The modern birthstone for the month of October is the opal. Opal is a form of hydrated silica that contains up to 5 to 10 percent water in its crystalline structure. Opal has small water spheres that are embedded in irregular and inconsistent configurations within the stone matrix that cause a myriad of colors when displayed from different angles of light. The beauty of the colors displayed make opal a valued gemstone.
Opal is created from rocks that have undergone decomposition from percholating water in underground fissures. Over time the material precipitates to form opal. Opal is a mineral that is not very hard, therefore opals are known to break and scratch easily. Care must be taken when wearing or handling them. Opals are listed on the Mohs Scale of Hardness between 4.5 and 6.
Opal comes in two forms, "Common and Precious". Common opals usually lack opalescence, any color or luster. Precious opals can come in different varieties of opalescence and fiery. Opals are primarily found in Australia but deposits of the mineral have been found in Brazil, Mexico and the United States. Opal is believed to have received its name ancient Indian Sanskrit name of "upala", which meant "precious stone".
Different meanings were attached to the opal. Asians considered the opal an "anchor of hope" and Arabs say it fell from heaven in flashes of lightning. Russians considered the opal a symbol of bad luck and was shunned by many. In the ancient world the opal was sacred and was thought to bring the wearer prophecy and foresight. Thought to bring the bearer a strong heart, prevent fainting and infections and was considered a sign of hope.
Opals come in white, black, pinks, blue, bright red, boulder opal and fire opal.
Opal is created from rocks that have undergone decomposition from percholating water in underground fissures. Over time the material precipitates to form opal. Opal is a mineral that is not very hard, therefore opals are known to break and scratch easily. Care must be taken when wearing or handling them. Opals are listed on the Mohs Scale of Hardness between 4.5 and 6. 
