Mexico yellow opal bracelet A (7-8mm balls)

BRA-OPA-03
Origin: Mexico
Grade: A

Bracelet made of 7-8mm yellow opal balls
Patterns and colors 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, Mexico, etc.

Yellow opal stone has many of the same characteristics as other opals. However, these properties differ due to its luminous color. Composed primarily of hydrated silica with inclusions of various other metals, yellow opal is extremely hydrated, containing about 20% water.

Its color is due to the significant presence of iron. It does not have fire or in other words reflection. The transparency of yellow opal varies from translucent to opaque. Its luster can be vitreous, to matte, or sometimes even pearly. The hardness of opal is the same as for all opals, i.e. from 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.

Yellow opal is one of the common opals. Its trace can be found among the Greeks, who attributed the gift of mediumship to it. Legend has it that one could read the future in a common opal. Then, among the Romans, yellow opal was an indicator of social status. Possession of an opal showed a certain rank and recognized power in society. In the Middle Ages and until the end of the Renaissance in Europe, yellow opal was a stone of good luck and good health.

The main deposits of yellow opal are in Mexico.

Yellow opal provides fullness and balance of mind. It keeps away negative energies and emotional excesses. This balance allows you to overcome blockages related to the past and move forward in life. It promotes projects and their accomplishment.

The person gains confidence in himself and in others. He opens himself to feelings such as compassion and empathy. He no longer remains focused on himself and shows a real interest in others.

This luminous stone brings joy and good humor. It removes sadness and makes its wearer resolutely optimistic and happy. This joyful and enthusiastic nature is contagious and is transmitted from person to person.

Yellow opal radiates and fights against anxieties, anxiety, excessive shyness. It gives assurance and self-confidence. The person doubts herself much less. She is less demanding of herself and of those around her. She becomes more relaxed and much less stressed.

Yellow opal is known to combat the pride of its wearer. It brings humility and loyalty by overcoming the misdeeds of an oversized ego. The person remains humble regardless of their area of ​​success. This stone stimulates inner energies and allows its wearer to invest in new experiences.