Opals offer a variety of health benefits. The stone’s vibrant energies are believed to strengthen the skin, nails and hair. They are considered to be helpful for issues like hair loss, brittle nails, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. One way to get its benefits is by surrounding your bath with opals or using an opal massage wand. While white opal is believed to purify the blood and kidneys, soft pink opal is said to support the lungs, heart, spleen and connective tissues. Green opal is said to bolster the immune system, while blue opal is thought to help in balancing the metabolism. Finally, black and brown opals are used in alternative medicine to promote eye health.

But please keep in mind that crystals are not a cure or proven treatment for any medical illness or condition. Rather, they are considered supplemental tools that some feel may support overall well-being. Always consult a qualified medical professional regarding any health issues and before attempting to use crystals for therapeutic purposes.

Opals are ideal for those born under the zodiac signs of Libra, Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio. Libras born in October are also highly compatible with opal, though there is a superstition in some cultures that opals should not be gifted to them, rather Libras should buy and adorn the crystal themselves. Anyone wishing to boost their creativity can benefit from opal’s energising effects. Those seeking to embrace their inner light will also resonate with the stone. Expectant mothers or those hoping to conceive often wear opal for its life-giving energies. Overall, opal’s nurturing energies make it a wonderful crystal for sensitive souls, artists and dreamers.

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It’s important to remember that opals are not for everyone. Individuals going through a period of emotional and mental weakness might find that wearing opals is amplifying their scattered thinking and negative emotions. Those surrounded by low vibrational energies from energy drains, toxic environments or pessimistic people may also experience magnification of negativity from opal’s expansive energising qualities. Additionally, those who still strongly believe that it is an ill-fated stone should also avoid wearing them.

In general, careful consideration of one’s mindset, surroundings and openness is advised before incorporating the gemstone into your routine. Its luminosity is thought to uplift but also descend, depending on the recipient’s capacity to anchor its intense energies. Discretion is recommended.

Opals are versatile stones that can be worn as rings, earrings, pendants or pins. According to Vedic astrology, opal rings should be worn on the middle or ring finger of the right hand. This is thought to honour Venus, the opal’s ruling planet. Bezel settings are ideal for securing the stone while allowing its luminous fire to shine. Pairing it with rubies, pearls and topaz is not recommended, as their energies may conflict. However, the October birthstone can combine beautifully with diamonds, which amplify its brilliance. Overall, the stones lend themselves well to jewellery, especially pieces that highlight their distinctive flashes of colours. Rings are traditional for harnessing opal’s energies, as the right hand projects the energy outward into one’s active world. 

Caring for opals requires some special considerations. Gently clean opal jewellery with mild soap and water, and dry it immediately with a soft cloth to avoid damaging the relatively soft stone. Since the gemstone rates 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, avoid wearing it while performing strenuous activities where it could get scratched or chipped. Even sandy beaches can scratch an opal’s surface, so remove the jewellery before you head to the beach. As porous gems, opals should also be taken off before swimming, bathing, cleaning or dishwashing to prevent absorption of chemicals or dirt. Fire opals in particular can crack if their water content evaporates, so keep them away from heat sources like bright lamps. Occasionally moisten the stones with natural oil or water to maintain their hydration, especially in dry climates. Humidity benefits opals by preserving their water content. For energetic cleansing, place the stone atop clear quartz or selenite to remove stored vibrations and revitalise their light. With some basic care and precautions, the October birthstone can retain its beauty for many years.

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