Purple Opal (Morado Opal)-Meaning, Properties, Benefits

Purple Opal (Morado Opal)

Introduction

Opals are often called the “Queen of gems” due to their stunning beauty and variety of colors. Historically, it was believed that God took the colors of the rainbow and put them into stones to create opal. Each color in the opal gem carries a distinct significance. For example, Red Opal symbolizes passion, energy, and vitality, while Blue Opal represents calmness, serenity, and clarity, Purple Opal, on the other hand, is relatively a new discovery.

This rare variety recently appeared in Jalisco state of central Mexico in 2011. Ever since its introduction in the trade, purple opal has mesmerized collectors and enthusiasts. Its color spectrum ranges from soft lavender to deep violet, often infused with flashes of blue, green, and pink. Combined together, the play of colors adds to the gem’s dynamic and magical allure.

In this blog, we will delve into the unique characteristics and captivating beauty of Purple Opal, exploring what makes this gemstone truly extraordinary and unforgettable.

The Science Behind the Purple Hue

Purple Opal occurs predominantly as masses and nodules, rather than showcasing the typical "fire" seen in other opals. The gemstone’s distinct purple color is primarily attributed to microscopic inclusions of Fluorite and variations in its silica composition. These inclusions interact with light to produce the opal's unique shades of purple. Unlike precious opals that exhibit a play-of-color due to their internal structure, the color in Purple Opal is a result of these inclusions and their influence on the gem's overall appearance.

Purple Opal Meaning

Designated by various names such as Morado Opal, Opal Royale or Violet Flame Opal, Purple Opal symbolizes creativity, spiritual insight, and emotional healing. It is associated with intuition and transformation, offering a deep connection to one's inner self and higher realms. One factor contributing to the allure of Purple Opal is its rarity. High-quality specimens with intense and uniform purple-blue coloration are particularly prized among collectors and jewelry connoisseurs. The value of Purple Opal is influenced by factors such as color intensity, clarity, and size, with larger, more vibrant stones commanding higher prices in the market.

Properties and Characteristics

Purple Opal Gemstone Benefits

1. Spiritual Healing Properties

Purple Opal has an extraordinary capacity to heighten psychic abilities and sharpen mental clarity by unlocking the third eye. This gemstone acts as a beacon for spiritual guidance, allowing messages from spirit guides and angels to flow effortlessly, especially during meditation and dreams. As your spiritual connection strengthens, you may encounter an increase in synchronicities—those significant coincidences that illuminate your spiritual journey. Embrace these celestial signs, as they assure you that you are progressing confidently and clearly toward spiritual enlightenment and growth.

2. Emotional Healing Properties

Purple Opal is a powerful ally in emotional healing, helping to release past traumas and dissolve negative emotions. This gemstone fosters inner peace, emotional balance, and tranquility, enveloping you in a soothing energy that eases stress and anxiety. It cultivates a calm and centered state of mind, allowing you to navigate life's challenges with grace and serenity.

3. Mental Healing Properties

Purple Opal is a catalyst for enhanced mental clarity and focus, bolstering cognitive functions and decision-making abilities. This gemstone stimulates creative thinking and problem-solving skills, making it an invaluable companion for artists, intellectuals, and innovators. By aligning thoughts and emotions, Purple Opal promotes a harmonious and balanced mental state, empowering you to approach tasks with renewed vigor and insight.

4. Physical Healing Properties

While celebrated for its spiritual and emotional benefits, Purple Opal also possesses remarkable physical healing properties. It is believed to aid in detoxifying the body, strengthening the immune system, and boosting overall physical vitality. The gemstone's calming energy can also help alleviate physical stress and tension, promoting a state of relaxation and well-being.

Modern Recognition and Popularity of Purple Opal

In contemporary times, purple opal has surged in popularity, not only for its striking aesthetic appeal but also for its reputed metaphysical properties. Sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts for its rarity and unique coloration, purple opal adds a touch of elegance and mystique to various designs. Jewelers and artisans value this gemstone for its ability to enhance the beauty of rings, necklaces, and other ornamental pieces. Its captivating hues, ranging from delicate lavender to rich violet, make it ideal for creating exquisite jewelry. Beyond its use in adornments, purple opal's vibrant colors are perfect for decorative items such as inlays, sculptures, and ornamental pieces, elevating the visual appeal of any space. In metaphysical circles, it is believed to offer calming and spiritual benefits, often employed in meditation and energy work to promote emotional balance and spiritual growth. Due to its stunning appearance and rarity, purple opal is also a prized collectible, frequently featured in high-end collections and showcases.

