An Australian fire opal doublet gemstone finished in a sterling silver necklace. Opal is associated with love, passion, and eroticism, known for intensifying emotions and releasing inhibitions. It is a strong protective stone, useful for entering dangerous situations. It brings loyalty, faithfulness, and spontaneity into romantic relationships. Opal gemstones strengthen the will to live and have extensive healing powers and energy. Opals are excellent for infections, childbirth, vision, and the blood. In the Middle Ages opal was often given as a cure for diseases of the eye.
The word “opal" has several possible origins. One is that it comes from a Sanskrit word “upala," meaning “precious stone." Another is that the Romans knew it by different names “opthalmus," from the Greek word for “eye," and “paederes," meaning both “child and “favorite." Another source tells that The word opal was derived from the Roman word opalus, meaning "to see a change of color."
A doublet opal is not a solid opal. Doublets are made of thin slices of fine quality opal (generally light opal) glued to a backing piece of black potch, glass or Queensland ironstone, thus resembling natural black opal or Queensland boulder opal.
Overall drop length 3/4 inch. Total necklace length 18 inches.
