Opal Lexicon

Does an Opal Bring Bad Luck? How a Novel Ruined Its Name

Two thousand years a lucky stone, then one novel from 1829 changed everything. How the opal fell into disrepute and who brought it back.

Birthstones: The Twelve Months and Their Stones

Garnet in January, emerald in May, opal in October: all twelve months with their stones, and why the lists differ from one another.

Opal Meaning and Properties: The Stone of Transformation

Opal's meaning and properties go far beyond a pretty stone: for thousands of years, its living play of color has stood for hope, change, and...

October Birthstone: Opal and Tourmaline

October’s birthstone has a surprise in store: of all months, this one did not have to settle for a single stone.