Peruvian Opal: How to Buy, Meanings, Facts, Properties & More

Peruvian Opal is a stunning gemstone that is known for its unique and vibrant colors. With its mesmerizing shades of blue, green, and pink, Peruvian Opal has become increasingly popular among jewelry enthusiasts and collectors. But beyond its beauty, there is much more to discover about this gem, from its meanings and properties to how to buy and care for it.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Peruvian Opal, exploring its origins, symbolism, and the various meanings associated with it. Whether you are considering purchasing a piece of jewelry adorned with Peruvian Opal or simply curious about this gemstone, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know.

Additionally, we will discuss the properties of Peruvian Opal, including its hardness, durability, and how to care for it to ensure its longevity. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast or a jewelry lover looking for a unique addition to your collection, understanding the intricacies of Peruvian Opal will help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing this exquisite gem.

What is Peruvian Opal?

Peruvian Opal is a unique variety of Opal known for its distinctive blue-green coloration and opaque appearance. Unlike other opal varieties, Peruvian Opals do not exhibit the characteristic play-of-color that is commonly associated with opals. Instead, they are admired for their soothing pastel hues and tranquil energy.

The formation process of Peruvian Opals involves the deposition of silica gel in volcanic rock cavities, which then solidifies over time to form the gemstone. This natural process results in the stone’s unique color range, ranging from pale blue to vibrant green. Distinguishing features of Peruvian Opals include their soft and delicate appearance, as well as their lack of transparency.

Peruvian Opal Meaning

Peruvian opal is believed to have several metaphysical meanings and properties. Here are a few commonly mentioned ones:

1. Communication and creativity: Peruvian opal is said to enhance communication skills and promote self-expression. It is believed to stimulate creativity and inspire new ideas, making it a popular choice for artists and writers.
2. Spiritual awakening: Peruvian opal is associated with spiritual growth and awakening. It is believed to enhance intuition, promote spiritual connection, and facilitate communication with higher realms. It is often used in meditation practices to deepen spiritual experiences.
3. Relationship harmony: Peruvian opal is thought to promote harmonious relationships and improve communication between partners. It is believed to encourage honesty, trust, and understanding, making it a good choice for those seeking to improve their relationships.

It is important to note that these metaphysical meanings are based on beliefs and should not be seen as scientific facts. Individual experiences with crystals and gemstones may vary.

Healing Properties of Peruvian Opal

The mesmerizing blue hues of Peruvian Opal have been attributed to its healing properties, which are said to provide a sense of calmness and tranquility. This gem is believed to be a beneficial stone for spiritual individuals seeking emotional and physical healing.

Emotional Healing

Peruvian opal is thought to have a soothing and calming energy that can help heal emotional wounds and traumas. It is believed to promote emotional stability, reduce anxiety, and bring a sense of inner peace. It is believed that this gem can enhance one’s ability to express their thoughts and emotions clearly and confidently.

Furthermore, Peruvian Opal is thought to promote emotional health by fostering feelings of peace, serenity, and harmony within oneself. Overall, this gemstone offers a sanctuary for the mind and soul, supporting inner balance and well-being.

Physical Healing

Peruvian Opal is known for its potential to improve physical health by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

• Internal Crystalline Composition: Peruvian Opal’s internal crystalline composition helps in calming the mind and body. It is believed to stimulate positive energy flow throughout the body, leading to a state of relaxation.

• Water Content: This opal contains a significant water content, which aids in hydration and detoxification. The silica gel present in Peruvian Opal can help cleanse the body of toxins.

• Relaxation Energies: The soothing energies emitted by this gemstone are said to alleviate anxiety and stress. Many individuals wear Peruvian Opal as a way to find tranquility and achieve emotional balance.

It is important to note that while these benefits have been observed by some individuals, it is always advisable to consult with a medical practitioner before using gemstones for therapeutic purposes.

Spiritual Healing

This gemstone, like many other beneficial crystals, is believed to possess unique properties that can aid in spiritual awakening and support the process of healing. Peruvian Opal is said to emit positive energies that help restore balance and harmony within oneself. It is often referred to as a calming stone due to its soothing vibrations, which can alleviate stress and anxiety.

Additionally, this crystal is known for enhancing mental clarity, allowing individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and thoughts. By providing a peaceful environment for introspection, Peruvian Opal serves as a valuable tool in achieving spiritual well-being.

Financial Benefits

A notable advantage of incorporating Peruvian Opal into one’s life is its potential to bring financial benefits. As one of the most advantageous healing crystals, Peruvian Opal has been believed to attract prosperity and abundance.

This precious stone is considered the national gemstone of Peru and holds great significance in their culture. Known for its soothing energy, Peruvian Opal can help individuals overcome financial obstacles by promoting a positive mindset and attracting opportunities for wealth creation.

By harnessing the power of Peruvian Opal, individuals may experience improvements in their financial situation and overall well-being.

Chakra Association

This translucent stone is primarily associated with the heart chakra, which is located in the center of the chest. The heart chakra represents love, compassion, and emotional healing.

When Peruvian Opal is used to balance this chakra, it can help release emotional blockages and promote a sense of inner peace and harmony. It is believed that wearing or carrying a Peruvian Opal close to the heart area can enhance one’s ability to give and receive love, as well as foster deep connections with others.

This beautiful stone emits gentle and relaxing energies that can soothe and calm the emotions, making it a popular choice for those seeking emotional healing and balance.

It’s important to regularly cleanse and recharge your chakra stone to ensure its continued strength and effectiveness. Read our beginners guide on chakra and learn more about recharging and cleansing your opal.

