White opal iridescent angel figurine / medium
### **Opal: The Gemstone of Fire and Fantasy**  
Opal is one of the most mesmerizing gemstones, renowned for its **play-of-color**—a dazzling display of rainbow-like flashes that shift with the light. Unlike most gemstones, opal is amorphous (lacking a crystalline structure) and contains up to **20% water**, making it unique in the mineral world.  
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## **1. Physical & Geological Properties**  
- **Chemical Formula**: SiO₂·nH₂O (Hydrated Silica)  
- **Hardness**: 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale (softer than quartz, requires careful handling).  
- **Luster**: Vitreous to resinous.  
- **Transparency**: Transparent to opaque.  
- **Colors**:  
  - **White Opal** – Milky base with colorful flashes.  
  - **Black Opal** – Dark body with vibrant play-of-color (most valuable).  
  - **Fire Opal** – Transparent orange-red (may or may not show play-of-color).  
  - **Boulder Opal** – Formed within ironstone, creating natural backing.  
- **Where Found**: Australia (~95% of the world’s supply), Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, USA (Nevada).  
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## **2. Types of Opal**  
| **Type**       | **Appearance** | **Key Features** |  
|----------------|---------------|------------------|  
| **Precious Opal** | Displays play-of-color | Most sought-after (e.g., black, white, crystal opal) |  
| **Common Opal** | Milky, no color play | Called "potch" (used in carvings) |  
| **Fire Opal** | Transparent orange-red | May or may not show play-of-color |  
| **Boulder Opal** | Attached to ironstone | Natural rugged beauty |  
| **Ethiopian Opal** | Often hydrophane (absorbs water) | Can change transparency when wet |  
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## **3. Symbolism & Lore**  
- **Ancient Beliefs**:  
  - Romans called it the "Queen of Gems" and believed it symbolized hope and purity.  
  - Aboriginal Australians saw opal as the "Creator’s Rainbow" in the desert.  
- **Modern Myths**:  
  - Once thought to bring bad luck (a false rumor spread by 19th-century jewelers to devalue it).  
  - Actually considered a stone of **inspiration, creativity, and emotional healing**.  
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## **4. Metaphysical Properties (Crystal Healing)**  
- **Amplifies Emotions** – Enhances both joy and vulnerability (helps release past traumas).  
- **Encourages Spontaneity** – Breaks rigid thinking, boosts creativity.  
- **Chakra Connection** – Crown (white opal), Sacral (fire opal), or Heart (pink opal).  
- **Protection** – Some believe it absorbs negativity like an energetic sponge.  
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## **5. Opal in Jewelry & Care Tips**  
### **Popular Uses:**  
- Rings (best in protective settings like bezels), pendants, earrings.  
- Carvings and cabochons (rarely faceted due to softness).  
### **Care & Caution:**  
- **Avoid Water (for some types)**: Ethiopian opal can crack or lose color if soaked.  
- **Heat & Sunlight**: Can dry out and crack the stone.  
- **Cleaning**: Use a soft cloth, mild soap; never ultrasonic cleaners.  
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