Opal History

    October's birthstone comes with all sorts of tantalizing superstitions. Geologists believe this dynamic stone originated from Ethiopia around 4000 BC. The stone first became popular amoung the ancient Romans. Wealthy citizens sought after it believing it provided a curative effect on poor eyesight. It was thought to protect children from wild animals, banish all evil, and intensify romantic relationships. It's popularity waned in the 1800's when rumors started to circulate that it was the evil eye dropped down from the heavens above. It was associated with the 14th century Black Plague. Citizens thought it to bring famine, pestilence, and the fall of monarchies. Witches and sorcerers used black opals to increase their magical powers. Queen Victoria revived the love for this magical stone and she became a collector that wore them all throughout her reign.

Opals Found on Mars?

    In 2015 a Martian Meteorite was revealed to be have fragments of fire opal scattered within. This discovery coinicides with NASA's imaging and exploration of the Martian surface. The presence of opal is significant due to the fact that opal can trap and preserve microbial life for millions of years, leading NASA to believe that  Martian microbes may exsist in the opal deposits. Current exploration of Mars and the search for evidence of life on the planet has been relying on the discovery of opal and what more it may reveal. Incredible!

How Opals are Made:

Opals are shaped when a mixture of H2O and silicon dioxide runs through soil and in the process collects silica from surrounding sandstone formations. This silica-abundant mixture is carried through the voids and crevices of natural faults and fossil compositions. Silica deposits are left behind as the water evaporates and as this is replicated over many years an opal materializes. Now ready to be fashioned into a rock to dawn your next Marina Kessler piece...