The Legends of Opal

The Opal and Magic

In the middle ages, the opal was known as the “eye stone,” because it was believed to have a magical power which would help its wearer have sharper eyesight. Blonde women were known to collect as many pieces of opal jewelry as they could muster, because the opal was believed to contain within it the power to magically keep blonde hair from losing its luster and bright golden color.

Some cultures thought that the elaborate and illuminating colors of the opal, when reflected directly into a persons eyes, would render them invisible to that person. Thus, it was believed that an opal charm, when used properly, could give its owner mystical disappearing powers.

The Opal and Desire

Legend has it that one ancient Roman emperor offered to trade an entire third of his vast empire for a single opal.

Cleopatra’s famous lover Mark Antony loved opal. Legend says that he so deeply coveted an opal owned by Roman Senator Nonius for his beloved Cleopatra, that he had the Senator banished after he refused to sell his precious almond-sized stone, which was valued at over $80,000.

Some Legendary Opals

The “Aurora Australis”

Found in 1938 at Lightning Ridge, the “Aurora Australis” is the world’s most valuable black opal. With its dominant red, green, and deep blue hues, this 3’ by 1.8’ inch 180 carat stone is more than just a pleasure to look at. Dug out from an old seabed encrusted deep within the ocean core, this rare beauty sports a distinct impression of a starfish fossil on its underside. Just last year, this prize opal gem was valued at $1,000,000. It is named after the northern lights.

The “Fire Queen”

Discovered in 1906 by a man named Chalie Dunstan, the 900 carat “Fire Queen” is the largest opal to date. This fiery red-hued giant opal was given to the Chicago Museum in 1928, and then in the 1940’s, was sold to the highly acclaimed heir to an oil fortune, J.D. Rockefeller wished for it to be a part of his prestigious family collection. As for Charlie Dunstan, rumor has it that right after he sold the “Fire Queen,” he got drunk and ‘lost’ two of its big-sized sister stones. In 1910, shortly after the stones had been lost, Dunstan was found dead. It was said that he commit suicide for the loss of his precious stones.
 
 
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