Opal

Australian Boulder Opal is found in the desert of Queensland. This region is very harsh, with temperatures that reach over 120 degrees. Opal mining is a very difficult process, and few mines prove to be successful.

Boulder Opal was formed millions of years ago from a solution that flowed into seams, cracks, and cavities in a type of sandstone known as Ironstone. Opal is composed of an arrangement of very small silica spheres. The play of color that Opal is known for is the result of the diffraction of light by these spheres and the spaces in between them. Different colors are the result of different sized spheres. For example, the color violet comes from an arrangement of spheres which have diameters of 1,500 angstroms, and red comes from spheres that have diameters of 3,500 angstroms.

Composition: Hydrous Silica, often with some Iron and Aluminum
Hardness: 5 1/2 - 6 1/2

Metaphysical Properties: Boulder Opal represents purity and intensity. It assists in emotional and mental balance, calms the inner soul. Facilitates actualization. Excellent stone for progress, expansion, and development. Helps one connect the conscious and subconscious, providing for a clearing understanding of oneself. Facilitates communication between the Earth plane and the star people of this world and other worlds. Clears and brightens the aura, stimulates healing. It has been used to access spiritual guides and animal guides. It can be used in medicine-wheel ceremony to stabilize energy.
Corresponding Astrological Signs: Opal corresponds to Cancer, Libra, Pisces, and Scorpio. Boulder Opal in particular corresponds to Virgo.