A Witch's Guide to Crystals and Their Meanings, Uses, and Origins

Opal

Scientific Makeup: Hydrous silica, often with some iron and aluminum. Ranges in color from white, yellow, red, pink, brown to gray, blue and even colorless. Vitreous and pearly. Not found in crystal form. White streak. Hardness is 5 1/2 - 6 1/2.

Environment: A low-temperature mineral and usually develops in a wide variety of rocks as cavity and fracture fillings. Frequently develops as amygdules in basalt and rhyolite of volcanic rock and replaces the cells in wood and the shells of clams.

Found in: Mexico, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, New England states, North Carolina, Australia, Honduras, Czechoslovakia.

Name: Sanskrit. Derived from the word "upala", meaning precious stone.

Magick and Legend: Worn to bring out inner beauty. Legend says the wearer, when the stone is wrapped in bay leaf, may become invisible for a short period of time. Considered to be lucky stones, but only for those born in October. Considered to be bad luck if worn by someone not born in October. The birthstone for October:

"October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know;
But lay an Opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those foes to rest."

Healing: Used more frequently for spiritual healing than physical healing.

Note: Because of the variety of colors it possess, said to be a safe substitute for any other stone.