Opal
From ancient Roman, the name opal is translated as &"striking the eye".
Opal has a beautiful optical effect - opalescence. When it is exposed to bright light, it glows with iridescent and pearlescent tints.
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The incredible beauty of the opal became the reason for the persecution of the Roman senator Nonius in ancient times. He possessed the largest opal in the world. Emperor Antony envied such a treasure. He ordered the expulsion of Nonius from his homeland. Nonius had to flee, but he managed to save the stone and take it with him.
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Of particular interest to researchers is the structure of opal. According to preliminary data, it contains up to 20% water.
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The best opals were found in Australia.
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Queen Victoria of England became the savior of opal, launching, perhaps, the world's first jewelry PR campaign. Opal was credited with so many magical properties that many began to fear it. Many antiques decorated with opals were thrown into the trash as unnecessary. However, in Australia, a British colony, they had just begun to study opal deposits. And therefore, opals needed advertising so that fashionistas would not be afraid to wear items with these stones. And Queen Victoria herself became such advertising. She began to introduce gemstones into the necklaces, earrings and rings that she wore. After that, many ladies-in-waiting followed her example.
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Do you have any opal jewelry in your jewelry wardrobe?