GEMSTONES

OPAL

Birthstone for October  
You are lucky to have one.

Long felt to bring bad luck to the recipient unless they were born in the month of October.  This old "wive's tale" was dispelled for at least two generations.  Opals come in many different varieties and colors. The most sought after is black opal, particularly with red as the predominant color. The most common, on the other hand, is white opal which is opaque with a white to off-white base.
Opals come in a vast array of colors:  the entire spectrum. You are able to choose the type of opal, predominant color and additional colors and the pattern. The pattern can be a harlequin (patchwork), pinfire (small pinpoint circles), or flashfire (large irregular areas).  Opals also come in different degrees of brightness, which adds beauty and value to the stone. Opal is unique in that it will compliment any attire because of the variegated colors and nuances.
Special care instructions:  Opals have a tendency to "dry out" if left in a hot environment (basking in the sun) or in a near vacuum (safety deposit box) over extended periods of time. If in a closed container such as at the bank or in a display case, place a small jar of water near it to keep up the moisture level. Most opals are stable if they have been around a long time, but these precautions should be acknowledged. Should you contemplate an opal purchase, be sure to inquire about the existence or absence of any "crazing."