o·pal
Opals and Tourmaline represent hope, creativity and innocence. They also protect the wearer from envious, mal-intentioned people.
Opal is a gem-quality form of hydrated amorphous silicon dioxide. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word for 'stone'. It is gemologically classed as a mineraloid rather than a mineral, owing to its amorphous form. Opal is considered to be the national gemstone for Australia, owing to the fact that Australia produces roughly 97% of the world's entire supply of Opal Gemstones. Opals can be divided into three main subgroups: Precious Opal, Fire Opal and Common Opal (potch).
For ages people have believed in the healing power of Opal. It is reported to be able to solve depression and to help its wearer find true and real love. Opal is also said to stimulate originality and creativity. Opal is porous and because of this, it is quite absorbent. Due to its ability to absorb, it is thought that it can pick up the thoughts and feelings of people and amplify emotions.
Synthetic Opals can be made into almost any style jewelry you need.
Chemical Formula: SiO2 * nH20
Color: A
"play of color"
ranging from white to black
Hardness: 4.5 - 6.5
Transparency: Transparent to opaque
Tourmaline
(TUR-me-leen)
Tourmaline is not a single mineral, but a group of several closely related minerals. The three most well-known members are Elbaite, Schorl, and Dravite. Tourmaline can be bi-color or tri-color; watermelon (seen below) features green, pink and white colors. Tourmaline is found in many locations including Brazil, Afghanistan, East Africa and the United States.
It is estimated that tourmaline has been used as a gem material for over 2000 years. The Chinese carve Tourmaline into beads, badges, buttons, girdles & various ornaments. The Dutch noticed that the stone attracts ashes and straw when heated and named it aschenstrekkers (ash drawers).
All Styles set in solid gold 14kt with Tourmaline gems
Chemical Formula:
(Na,Ca)(Mg,Li,Al,Fe2+)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4
Color:
Colors include black, brown, green, red, pink, blue, and gray. White, colorless, yellow, orange, and purple colors. Crystals are frequently multicolored, containing two or more distinct colors.
Hardness: 7 - 7.5
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Transparency: Transparent to opaque
