Opal: White

 

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A phenomenon stone, this variety of opal comes from the varying 128 degree by day, 30 degree by night area of Coober Pedy where miners live underground. Coober Pedy is aboriginal, translated as either "man under the ground " or "white man's hole." About 500 miles north of Adelaide in south Australia, whose opal treaures were "discovered" by western civilization in 1916, this barren area is primarily sandstone, opal host rock. Mines are individual drill holes, "One man, one claim." South Australia prohibiting by law mining by large companies. White opal has been a common variety allowing for readily available calibrated stones. White opal is also known as milk opal or lechosos. Unfortunately, much of the material is "potch," opal lacking fire, which explains many people's dislike of opal. Equally unfortunate is that future production is uncertain.

 

Most opal was cut in Germany, now the major opal cutting center is Hong Kong.

 

Measures 5.5 to 6.5 on Mohs scale, soft, 1.37 - 1.47 RI.

 

Soft, hand clean, avoid chemicals, scratching, and extreme temperature fluctuations.

 

Primarily Coober Pedy and Mintabie, Australia

 

Arabs once thought opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning. Opal was a symbol of hope, purity and innoncence. Worn it was a harbinger of good fortune, believed to banish evil spirits, and favored children, theater, friendship and feelings. It was believed to sharpen eyesight and could render the wearer invisible. Later, opals were blamed for earthquakes, tidal waves, and, worn by a plague victim, would become brilliant then "die" as its wearer also died.