The Colored Gemstone Education - Opal - The Queen of Gems

 Opal, the birth stone for October, is one of nature's most prized gems. The gemstone, which also happens to be the recommended jewelry gift for 14th wedding anniversary, was mined by Eastern European, the Aztecs and ancient tribes of Central Africa. Opals have been featured in the crown of the Holy Roman Emperor and crown jewels of France. They were mentioned in the plays of Shakespeare and the novels of Sir Walter Scott. Napoleon gave an Opal to Josephine. Queen Victoria gave them out as wedding gifts. One of the reasons this gem has been so revered is because of its supposed mystical powers. Scandinavian woman wore Opals in their hair to prevent it from going gray. The Arabs thought Opal would ward off lightning and grant invisibility to its wearer. Other powers ascribed to the gem include the ability to grant vigor, aid the heart and kidneys and protect against fainting and infection. Worshipped by the Romans as a symbol of hop, fidelity, purity, and good luck. Opal is sometime...