The base color is gray or black, but some have a rainbow-colored surface, and many people are fascinated by their beauty. In addition, the meanings embedded in the gemstone are positive, so it is a gemstone that is appreciated not only for yourself but also as a gift.
In this article, we have summarized the meaning and effects of black opals, their gemstone meanings, differences due to play-of-color, and how to distinguish between natural stones and processed products. Be sure to check out black opals as a souvenir for your trip to Australia.
What does black opal mean?
Opals are known as stones of hope, and black opals are particularly positive.
Specifically, it has the following active and positive meanings:
- Self-confidence: Stay true to yourself regardless of the people around you
- Charisma: Unwavering actions give the impression of intelligence
- Appeal | A variety of colors gives a sense of individuality
I will explain how each of them can be interpreted.
(1) Self-confidence: Stay true to yourself without being influenced by others
One of the meanings of black opal is "confidence."
Black, which is not tainted by any other color, is said to be a good color because it allows you to maintain your individuality without being overly influenced by your surroundings.
Also, when people lose confidence, they are affected by negative energy and become mentally anxious. Even in such a case, black opal has the effect of stabilizing emotions and mind. By stabilizing emotions and mind, you will have more room in your mind and be able to act with confidence.
Black opals, which shine brilliantly, are said to bring energy to you just by holding them, which in turn leads to self-confidence.
(2) Charisma: A person's decisive actions give the impression of intelligence
Black opal also represents charisma because its owner acts with confidence.
Furthermore, black opals are unique in that no two are the same in color or brilliance, and many people feel that the stone itself has charisma.
Black opal has the power to bring out the hidden sensitivity and creativity of its owner. By awakening dormant talents, it will bring out your charisma.
Because of its charismatic glow, it also has the meaning of seizing opportunities and attracting good fortune.
(3) Appealing features: A variety of colors gives a sense of individuality
Black opals, some of which have the play of color that causes them to shine with rainbow colors depending on how the light hits them, also mean "charm" just as they look.
No two black opals shine the same, and their varied sparkle gives them a unique character.
It is said to also have anti-aging effects, so it is recommended for those who want to remain attractive forever.
When it comes to love, you have the energy to enhance your own attractiveness and attract the person you are interested in.
Black Opal Gemstone Meaning
Gemstones are imbued with various meanings and each one has its own gemstone meaning.
The gemstone word for black opal is "intimidation."
When we hear the word "intimidation," many of us probably imagine a show of strength intended to intimidate others and keep them away.
However, the gemstone word for black opal is intimidation, which means keeping others away through charisma.
As mentioned above, black opals are gemstones that excel in individuality and charisma, as no two pieces have the same brilliance. This gemstone word expresses the charm that sets them apart from other gemstones in the world.
The effects of black opal
Black pearls, whose gemstone meaning is intimidation, have long been believed to have various effects.
The main effects that black opal is said to have are as follows:
- Unleash your hidden talents
- Brings good luck
- Amulets
Let's take a closer look at each one.
(1) Bring out hidden talent
One of the effects of black opal is that it can bring out hidden talents and dormant abilities.
Black opal is also known as the "artist's stone" or the "stone of prophecy." It enhances the owner's intuition and inspiration, and will help them come up with new ideas through unexpected events.
In addition, it is expected to have the effect of giving you foresight, and you have the energy to discover and bring out hidden talents not only in yourself but also in others, and to come up with ideas to express those talents.
It is recommended for people who work in creative fields or are involved in planning and development. It is also a perfect gemstone for producers and others whose jobs involve bringing out the best in people and things.
(2) It brings good luck
Black opal has long been treasured as a "lucky guardian stone," and it also has the power to attract good fortune.
Another feature is that it supports you in taking action and seizing good fortune when an opportunity arises.
Even if you attract good luck, it's meaningless if you can't grab it. Black opal has a calming effect on the mind, so it will bring you the calmness to not miss any opportunities.
It also has the meaning of repairing bonds, so it brings opportunities to rebuild relationships with romantic partners, coworkers, and friends. It is a suitable gemstone for those who want to grab opportunities in work or hobbies, as well as those who want to attract good luck in their relationships.
