United States A dentrite opal bracelet (7-8mm balls)

Origin: United States

Grade: A

About 15g
Bracelet made of 7-8mm dentrite opal balls.
Colors and patterns may vary from bracelet to bracelet.

An opal is composed of hydrated silica, with traces of uranium, magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron, arsenic, sodium and potassium. It also has a high water content that can be up to 20% depending on the variety.

Opal is formed during alternating wet and dry periods. Precipitation loaded with various elements infiltrates the substrate. Then, during dry periods, evaporation will allow the formation of the upper layers of chalcedony and quartz.

The etymology of the word opal comes from the Sanskrit upala meaning precious stone. It is noted that opal is the only gemstone that is splendid without any prior cutting.

For decades, the origin of the magnificent colours of noble opals was not explained until 1965, when the scanning electron microscope appeared. This allowed scientists to demonstrate the structure of opals. Consisting of spheres of varying sizes, opals have a milky appearance, these are common opals. In noble opals, the spheres are of identical dimensions and the light then interferes and produces this incredible appearance with multiple colours.

It should be noted that water plays a major role in the appearance and durability of opal. It is not uncommon to see rough opals presented to the public in containers filled with water.

Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. For comparison, diamond has the highest hardness, which is 10 on the same scale.

According to Greek mythology, opal was associated with Zeus' tears of joy after his victory over the Titans. His tears, when they touched the ground, turned into opals. This legend mainly concerns the blue opal. It is a common opal with various shades of blue. It was even thought that opal gave its wearer powers of clairvoyance and divination.

Among the Romans, opal is a stone that is a source of hope. Pliny the Elder tells the story of Nonius, a senator dismissed by Mark Antony (83 - 30 BC), because he did not want to give him an opal. Mark Antony absolutely wanted to offer it to Cleopatra. Nonius preferred to flee with only his precious opal and his collection of stones as luggage. According to an 18th century legend, the opal of Nonius was found in the ruins of Alexandria.

In ancient times, opal was considered a precious stone. In the Middle Ages, blonde women wore opal necklaces to preserve the color of their hair. Opal was also called “ophtalmios” which literally translates to “eye stone”. In fact, it was thought to have eye-protective properties.

Many writers describe this stone by comparing it to fireworks, volcanoes, galaxies, etc. The Bedouins explained that this stone fell during storms enclosing lightning.

In India, a legend tells that the Rainbow Goddess was so beautiful that she was constantly courted, even harassed. She then chose to transform herself into an opal.

However, opal was considered a stone of misfortune. A myth from a novel by Sir Walter Scott entitled Anne of Geierstein or the Daughter of the Mists, published in 1829, harmed the stone. Indeed, the heroine Lady Hermione died after her opal received holy water. She was accused of witchcraft. Within months, the opal market suffered a 50% drop.

But a more reasonable explanation emerged: 19th-century lapidaries and stone setters had difficulty working this stone without damaging it. The frequent breakages associated with this stone gave opal a connotation of bad luck.

The main opal deposits are in Australia, the United States, Spain, etc.

The opal dendrite stone is a stone that is believed to have virtues highly appreciated by magicians, shamans and other users of magic. It is known to have many qualities, to provoke magical and mystical experiences. In addition, it is known to provide magic and luck to its wearer. It is reputed to have in it, the wisdom of shamans, alchemists, magicians and masters of spiritualism.

This opal is commonly called white opal with dendrites or Merlinite. This variety of white opal has manganese veins. Its name Merlinite comes from the legend of Merlin the Enchanter, sorcerer of the Round Table, because dendrite opal was his favorite stone.

The term dendrite comes from the Greek dendron meaning tree. Dendrite opal can give the impression of having been painted by the hand of man. It seems to represent imaginary landscapes, bushes, trees, etc.

The main deposits are located in Australia and the United States.

Dendrite opal has the ability to open and be accessible. It allows its wearer to develop their communication skills with others. It opens up to empathy and compassion. The person is sincerely interested in their interlocutor. They want to help them and show a lot of understanding.

This fabulous stone reveals optimism and the joy of living. Its wearer feels liberated and happy. The person makes many plans and has the will to achieve them. This stone refocuses on the present moment. It gives him the means to forget the traumas of the past and to face the future serenely.

Dendrite opal provides peace and serenity. Just looking at it and guessing landscapes or all kinds of settings soothes its wearer. He feels invaded by a kind of infinite sweetness. It facilitates introspection and meditation. The person reconnects with his inner self. This stone also promotes concentration.

Dendrite opal is a stone of balance. Its colors, composed of black and white, are reminiscent of yin and yang. It is also known to increase one's intuition and clairvoyance gifts. In addition, it has a reputation as a good luck charm.