What Is White Opal?

White opal is a milky, translucent opal with a soft rainbow glow, mostly mined in South Australia. It is also sold as tumbled stones. It is a fragile stone, so it needs gentle care, and in crystal lore it is a symbol of peace, balance and calm. Here is how it forms, its history and lore, and how it is used in jewellery.

The Physical Properties of White Opal

Due to its pale to rich milky white colour, the stone is also called white milk opal. Some people also refer to it as porcelain opal because the stone reminds them of delicate, fine ceramic.

White opal also displays an iridescent play of colours called opalescence, although it is lighter in white opal because of its translucent body. This fascinating play of rainbow colours is much more visible in black opal due to the stone's dark-coloured base.

Opals are fragile by nature. In terms of hardness, they're about as hard as glass. So avoid wearing your white opal jewellery when playing sport or when engaging in any activity where it might come in contact with impact/hard surfaces to protect it from damage.

Clean your white opal stone with warm, soapy water and fibre cloth. Store it in a cushioned case separate from other stones to prevent scratching.

The History of White Opal

Archaeologists say that the earliest white opal relics were discovered in a cave in Kenya sometime in 4,000 B.C. It was believed to be used for making tools. First gem-grade white opal was discovered years later in Hungary and Czechoslovakia.

For ancient Romans, opals are the ultimate gemstone since they exhibit all the gemstone colours in a single stone.

The Greeks were also fond of white opal and wore it as a protective charm. They believed it could grant visions and prophecies.

How does opal form? Opal is formed through the combination of silicon dioxide and water. Water collects silica from sandstone as it runs through the earth. Then it delivers a solution rich in silica into the cracks and crevices formed by faults or decomposing fossils.

After the water evaporates, it leaves a silica deposit. The cycle continues on and on which then results in the formation of opal.

Most white opals in the market come from South Australia, specifically from the deposits Coober Pedy, Andamooka, Lambina, and Mintabie.

The Lore of White Opal

In the Middle Ages it is believed that white opal bestowed special powers to people with blonde hair. Some also believed that opal could make one invisible.

Sir Walter Scott wrote a novel titled Anne of Geuerstein which featured the tragic death of Lady Hermione, the main character, who died when a drop of water touched her opal.

The readers interpreted the story as a warning about the dangers of wearing opal. This (and Empress Eugenie's suspicions toward opals) led to the decline in the demand for opals.

The aversion to opals was only reversed when Queen Victoria dismissed the superstitions surrounding the stone. She gifted her daughters with white opals in their weddings and this helped spark a renewed interest in the stone.

The Lore and Metaphysical Meaning of White Opal

In crystal lore, white opal is the stone of calm. It is a popular pick for people who like a quiet reminder to stay in the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or the future.

In crystal lore it is also a stone of protection, a symbolic shield for your space. Many people keep one close during challenging circumstances and relational conflicts as a reminder to protect their peace.

The idea is to come out of such situations without taking on the energy of others.

In the chakra tradition, white opal is linked with the crown chakra. It also stands for:

• Letting go of old habits
• Clear communication
• Positive thinking
• Confidence
• Self-awareness

Whatever you believe about its meaning, white opal is simply a beautiful stone for jewellery and display.

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