(3) Amulets
Black opal is believed to have talismanic powers.
In the world of jewels, black means a talisman.
Black Opal has the ability to ward off obstacles when it comes to putting new ideas into action or when opportunities arise.
As mentioned above, it is also known as a stone of prophecy, so it may help you sense danger and avoid it.
Nowadays, they are also popular as talismans for pregnancy and safe childbirth. Some black opals shine with rainbow colors depending on how the light hits them, and this rainbow-colored glow symbolizes a baby full of hope.
Since ancient times, black opal has been used as a talisman for water-related matters and for travelling across oceans and rivers, and for this reason, some people take black opal with them when they travel.
How to easily identify black opal artefacts
Black opals are rare and have a variety of beneficial effects, so they are also famous for the large number of processed products available.
There are many types of processed opals, ranging from completely artificially created ones to those that have been altered from natural opals.
Although most shops state whether the product is genuine or processed, there are a few that sell processed products as genuine. Many processed products look beautiful at first glance, and it is not uncommon to be unable to tell if they are genuine or processed.
There are two ways to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit goods:
- Look behind the stone
- View the side of the stone
(1) Look at the back of the stone
One way to distinguish between real and engineered stones is to look at the back of the stone.
When black opals are used in jewelry, the back side is often covered with metal if it is a processed product. If it is a natural black opal, the back side is not covered and hidden unless there is a special intention.
In particular, when processing using the following two methods, the back side is often hidden.
<Doublet Opal>
A processed product made by pasting thinly sliced opal on the surface and plastic, iron ore, etc. on the back.
<Triple Opal>
The surface is made of glass or plastic, with a thin slice of opal in the center and plastic on the back.
In products like the one above, black opal is only used on the visible part, and the back side is often made of another iron ore or plastic.
It is highly likely that the back side, which contains the processed product, is covered with metal or something similar to prevent it from being seen, so it is recommended that you check why the back side is covered.
(2) Look at the side of the stone
Another way to distinguish between real and engineered stone is to look at the side of the stone.
When processing opals that combine opals with other materials, you can see the boundary between the opal and the other material by looking at it from the side. If the boundary is clearly visible as a straight line, it is likely to be a tablet opal or triplet opal, as introduced earlier.
Another characteristic of synthetic opals is that they have columnar structures that show vertical light when viewed from the side. This columnar structure with vertical light is a phenomenon commonly seen in synthetic opals.
You can easily tell if a black opal is columnar by tilting it and looking at it closer to the light.
Ranking of rare black opals with play of color!
Opals are also known for their play of color.
Play-of-color is the ability to shine in a variety of colors depending on the angle you look at it from. Opals are formed from particles of silica mixed with water, and the size of the particles determines the color they produce when they reflect light.
The larger the grain, the more red the opal shines, while the smaller the grain, the more green, blue, or purple it shines. Most black opals are small and shine green or blue, so black opals that shine red or orange are highly prized.
The colors seen in black opal play of color are as follows:
- red
- orange
- yellow
- green
- blue
- purple
The most valuable color is red. Blue and green are the most commonly mined, and it is said that more than half of the black opals mined are blue or green-blue.
Some are a beautiful mix of multiple colors. Red mixed with orange or green, and orange mixed with red or green are popular. However, since compatibility with gemstones and color preferences vary from person to person, you don't necessarily need to stick to red or orange, just find a stone that suits you.
Summary: Black opal is a talisman that enhances self-confidence and attractiveness.
Black opal awakens the owner's hidden talents and enhances their charm. It also acts as a talisman, so it is recommended to keep one at home.
However, since many processed products are also on the market, be sure to look at the black opal from the back and side in order to find the real thing. Black opals that shine with red or orange are very rare, so if you find one that catches your eye, don't miss out on it.
By the way, in Lightning Ridge, where black opals are mined, an opal show is held once a year, and you can even purchase them on the spot. If you're interested, why not travel to Australia in search of black opals?
*Please note that the effects of gemstones are felt differently by each individual.
Supervision and photo provided by: Belle Etoile Co., Ltd.
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Click here for an article on Australia, where black opals are produced.
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
