Radiating a colorful fire from deep within, the opal
has been prized since antiquity. Within its depths
one sees the rich variety of colors for which other
gems are famed: the purple of amethyst, the red of
ruby, the sea green of emerald, as well as gold and
silver. The matrix for these sparks ranges in hue
from milky white, to bright blue, to black. Mines in
Hungary have produced fine opals since the Middle
Ages, but the best modern source for the gem is
considered to be Australia. The name of the gem is
said to derive from the word Ophthalmius,
pertaining to the eye, and the stone is valued for its
ability to avert evil. In the East, opals are much
sought after as amulets to protect the wearer from
disease. The stone is also said to improve the
eyesight. Any person gazing upon this brilliant gem
will be rewarded with beauty.
- (FJ.2715)
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