This week at Circles and Shadows HQ I have been playing with the gorgeous tumbled pink opal that arrived along with beautiful tree agate and fabulous amethyst last week from the lovely folks at Spiritual Stones who ensure that the stones are ethically sourced and arrive in recycled and recyclable packaging.
I’ve had a lot of fun working on wire-wrapped rings, and pendants - combining some of the pendants with small fine silver charms. I do like the silver with the pink opal but the copper brings a certain warmth to it as well.
As someone who was born in October, it has been a pleasure to find a version of my birthstone that I’ve fallen in love with!
Pink opal can also be known as Peruvian pink opal or Andean opal although it can also be found in countries such as the USA and Australia. It is a hydrated amorphous form of silica and gets its colour from traces of iron oxide or other minerals present during its formation.
Unlike precious opals that are iridescent, pink opal exhibits colours that range from delicate baby pinks to richer rosy tones often with bands of browns, shades of creams and whites or even darker patches that are almost black making each one unique.
In ancient Andean cultures, it was revered for its spiritual significance. It was believed to possess healing properties and foster emotional balance. Today, pink opal is considered to be a gemstone of tranquillity, emotional healing, and love. It is associated with the heart chakra, supporting compassion, self-love and empathy.
Healers and crystal practitioners believe wearing, holding or having pink opal nearby can help decrease stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil, promoting a sense of peace and harmony.
Pink opal has a relatively low hardness, making it more susceptible to scratches and chips than other harder gemstones e.g. sapphires or diamonds. As a result, it is often used in jewellery designs that prioritise aesthetic appeal, or for items that are less likely to be damaged such as pendants or pieces that are worn less frequently like statement rings.
The pink opal I’m working with is tumbled, so it is irregular in shape and size rather than cut e.g. into cabochons - I’m enjoying working with the unique organic shapes and whether it's the stones or the process of making jewellery I do always feel less stressed after being with it!
How does pink opal make you feel?
