Pink Opal Bead Chips 16" - by the strand(35867)

The finest specimens of Pink Opal are found in Peru. Pink Opal is also found in Western Australia.

According to the Mindat.org website, opal is “hydrated silicon dioxide - submicroscopic silica spheres bonded together with water and additional silica, sometimes containing the minerals cristobalite and tridymite. It is amorphous, meaning it has no crystalline structure and no definite chemical composition and is therefore considered to be a “mineraloid” rather than a “mineral.” Over time, this gelatinous mix seeped deep into fractures, veins and between the layers of underground sedimentary rock, and the solidified material, Opal, formed as much of the water evaporated. In rare circumstances, Opal formed in masses exhibiting botryoidal growth, in stalagmitic form, or became replacement material in fossils. Even after solidifying, Opal maintains a water content ranging from 3% to 21% by weight, usually between 6% and 10%.”

Opal is the gemstone for those born in October.

This stone is believed to have the power of relaxation. According to tradition, it can help diffuse tension from communications and will allow ideas to flow generously. It is an excellent stone for calming the mind.

Pink Opal rates 5.5 – 6 on the Moh scale.