Opal: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'opal' comes from the Latin term 'opalus', which means 'precious stone'.
• Earlier, the word traces back to the ancient Greek 'opallios', which means 'to see a change in color'.
• Cultures have used different names for opal; in Sanskrit, it is called 'upala', which also means 'precious stone'.

Cultural Significance

• Opals are believed to bring good luck and enhance creativity, often regarded as a gem of inspiration.
• In Australia, the opal is considered the national gemstone and plays a significant role in local culture and art.
• Throughout history, various civilizations, including the Romans and Greeks, valued opals as symbols of hope and purity.

Science

• Opals are unique because they are not crystals; they are a type of mineraloid, primarily composed of silica and water.
• The play-of-color effect seen in opals is due to microscopic silica spheres that create a diffraction pattern with light.
• There are different types of opals, including black opals, white opals, and fire opals, each varying in appearance and value.

Literature

• Opals frequently appear in poetry and literature, symbolizing hope, beauty, and the complexity of emotions.
• Famous authors like Shakespeare mentioned gems, including opals, to convey themes of love and passion in their writings.
• In many fairy tales, opals are depicted as magical stones that grant wishes or possess mystical powers.

Pop Culture

• Opal has been featured in various movies and books, often representing mystery or enchantment.
• The character 'Opal' is popular in children's literature, symbolizing adventure and friendship.
• In the Pokémon franchise, opal-themed Pokémon embody the stone's uniqueness and vibrant color characteristics.

Positioned at #21,275, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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