The Ultimate Guide to Opals: Meaning, History, and Jewellery You’ll Love

Opals are like rainbows trapped in stone, shimmering, flashing, and never the same twice. No wonder they’re one of the most fascinating gemstones on Earth.

They’re also October’s birthstone and one of Australia’s most iconic treasures. From Lightning Ridge to Ethiopia, opals have captured imaginations for centuries. But what makes them so special? And how do you choose the perfect opal ring, necklace, or earrings?

Let’s dive into the shimmering world of opals, their meaning, history, and why we can’t stop wearing them.

👉 Shop our opal jewellery collection now - featuring Australian opals, Boulder opals, and Ethiopian opals.

 

What do opals look like?

Opals are famous for their play-of-colour, that magical rainbow flash you see when you tilt the stone. It’s caused by light bouncing inside the gem, creating flashes of red, green, pink, aqua, purple, and every colour in between.

Some opals look like oil glistening on water. Others look like galaxies or fireworks. And here’s the best part: no two opals are ever the same. Owning one is like owning your own piece of natural art.

Discover our Australian opals and find the one that speaks to you.

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What does opal mean spiritually?

Opals are often called the “stone of happiness.” They’re believed to:

✨ Calm stress and ease worries.
✨ Boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
✨ Bring positivity, protection, and joy.
✨ Spark creativity and spontaneity.

They’re the gemstone equivalent of that friend who always makes you feel good just by being around them.

 

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Are there health benefits of wearing opals?

Throughout history, people believed opals could:
💧 Purify blood and kidneys.
💧 Ease PMS and help with sleep.
💧 Strengthen memory and soothe nightmares.

Now, we can’t promise medical miracles, but we can promise that slipping on an opal ring will lift your mood every time you look at it.

 

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Are opals good luck or bad luck?

Let’s bust a myth: Some say opals are “bad luck.” Honestly, I can’t look at one and think anything but good vibes.

💡 In Ancient Rome, emperors gifted opals to their wives as a symbol of hope and purity.
💡 In the Middle Ages, opals were considered the luckiest stone of all because they held the colours (and virtues) of every gem in one.

So yes, opals are very lucky.

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Where do opals come from?

🌏 Australia produces about 95% of the world’s opals. Famous spots include:

• Lightning Ridge (rare black opals).
  
  

• Coober Pedy (white and crystal opals).
  
  

• Queensland Boulder opals with striking colours set against their natural ironstone base.
  
  

🌍 Ethiopia only entered the opal scene in 1994 but quickly became the second-largest source. Ethiopian opals are known for their vivid flashes and hydrophane quality (they can even change appearance when exposed to water!).

👉 Explore our Boulder opal jewellery and Ethiopian opal rings.

 

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What are Boulder opals?

Only found in Queensland, Boulder opals are formed inside ironstone boulders. Instead of being cut away, the stone is left attached to the ironstone backing — creating wild, unique patterns and colours.

They’re earthy, raw, and utterly stunning. No two are alike.

👉 Shop Boulder opals.

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How are opals formed?

Opals take millions of years to form. Water trickles through sandstone, picks up silica, and settles into cracks. Over time, the water evaporates, leaving behind silica deposits that harden into opal.

That means the opal in your ring might have started forming when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. (Yes, really.)

 

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Famous opals in history

✨ Olympic Australis: Discovered near Coober Pedy, valued at nearly $2 million per kilo.
✨ Indigenous Australian Dreamtime stories: Opals were created when a rainbow touched the earth, leaving a “fire of the desert.”
✨ Found on Mars: Making opal one of the only gemstones discovered beyond Earth.

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What types of opals are there?

• Solid opals: 100% natural.
  
  

• Doublets & triplets: Layers of opal bonded to other stones for strength and brilliance.
  
  

• Colours: Black, white, crystal, Boulder, Ethiopian… each one unique.
  
  

👉 Browse our opal rings, opal earrings, and opal necklaces.

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How to care for your opal jewellery

Opals are precious and deserve a little TLC:

✔️ Wipe with a damp cloth or mild soapy water.

✔️Ethiopian opals are easily stained

✔️Put them on last, take them off first. Keep perfume, makeup, body lotions and perfume away from them

✔️ Avoid harsh chemicals.
✔️ Don’t soak doublets or triplets.

Treat them gently, and they’ll sparkle for a lifetime.

 

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Why is opal the birthstone for October?

Opals are said to inspire creativity, joy, and individuality, a perfect match for October babies.

And honestly, you don’t need to be born in October to love them. Anyone can wear opals, and everyone looks amazing in them.

👉 Shop our October birthstone jewellery.

 

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Opals aren’t just gemstones. They’re tiny universes of colour, history, and meaning. Whether you love their spiritual vibe, their good-luck reputation, or their one-of-a-kind beauty, opals are always a joy to wear.

✨ Explore our collection of Australian opals, Boulder opals, and Ethiopian opals. Find the piece that feels uniquely you.

Opal FAQ

What is the meaning of opal?
Opal is known as a stone of protection, confidence and self-expression. Many people wear it to feel secure, spontaneous and true to themselves. 

What types of opals does Desiderate sell?
We offer a beautiful collection of Australian opal doublets, striking boulder opals, and glowing Ethiopian opals. You’ll find them set in earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets — each one completely unique.

What are the benefits of wearing opal jewellery?
Wearing opal is believed to boost creativity, confidence and joy. Spiritually, it’s said to bring protection and spontaneity, and to help you express your inner sparkle.

Is opal a lucky stone? Yes. For centuries opal has been considered a stone of good fortune, believed to attract positivity, love and success.

Is opal a birthstone? Yes, opal is the traditional birthstone for October and is strongly linked to Libras and Scorpios. But its energy can be enjoyed by anyone who feels drawn to it.

Can you wear opal every day? Yes, but with care. Opal is softer than many gemstones, so we recommend removing your jewellery for heavy work, sports or swimming. Treated gently, opal jewellery can last for generations.

How do I care for opal jewellery? Wipe gently with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and extreme heat. Store your opal jewellery separately to prevent scratches.

Where do opals come from? Australia produces over 90% of the world’s opals, including our stunning doublets and boulder opals. We also source beautiful Ethiopian opals, each with their own charm and play of colour.

What colours do opals come in? Opals can show flashes of green, blue, red, orange and purple. Each one has its own unique rainbow-like pattern, known as “play of colour.”

Is opal good for love? Yes. Opal is often called the stone of passion. It’s believed to spark spontaneity in relationships and strengthen emotional bonds.