**Opal – The Gem of Rainbow Colours**  

The word *Opal* originates from the Greek word *Opallos*, meaning "to see a change of colour." Opal is the only gemstone that displays a full spectrum of rainbow colours – its beauty is almost exaggerated. Unlike most crystals, opal has an amorphous structure. Internally, it is composed of tiny spheres arranged in orderly stacks. When light enters the gaps between these spheres, it causes interference and diffraction, producing a rainbow‑like optical effect known as "play of colour."

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**What Is "Play of Colour"?**  

"Play of colour" is the most important criterion for evaluating opal quality. The finest opals display a full seven‑colour spectrum like a rainbow. Among the colours, red is the rarest, followed by blue and green; other colours are judged by their harmony. Generally, the more varied and vivid the colours, the higher the value. Higher lustre also enhances the visual effect of the colours. Some opals even exhibit rare patterns – these are extremely precious and hard to come by.

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**Legends of Opal**  

In ancient Rome, a politician named Nonius owned an opal that displayed the rich colours of the rainbow – the red of ruby, the blue of sapphire, and the green of emerald. At that time, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, despite owning countless jewels, had never possessed such a stone. Her lover, Mark Antony, plotted to seize the gem to win her favour. To protect his opal, Nonius fled Rome overnight, abandoning his homeland for the sake of a single stone – and that stone was an opal.  

In China's Qing Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi owned many opals tributed by Westerners. It is said that on her ring finger she wore a black opal ring, and the stone would change colour according to her moods – which is why court officials often watched its shifts to gauge her feelings. After Cixi's death, the ring became part of her burial goods. Later, her tomb was looted, and the opal was lost to the world.

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**Benefits and Effects of Opal**  

**Stimulates Creativity**  
Wearing opal helps inspire imagination and creativity, bringing breakthrough ideas and perspectives. It also strengthens personal abilities and talents, and enhances execution skills – making it a stone that boosts career luck and attracts wealth.

**Attracts Love**  
Opal helps bring out your inner charm, attracting those who appreciate inner beauty, and inviting more positive encounters. It also aids love luck and popularity, increasing your appeal to the opposite sex, bringing romantic opportunities and lasting love.

**Enhances Personal Abilities**  
Opal helps cultivate a far‑sighted vision, a broad mind, and refined taste. It enables the wearer to propose unique strategies and carry them through effectively.

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**Care Instructions**  

**Avoid hard impacts**  
If you are doing physical activities or moving objects, remove your opal to prevent accidental knocks that could damage its structure.

**Avoid contact with sweat and chemicals**  
Long‑term exposure to sweat can harm the crystal's structure. Also avoid contact with acidic or alkaline chemicals. Remove it when swimming, soaking in hot springs, or exercising.

**Do not clean opal jewellery with an ultrasonic cleaner.**  
**Do not expose opal to high temperatures or sudden temperature changes, as this may damage it.**  
**Simply wipe gently with a soft, clean cloth.**  
**For opal jewellery that is worn regularly, store it in a soft cloth pouch or jewellery box.**

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**Cleansing Methods**  

Opal can be cleansed using a white quartz cluster or a Herkimer diamond.  

For best results, place it near a Herkimer diamond or white quartz cluster every night before bed.