Opals

Gemstones of Love

Stones of many colors wait in boxes and baskets for the slurry of polish that will eventually bring out their true colors. Each will be painstakingly polished and shined, over days or months, if needed, so the bright colors beneath the rough exterior catch the light and someone’s eye. Every stone of every shape and color will go through this process, but some will become the eyes of the heart.
Colors and sheens of bright shades are coveted more than others, but each can find a home with one that enjoys that stone’s particular character. The array of colors is wider than any other gem, allowing for these less valuable stones to fill the role of others in secret, giving all, no matter their status, the ability to own something refined.
Opals are not rare in the world, but the colors they are found in are varied and can be found throughout the world in different quantities. Often, these gems are considered to be gifts of love because their variety allows for anyone to find something they love amongst their swirls and facets. These brilliant gems are simple and stunning, brilliant and low-key. For those who wish for opulence without the price, opals become the answer.

History & Usage

Polished Stones

Tumbled Blue Opal by Benjamin Lehman on Unsplash

Only when polished with various processes do Opals show their true colors. These stones can range widely in color, earning them the name of the Stone for All.

History

Historically, opals have been seen as the poor man’s gem, a stone that is easily available at a low price. This has led many to look at the stone with disdain as something that marks a person of low status, but this is a view that has changed in more recent years as more colors of opal have been discovered and more people have invested in the cutting and polishing of this type of stone.
Before the times of the Eldritch War, opals were commonly found in shades of white, gray, and black. Pure opal of a stark white color was favored, but the amounts flooded the market, overall lowering their value. Eventually, few invested in the gems, causing the lowered perception.
After the arrival of the Eldritch beings, more colors of opal were found. It was unknown whether Deadzones or the movements of the Eldritch creatures allowed for the formation of these new colors, but Miners and Jewelers coveted these colors and patterns as replacements for more precious gems that were more difficult or unsafe to retrieve in the changing world.

Cultural Significance and Usage

At many points throughout history, opals were not seen as expensive or opulent gems, being found in markets with abundance. As more colors of

the stone became available, and Jewelers invested time in cutting and creating pieces that showed off the brilliance of the gems, access to opals in the markets allowed people to buy pieces that were coveted and specialized to the wearer.
Eventually, opals became known as the gem of love, an item to be given to a sweetheart or a beloved family member. Necklaces, bracelets, cuff links, and other small pieces of jewelry that showcased colors and patterns of the stone were worn by both men and women, either as daily pieces or for special occasions.

Raw Opal

Opalite Rocks by J D on Unsplash

Opals are very unassuming in their raw state. It is not uncommon for these stones to be ignored by Miners and others unless the shine of the stone's center is visible.

Type

Stone

Value

Relatively low cost depending on shape, size, and color

Rarity

Uncommon

Color

Any color, but black is the most rare

Related Locations

• Vóreios
• Nótios
• Káto

Related Professions

• Jewelers
• Miners