Opal is amphora silica, which is silicon dioxide mixed with water. As usually, the water content ranges from 5-10%, but can reach up to 30%.
Opal is a rather soft mineral, having a hardness index of about 5.5-6.5. This means that it scratches more easily than most stones used in jewelry.
Opals do not have pleochroism and iridescence, however, some opals have opalescence - the effect of the play of colors when light hits the stone. An opal that has opalescence is considered precious. Opal without opalescence - common.
According to a legend, opal appeared at the moment when Zeus burst into tears of happiness after defeating the titans. The tears of the majestic god, falling to the ground, turned into opals, or "precious stones", as the translation of the name of the stone from the Sanskrit language sounds literally.
Opal itself is a very strong mineral. It is believed that the stone protects its owner from epidemics, fires, thieves and lightning. However, we recommend using other precautions to protect against the above adverse factors.
The white shade of opal will help strengthen the spiritual principle, give peace and tranquility.