Ethiopian Opal Ring Sz 9

Description

Rough Ethiopian opal ring. this beautiful uncut opal has a magical milky opalescent tones.

History of Ethiopian Opals
Ethiopian opal is a fascinating gemstone with a rich history and mystical properties. The stone was discovered in 1990 in Ethiopia’s northern Welo District, but it wasn’t until 2008 that commercial mining began. The region offers a variety of opal types, including some similar to those found in Australia’s Coober Pedy mines.

Origins of Opal
The word “opal” comes from the Sanskrit word upala, which means “precious stone.” In ancient India, it was believed that the Mother Goddess transformed the virgin Goddess of the Rainbow into a stone to protect her from the advances of three gods. The word “opal” was adopted by the Romans during ancient times as “opalus.”

Ethiopian opal has a rich metaphysical history. The ancient Greeks believed it could give people the gift of prophecy and protect them from disease. Some believe that wearing opal can make a person unobtrusive or unnoticeable, drawing all of their human sparkle into the fiery colors of the stone. While some believe it is unlucky for people not born in October to wear opal, the gemstone has long been valued as a stone of luck, magic, love, and passion.

Metaphysical Properties Ethiopian Opal
Ethiopian opal is believed to be an emotional intensifier, enhancing the true nature of those who wear it. Some say it strengthens the will to live and shields the wearer against negativity, burning off karma. Practitioners of energy work say it activates the base and sacral chakras, although other base colors of this opal can be used with corresponding chakras if needed.

Geological Properties Ethiopian Opal
The geological properties of Ethiopian opal are also fascinating. Unlike most opals, which are sedimentary in nature and created from the layers laid down by ancient waterways, Ethiopian opals are hydrophane opals created as a result of volcanic activity. They form in nodules within the volcanic ash in stratum between rhyolite layers. The name “hydrophane” comes from the Greek words meaning “water-loving,” and it describes how these opals tend to absorb water. Water absorption can alter the appearance of Ethiopian opal, changing the stone from opaque or semi-translucent to highly translucent and almost transparent.