This entry was posted on August 24 2018 by Kelly Rice
Opals are some of the most beautiful and dynamic gemstones in the world. From the rainbow of colors supplied by white opals to the rich patterns and complexity of fire and Boulder opals, their range is simply staggering.Still, opals were seen as something to avoid for decades. Even now, many people view them with suspicion, connecting them with bad luck and even the occult. When asked, people might not be able to even tell you how they came to have this impression. The truth is that a single book is responsible for this clouded perception of these amazing gemstones.
Ancient Opals
In order to see how widely revered opals were, you need only consider its name. The Ancient Romans are responsible for giving the opal its name – Opalus – which means “precious stone”. Opals were widely loved and the focus of study. In 75 AD, the scholar Pliny wrote “Some [opals] carry such a play within them that they equal the deepest and richest colors of painters. Others … simulate the flaming fire of burning sulphur and even the bright blaze of burning oil.” Since then, writers have compared opals to everything from volcanoes and burning fires to the heavens above and the expanse and light show of our own galaxy. Others have given it names like Pandora, Light of the World and Empress.Many cultures developed stories about opals, including a belief that the stones held mystical powers and the ability to heal. Ancient Greeks, for example, believed opals could bestow the powers of prophecy upon its owner. They also believed these amazing gemstones could protect people from disease.Simply put, opals had been admired and revered for generations.
Anne of Geierstein
Anne of Geierstein, also known as The Maiden of the Mist, is a novel by by Sir Walter Scott. The book was published in 1829 and includes a story about Lady Hermione, described as "a sort of enchanted princess, who came no one knew whence and always wore a dazzling opal in her hair". In the story she is accused of being a 'demoness' by those closest to her.While there isn't anything in the story itself to imply opals have sinister overtones, there is a scene that left its mark on the opal market.At one point, a few drops of Holy Water fall onto Lady Hermione's opal and the stone loses its brilliance and completely dulls its color. Lady Hermione then falls into a deep sleep and is carried off to her room. The following morning, all that remains is a heap of ashes. While some critics speculated Scott had chosen an opal because of its natural dynamic color and sensitivity to moisture, the general public took it as a warning of the dark powers of opals.Whether or not Scott meant to tarnish the reputation of opals, the effect was nearly immediate. The book was a best seller at the time and it didn't take long for people to begin discussing the demise of Lady Hermione and the sinister reaction to her trademark opal.Within months the opal market crashed and prices were slashed in half.It kicked off decades of poor sales within the opal industry. Years later, American author George F. Kunz explored the topic in his book The Curious Lore of Precious Stones. In it he discusses the role of Scott's novel in demonizing opals, stating “there can be little doubt that much of the modern superstition regarding the supposed unlucky quality of the opal owes its origin to a careless reading of Sir Walter Scott's novel, Anne of Geierstein.”Kunz published his book in 1913 – more than 80 years AFTER the publication of Anne of Geierstein.
The Tides Begin to Turn
While the effects of Scott's novel may still be evident people have, thankfully, begin waking up to the beautiful truth about opals. The fact is that opals are too dynamic, too beautiful and too mesmerizing to become forgotten or avoided completely. Over time, more and more people have come to realize that opals do have a magic power – the power of natural beauty. These days, opals are enjoying a newfound popularity with people who want something unique and something that is naturally beautiful. Opals are also incredibly affordable, making them an ideal gemstone for people who want to begin building a high-end jewelry collection without busting the bank.
Opals are some of the most beautiful and dynamic gemstones in the world. From the rainbow of colors supplied by white opals to the rich patterns and complexity of fire and Boulder opals, their range is simply staggering.
Still, opals were seen as something to avoid for decades. Even now, many people view them with suspicion, connecting them with bad luck and even the occult. When asked, people might not be able to even tell you how they came to have this impression. The truth is that a single book is responsible for this clouded perception of these amazing gemstones.