Thought as the stone in which the magnifies and clarifies emotional states... brings suppressed feelings to the surface

Opal takes its name from the Latin word "Upala" meaning "precious stone." Pliny, a learned Roman scholar, described opal as having "the fire of the carbuncle, the brilliant purple of amethyst and the sea-green color of the emerald, all shining together in incredible union."
The Romans believed opal was the symbol of hope and purity. They called it "cupid paederos" (child as beautiful as love) and thought the wearer safe from disease.
The Arabs believed that opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning and thus acquired their marvelous color.
Ancient Greeks also believed the opal had the power of giving foresight and the light of prophecy to their owners.
Specific gravity - 1.95 to 2.25 Hardness - 4.50 to 6.50 (depending on age and attending minerals). Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Use soap and warm water with a soft tooth brush.