Opal, a mesmerizing gemstone known for its kaleidoscopic colors and mysterious allure, has been the source of superstitions and folkloric beliefs for centuries. These cultural myths have spun a web of fascination and intrigue around this stone.
1. The Protective Amulets of Ancient Greece
In the hallowed halls of ancient Greece, opal was not just seen as a glittering bauble. Rather, it was believed to be a talisman endowed with potent powers of protection. According to Greek mythology, opals could confer good fortune and robust health upon their owners. A noteworthy belief was that opals could ward off ailments affecting the eyes, reflecting the Greeks’ deep-seated belief in the healing properties of gemstones.
2. Preserving Beauty in the Middle Ages
During the medieval period, opals gained a fascinating reputation for their alleged ability to preserve beauty. Blondes, in particular, were known to don opal necklaces with the belief that these radiant gemstones would help retain their fair hair’s golden hue. This unique belief underscored the notion of opals as stones of enchantment, capable of aiding in the preservation of beauty.
3. Easing Childbirth Woes
The Middle Ages also witnessed another belief surrounding the mystical opal. Pregnant women during this era would wear opals to alleviate the discomforts associated with childbirth. This belief stemmed from the notion that opals possessed calming and healing energies, providing a sense of comfort and relief to expectant mothers during the birthing process.
4. Opals as Indicators of Illness
A rather fascinating superstition connected with opals relates to their perceived ability to sense illness in a person. It was believed that an opal would become more vibrant and luminous when its owner fell ill. The belief in an opal’s ability to respond to the health condition of its owner exhibits the depth of the mystique surrounding this stone.
5. Signaling the Approach of Death
One of the most dramatic and chilling beliefs about opals is their supposed ability to predict impending death. The superstition goes that if a person was on the brink of death, the opal they wore would become incredibly hot. This could be partially attributed to the stone’s natural property of heat absorption, which might result in the opal becoming warm if the wearer developed a deadly fever.
6. The Color-Changing Wonder
Finally, it’s worth noting that opals have long been associated with their magical color-changing ability. Due to their unique structure, opals can exhibit a wide range of colors, leading to beliefs in their supernatural origins and powers.
