Andean Opal Rare Stone of Color

Andean opal is a lovely blue-green translucent opal found in the Andes Mountains near San Patricio, Peru. It has been used by native South Americans for more than a thousand years and is well known in the semi-precious stone trade. Copper may be the essential trace element that causes its soft distinctive color. The pink opal derives its color from trace amounts of included organic compounds known as quinones. These opals range from opaque to translucent, and depending on how the stone is cut, the color will either be clear or show the stone’s matrix and inclusions. (Like agates, some Peruvian opals show the scenic fern-like dendritic inclusions.)

Peruvian opal is also known as Andean opal. Opal was formed many millions of years ago, when a combination of silica and water flowed into cracks and spaces in the ground. This then gradually hardened and solidified to become opal. Opals contain water, which makes them very sensitive to heat. They are soft and can be cracked or chipped easily.

Traditionally pink Peruvian opal is a stone of love and gentleness. It brings energies of gentle love and kindness to both romantic relationships and relationships of other kinds. As with other opals, it also brings inspiration, imagination and creativity. It can help release inhibitions and brings happy dreams. It also eases the process of change.

 

This new design features round pink Peruvian opals, some charmed at the base to form a bail over a beautiful Murano glass heart pendant in black and pink. The strands are crafted of onyx, pink faceted crystals and more pink opals.



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