Types and Varieties

A) Purple Black Opal

Purple Black Opal is an exceptionally rare and highly coveted variety of opal, distinguished by its deep, almost black base color. This dark backdrop serves as a dramatic canvas for the gemstone’s vibrant flashes of purple, creating a striking contrast that is both visually arresting and captivating. The rarity of Purple Black Opal is attributed to its limited availability, predominantly found in the opal-rich regions of Australia, such as Lightning Ridge. Due to its unique appearance and scarcity, Purple Black Opal commands premium prices in the market. It is a preferred choice for statement jewelry pieces, including rings and pendants, where its dramatic effect can be fully appreciated.

B) Light Purple Opal

Light Purple Opal showcases a delicate lavender hue that exudes a subtle and gentle beauty. Unlike its more vibrant counterparts, this opal type offers a softer, understated charm with a play of colors that is both serene and elegant. The light purple tones are naturally occurring and provide a refined aesthetic that appeals to those who prefer a more nuanced approach to gemstone beauty. Light Purple Opal is generally more accessible than its vibrant counterparts, making it a favored choice for delicate jewelry designs such as necklaces and bracelets. It's more affordable pricing does not diminish its allure, as it remains a treasured option for those who appreciate its understated elegance.

C) Blue Purple Opal

Blue Purple Opal is a captivating gemstone that merges mesmerizing shades of blue and purple into a harmonious blend of cool and warm tones. The interplay of these colors creates a unique and eye-catching spectrum that shifts and changes with the angle of light. This opal type stands out due to its distinctive color combination, which sets it apart from other purple opals. Blue Purple Opal is versatile in jewelry applications, making it an excellent choice for statement pieces that highlight its enchanting color play. Its value can vary based on the intensity and quality of the color, but its ability to captivate and draw attention ensures its appeal among gemstone enthusiasts.

D) Natural Purple Opal

Natural Purple Opal is valued for its authenticity, retaining its inherent purple hues without any artificial enhancements or treatments. This opal type showcases the pure beauty of purple tones in their most natural form, making it a prized choice for those who seek genuine, untreated gemstones. The natural qualities of Purple Opal are highly sought after by collectors and purists, who appreciate the authenticity and purity of the stone. This opal is perfect for individuals looking to invest in a gemstone that represents true natural beauty. It is commonly used in fine jewelry, where its unmodified, genuine nature can be celebrated and showcased.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Purple Opal, with its mesmerizing purple hues and mystical origins from Mexico's Querétaro and Jalisco regions, stands as a gemstone of rare beauty and spiritual significance. Its vivid colors, ranging from soft lavender to deep violet, coupled with flashes of blue and green, evoke a sense of royalty and creativity. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Purple Opal is cherished for its metaphysical properties, enhancing spiritual clarity and fostering a deeper connection to one's intuition and spiritual guides. Whether admired for its natural rarity or sought after for its transformative qualities, Purple Opal continues to captivate hearts and minds, weaving stories of elegance and ancient wisdom into the tapestry of gemstone lore.

FAQs

1. Is Purple Opal Rare?

Purple Opal is considered rare, especially the varieties exhibiting deep, intense colors and strong play-of-color effects. Its scarcity adds to its allure, making it highly coveted among collectors and gemstone enthusiasts worldwide.

2. Is Purple Opal Natural?

Purple Opal is considered rare, especially the varieties exhibiting deep, intense colors and strong play-of-color effects. Its scarcity adds to its allure, making it highly coveted among collectors and gemstone enthusiasts worldwide.

3. Where is Purple Opal Found?

Purple Opal is primarily found in Mexico, particularly in the regions of Querétaro and Jalisco. These areas are renowned for producing opals with vibrant and intense colors, reflecting the geological conditions unique to these locations.

4. What is Purple Opal?

Purple Opal, also known as Morado Opal, is a type of opal characterized by its striking purple hue. This gemstone is prized for its unique coloration, dynamic play of colors, and profound metaphysical properties. Found primarily in Mexico, Purple Opal is a rare and highly sought-after gem that is cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike.