainslie and Melva Roberts, 1975 and Aboroginal Mythyology,
Mudrooroo Nyongah 1994)
Opals were also
mentioned in the literary works of classical authors such as William
Shakespeare (1564-
1616,"Twelfth Night, Or What You Will" von 1601, Act II. Scene IV);
Walter Scott (1771-1832, Gothic novel, Anne of Geierstein); Guillaume Apollinaire (1880-1918, “Sonnet
pour une opale d'Asie sertie dans une épingle”); Gabriele d'Annunzio (1863 – 1938,
“The Flame of Life”); and Lessing (1729-1781, "Nathan der Weise")
The fame of bad luck attributed to the opal is due to an approximate
reading of the novel by Walter Scott “Anne of Geierstein". These superstitions or popular beliefs
were identified as such by the mineralogist George Kunz (1856 -1932,”The Curious Lore of
Precious Stones”).
None of the mystic characteristics
historically linked to opals have been scientifically proven. What holds true is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Opal owners highly appreciate the opal's unique beauty and disregard superstitions.
We think that it is bad luck NOT to have
opal jewelry!
