Cabinet · Upala
Opal
A hydrated silica that carries a weather of colour inside it.
- Graha
- Venus (Shukra)
- Colour
- Play-of-colour on white or black
- Hardness
- 5.5–6.5 Mohs
- Metal
- Gold or silver
- Finger
- Middle finger
- Day
- Friday
In the cabinet
Precious opal shows play-of-colour from microscopic silica spheres. Australian white and black opals lead the tradition; Ethiopian material is more porous. We prefer solid stones over doublets and triplets for rings.
In the tradition
Opal appears in Indian texts as Upala, a precious stone of beauty and Venusian pleasure. It is also October’s birthstone.
Usual origins. Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico
A note from the counter. Opal contains water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, sudden dryness, and hard knocks.
