the
rainbow, are supposed to be the result of physical structure, and are
not caused by the presence of any colouring matter, or of any foreign
constituent. They are formed by the decomposition of light, by a
multitude of fissures, the sides of which are minutely striated; the
whole effect is purely a physical one, and as interesting as the stone
is beautiful, its very imperfections being the cause of its remarkable
beauty.
The
consideration of the other varieties is purely a mineralogical matter,
and not of sufficient importance to be fully described here. But the
enumeration of them is necessary to prevent misunderstanding, and to
enable one to decide what Precious Opal really is. They will be listed
and described presently. Although necessary to be represented in a
mineralogical collection, it is not worth while to trouble about them
except from a scientific point of view, as they are of little
commercial importance. I mention this matter, because it has come under
my own observation, that people living in the country, led away by the
broad term " Opal," have gone to great trouble over quite worthless
specimens. It is often difficult to make them understand that,
although an opal, their specimen is a valueless one.
The precious opal, distinguished by its
play of colours, is perhaps, one of the most beautiful ornamental
stones in existence, and has always been regarded as one of the most
attractive for personal adornment; but like most other gems it has
suffered from the effects of fashion, and perhaps, more than any other,
from the prevalence of superstition.
"Where,
when, or how the idea first arose that the possession of an opal
brought ill luck, and to the wearer certain disaster, cannot now be
decided ; but the fact remains that to-day many people cannot be
persuaded to wear one, however beautiful or costly it might be. Of
course, educated people would laugh at the idea, and consider
themselves above popular superstitions, yet it is well known that the
opal trade has suffered severely from the effect of this superstition.
Poor people, as a rule, do not wear precious stones, and those who wear
expensive jewellery are not often illiterate. It is a Jact, too, that
those who have purchased opals have, in some instances, asked to have
them changed for some other gem, because " their pets have died," or "
their children have been sick," or " nothing but bad luck has come to
them since possessing the opal;" they would, they say, rather wear some
other stone.
This
prejudice is the more remarkable, because in the mediaeval times opals
were thought to bestow every possible good, and even as late as the
seventeenth century this good opinion prevailed.
The
first recorded instance of ill luck following the possession of an opal
is that mentioned by Pliny, when relating the story of Nonius, a Roman
senator, who possessed a magnificent opal valued at about £20,000 of
our money. Mark Antony saw the gem and wished to purchase it; Nonius
declined to part with it, and for this was outlawed and sent into
exile. Its possession in this instance certainly brought ill luck to
Nonius, but Mark Antony had little reason afterwards to boast of his
good luck.
The
bad reputation of the opal was much intensified by Sir "Walter Scott in
the Waverley novels. I would refer anyone interested to Rudolph's
narrative in Anne of Geierstein, chapters ten and eleven, and no doubt
the powerful writings of the author of these novels, had great
influence with the public of his day. The opal in this tale was said to
reflect all the emotions of the wearer in a most marked manner, and
when at last the dreaded drop of holy water alighted upon the stone, it
shot out one vivid flash of light, became dull and colourless as an
ordinary stone ; and the earthly life of the beautiful lady was closed.
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