Opal is a beautiful and unique gemstone that displays an array of rainbow colors and patterns. While opal is not a traditional birthstone, many people are drawn to its iridescent play of color and wish to wear it in jewelry. However, some believe that opal is bad luck if it is not your birthstone. Is there any truth to this superstition, or is it perfectly fine to wear opal regardless of your birth month?
There are a few myths and misconceptions around opal that may cause some to view it as unlucky unless it is their birthstone. However, most of these superstitions are outdated and do not have much merit in the modern view of opal. With proper care and setting, opal can be worn and enjoyed by anyone, not just those born in October.
Opal Folklore and Superstitions
Opal has long been surrounded by folklore, myths, and superstitions. Here are some of the common beliefs that have contributed to opal’s reputation as a potentially “unlucky” stone:
– Opal is said to be unlucky for anyone not born in October. This stems from the idea that each birthstone carries luck for people born in its corresponding month. Since opal is October’s birthstone, the superstition says that only people born in October can harness opal’s luck.
– There is a legend that opal will lose its color and luck if worn by someone whose birth month is not October. This myth gained traction in the 1800s when opal jewelry set in vegetable-based oils would temporarily lose its play of color when exposed to changes in temperature or humidity.
– Opal is sometimes called the “Queen of Unluckiness” and there is a belief that the opal stone itself carries bad luck. This stems from a novel written in the 1800s that associated opal with bad luck and misfortune. However, this myth is not grounded in any real-world evidence.
– Black opal in particular has a reputation for being unlucky because it contains dark tones. This traces back to a time when people associated the color black with death and evil. Black opal was sometimes called a “witch stone.”
Why These Superstitions Are Outdated
While these myths and superstitions surrounding opal have existed for centuries, most modern experts agree they do not hold true today for several reasons:
– The legend of opal losing color is no longer an issue with modern opal jewelry. Opal is now set in stronger materials like glass, resin, or quartz that prevent dehydration and color loss.
– Research has debunked the idea that certain gemstones carry luck or supernatural powers based on the month someone is born. There is no scientific evidence that opal can only be lucky for those born in October.
– Opal mining and cutting techniques have advanced, so the quality and durability of opal gems have increased. Fractures and flaws commonly associated with bad luck are less likely in opal today.
– Black opal is now appreciated as a rare and valuable variety of opal, not a sign of evil. The black tones actually enhance the play of color in opal.
– No major jewelry retailer lists opal as an inherently unlucky stone. They acknowledge that old superstitions existed but reaffirm that opal can be worn by anyone.
The Role of Birthstones
The modern birthstone tradition traces back to a list created by the American National Association of Jewelers (now called the Jewelers of America) in 1912. This list assigned a specific gemstone to each month, with opal designated as October’s birthstone. Here is some context around birthstones:
– Birthstones carry symbolic meaning about the traits associated with people born in each month, but they do not dictate who can or cannot wear them. They are not meant as rigid rules.
– The popularity of birthstones emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries as people wanted to wear gemstones linked to their birth month, but this was not intended as a superstition.
– Birthstones differ in various cultures. For example, opal is sometimes considered the birthstone for people born in April or June based on other traditions.
– Many people wear and enjoy birthstones other than their own. Birthstones are linked to months but not owned by them.
Is Opal Bad Luck for Other Months?
Given all this information, is it actually bad luck to wear opal if you were not born in October? According to most experts, the answer is no:
– Modern astrologers and gemologists overwhelmingly agree that the superstition is bogus and anyone can wear opal jewelry regardless of their birth month.
– There is no scientific, statistical, or anecdotal evidence that links opal to misfortune, accidents, or bad luck for people not born in October.
– Jewelry retailers and opal experts view opal as a stone that can complement all birth months and enhance anyone’s wardrobe.
– The superstitions come from outdated myths. In a modern context, a non-October birthday does not make opal unlucky.
– Opal has lucky symbolism that can apply to anyone, like hope, innocence, and creativity. Its rainbow colors have universal appeal.
So in short – no, it is not bad luck to wear opal as a non-October birthday person. This myth comes from antiquated superstitions. As long as you like opal’s aesthetic, you can confidently wear it regardless of your birth month.
How to Choose Opal Jewelry
If you are attracted to opal but want to make sure you choose pieces that will last, here are some tips for buying opal jewelry:
– Purchase opal from a reputable jeweler or brand that provides information on the opal’s origin, treatments, and setting material. Avoid opal jewelry being sold at extremely cheap prices.
– Look for solid cabochon opal rather than thin slices or fragments. Solid opals show the best play of color.
– Opt for opal set in protective materials such as resin, glass, quartz, or boulder opal. Avoid low-quality plastics. Sterling silver, gold, and platinum are also good opal settings.
– Choose an opal free from large fractures or fissures which can contribute to cracking.
– Examine the opal to make sure it displays vibrant play of color, not a hazy or milky appearance.
– For rings, pick oval, round, or pear-shaped opal to prevent sharp edges from chipping.
– Clean opal jewelry with warm, soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and household chemicals.
Caring for Opal Jewelry
Opal requires some basic care to maintain its beauty over time. Follow these tips to keep opal jewelry in great shape:
– Keep opal away from heat and extreme temperature changes. Do not leave opal jewelry in hot cars or expose to sunlight for prolonged periods.
– Avoid wearing opal where it may get wet or exposed to chemicals like perfume, lotion, hair spray, or household cleaners. These can seep into opal’s porous structure.
– When not wearing, store opal separately from other gems to prevent scratching. Wrap in soft cloth or place in a designated jewelry box compartment.
– Clean opal with warm water, mild soap, and a very soft brush every few months, even if it does not look dirty. This removes buildup from dirt and oil.
– Consider removing opal rings, bracelets, and earrings when doing physical activities where they may get knocked around and damaged.
– Take opal rings to a jeweler for inspection every 6-12 months to ensure the metal prongs are still secure.
– See a jeweler immediately if opal becomes loose, chips, cracks, or shows other damage. They can often repair or replace stones.
Conclusion
While opal has a long history of myths and superstitions tagging it as unlucky for those not born in October, these old wives’ tales do not hold up. No evidence suggests opal can only harness luck for October babies or that its rainbow of colors will fade if worn by another birth month. Opal is a stunning gem with appeal for all and can be used to create one-of-a-kind jewelry for anyone regardless of their astrological sign. With some basic care, opal jewelry can last a lifetime. So if you are drawn to opal for its unique play of color, do not hesitate to make it part of your wardrobe. Opal’s beauty is meant to be shared all year long by everyone who appreciates this mesmerizing stone.
