Geology / History
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica its water content may range from 3% to 21% by weight, but is usually between 6% & 10%. Because of its amorphous character it is classed as a mineraloid, unlike the other crystalline forms of silica which are classed as minerals. It forms at a relatively low temperature by descending percolation of surface mineral solutions & may occur in the fissures of almost any kind of rock. It is most commonly found with limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, marl & basalt. Although Opal is a mineraloid, it has an internal structure. At micro scales it is composed of silica spheres some 150 to 300nm in diameter arranged in a hexagonal or cubic close-packed lattice. These ordered silica spheres produce the internal colours by causing the interference & diffraction of light passing through the microstructure. Depending on the conditions in which it formed & the alignment & size of the silica spheres it can take on many colours.
Dendritic Opals are unique in the Opal family they form when water rich percolating mineral solutions containing manganese & iron flows along naturally occurring fractures, fissures & bedding planes. As this Manganese rich solution flows through it creates unique dendrite crystals which vary in shape & size depending on the concentration ratio of Opal to mineral solution of the various manganese oxides & hydroxides involved.
Opals have a very long history with the human timeline & have been revered for thousands of years. The term Opal originally derived from the term “Upala” which is Sanskrit for “precious stone” the term Dendritic or dendrite means “tree Like” & originated from the Greek word “Dendron” (δενδρον), meaning "tree".
Opal is the national gemstone of Australia, which produces 97% of the world's supply. South Australia accounts for approximately 80% of the world's supply of gemstone precious Opals.
Metaphysical Properties
Opals are stones of great magic & good fortune making them fantastic for manifestation of all kinds. A powerful ascension stone which teaches us how to embrace our light, create joy & understand oneness. All opals are fierce protectors of light, keeping their human friends surrounded in a force field of radiant light. They increase emotional strength & open the mind to its higher self. Highly protective, Opals deflect negative energy.
Dendritic Opals are often referred to as Merlinite Shamans, Healers & Magical people will be naturally drawn to this crystal. They impart the ability to, if one chooses, absorb negative energy & transmute it into positive life force energy. Excellent for people whom are regularly exposed to unpleasant environments. Merlinite’s are shape shifting stones, their energy is one of alchemy. They impart a vibrational intelligence teaching one to mold the vibration of toxic energy into something useful & therefore gift the ability to shape shift vibratory resonances from one form to another. Merlinite also balances energy & teaches the lessons of knowing thy shadow.
The shadow must not be feared simply embraced for its beautiful darkness is not evil it is balance, from darkness a seed grows, in darkness a foetus grows, in darkness life grows, a star can not be seen without darkness. This ancient universal wisdom resides within the heart; Merlinite unveils these truths to bring them into conscious understanding. Being one with the light & the darkness is true oneness, true unity, true wholeness, here is where true magic lies.
The essence of manifestation is the realisation that nothing is separate, separation is an illusion. When nothing is separate everything becomes malleable the universe is a block of clay & creation can be achieved at your will through intention alone. This revelation removes the illusions seen within human life & brings forth the truth in our own divinity.
Opals are very powerful & will release negative emotions & trigger points from traumatic experiences.
Much like Obsidian, Opals show us our darkness giving us the courage to understand, embrace & integrate the lessons, guiding us to greater connection & unity of our whole divine being.
Crystal Healing
Lungs & respiratory issues, circulatory system, eyes, cell regeneration, ageing, memory retention & brain function.
Mineralogy
Group: Mineraloid
Crystal System: Amorphous
Composition: SiO2·nH2O
Form/Habit: Irregular veins, in masses & nodules
Hardness: 5-6
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal, uneven
Lustre: Subvitreous to waxy
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 2.15
Transparency: opaque, translucent, transparent
R.I: 1.450
Colour: Colourless, white, grey, yellow, black
Fluorescence: black or white body colour: inert to white to moderate light blue, green, or yellow in long and short wave. May also phosphoresce
Wearing Opals - Do not expose doublets & triplets to water. Do not expose Opals of any kind to any chemicals.