Zodiac Connection

There is no specific zodiac sign associated with Peruvian opals. However, opals in general are often associated with the zodiac signs Libra, Scorpio, and Pisces. These signs are believed to benefit from the energies and properties of opals.

Peruvian Opal History

Peruvian Opal has a rich historical background that dates back centuries, providing insight into its cultural significance and use throughout different civilizations. 

Here are some key points about the history of Peruvian Opal:

The use of Peruvian Opal can be traced back to pre-Incan cultures, where it was used in jewelry and amulets. It was believed to bring good luck, protection, and healing powers.

During the Spanish colonization of Peru, Peruvian Opal gained popularity in Europe as an alternative to traditional opals.

In recent times, it has become a sought-after gemstone among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Understanding the history of Peruvian Opal adds depth to its appeal and showcases its enduring beauty across different cultures and time periods.

Peruvian Opal Geological Properties

Peruvian Opal is a unique sedimentary rock found in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It forms due to volcanic activity and is composed of opaline silica. Here are the physical characteristics that contribute to its unique qualities.

• Hardness: Peruvian Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
• Toughness: It has a moderate toughness, meaning it is not easily broken or chipped.
• Luster: Peruvian Opal exhibits a vitreous (glass-like) luster when polished.
• Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of Peruvian Opal ranges from 1.98 to 2.20.
• Water Content: This gemstone has a relatively high water content, usually around 3% to 21%.
• Inclusions: Peruvian Opals often contain black dendrite inclusions, which are branching patterns caused by trapped mineral or organic material.
• Fracture: It displays a conchoidal fracture, meaning it breaks with smooth, curved surfaces.
• Cleavage: Peruvian Opal does not exhibit any distinct cleavage planes.
• Carat Weight: The carat weight of Peruvian Opal varies depending on the size of the stone, ranging from small cabochons to larger faceted gems.
• Color: Peruvian Opal showcases a wide range of vibrant colors, including blues, greens, pinks, and yellows, attributed to impurities and trace elements.
• Shape: It can be found in various shapes, such as cabochons, beads, and faceted gemstones.

Overall, understanding the physical properties of Peruvian Opal enhances our appreciation for its unique beauty and helps us identify its distinguishing characteristics.

Crystal Pairing

There are several crystals that can be paired with Peruvian opal to enhance its energy and properties. Some crystals that work well with Peruvian opal include:

1. Rose Quartz: Known as the stone of love, Rose Quartz can amplify the loving and compassionate energies of Peruvian opal. It helps to open the heart chakra and promote emotional healing.
2. Clear Quartz: Clear Quartz is a powerful amplifier and can enhance the energy of other crystals. It can increase the spiritual and intuitive qualities of Peruvian opal.
3. Amethyst: Amethyst is a stone of spiritual protection and can enhance the calming and soothing energies of Peruvian opal. It can also aid in meditation and spiritual growth.
4. Blue Lace Agate: This crystal has a gentle and calming energy that can enhance the soothing and nurturing qualities of Peruvian opal. It is also known to promote clear communication and reduce anxiety.
5. Aquamarine: Aquamarine has a calming and cooling energy that can enhance the calming properties of Peruvian opal. It can also promote emotional healing and balance.
6. Moonstone: Moonstone is a stone of feminine energy and intuition. It can enhance the intuitive and psychic qualities of Peruvian opal and promote emotional healing and balance.

These are just a few examples, and ultimately the best crystal pairing will depend on your personal preferences and intentions. It is always recommended to trust your intuition when choosing crystals to work with.

Care and Cleaning

One important aspect to consider when owning a Peruvian opal is the proper care and cleaning required to maintain its beauty and longevity. These beautiful stones, with their desirable colors, are delicate gemstones that require special care.

To ensure that your Peruvian opal retains its shine and luster, read our step by step guide on how to properly care for your opals plus tips of storage.

Peruvian Opal Buying Guide

When purchasing a Peruvian opal, consider its value based on rarity, size, clarity, and attractiveness. The stone’s origin and authenticity should be disclosed by reputable sellers for transparency.

Read our comprehensive buying guide and valuing opals to help you make informed decisions when purchasing these beautiful gemstones for your collections or jewelry pieces.

Final Thoughts

Peruvian Opal, is a rare and valuable gemstone with unique properties. Its vibrant color and soothing energy make it highly sought after for spiritual healing and emotional balance.

This opal offers financial benefits as well, attracting prosperity and abundance to its owner. When cleaning and storing Peruvian Opal, it is important to handle it with care to preserve its beauty and energy.

Whether natural or synthetic, this gemstone holds significant meaning and can be used in various forms of jewelry or decorative pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Peruvian Opal cost?

The cost of Peruvian opal varies depending on factors such as size, quality, and color. Generally, prices range from $10 to several hundred dollars per carat. Factors like rarity and uniqueness can significantly affect the price.

Are there any side effects of wearing or using Peruvian Opal?

There are no reported side effects of wearing or using Peruvian Opal. However, as with any gemstone, it is advisable to take caution and consult a professional if you have any concerns or sensitivities.

Can Peruvian Opal be used for meditation or spiritual practices?

Peruvian opal can be used for meditation and spiritual practices due to its soothing energy and connection with the heart chakra. It enhances emotional healing, inner peace, and communication with higher realms, making it a valuable tool in these practices.

Is Peruvian Opal suitable for making jewelry?

Yes, Peruvian opal is suitable for making jewelry. Its vibrant colors and unique patterns make it a popular choice among jewelry designers. It can be cut into various shapes and sizes to create beautiful pieces.

Are there any famous pieces of jewelry or artwork made with Peruvian Opal?

There are several famous pieces of jewelry and artwork made with Peruvian Opal. For instance, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. has a necklace featuring a large Peruvian Opal pendant.