Opal Stone (Dhudhiya Pathar)

About Opal Gemstone

Opal, also known as Kalimaya stone or Dhudhiya Pathar, is a silicate mineral famous for its "play of colors" due to its hydrated silica content. With water content ranging from 3% to 21%, typically between 6% and 10%, this hydrated stone dazzles with shifting hues. Its amorphous structure classifies it as a mineraloid. The colors inside an opal—often vibrant reds, blues, and greens—dance and shift with every slight movement, creating an ever-changing spectacle that is impossible to ignore.

Astrologically, the opal ratan symbolizes balance and tranquility. It fosters emotional stability, enhances love and compassion, and transforms the wearer into a more empathetic and caring person. Additionally, the opal stone is thought to synchronize the left and right hemispheres of the brain, leading to improved neurological activity, creativity, and mental clarity.

Who Should Wear Dudhiya Pathar?

The opal stone is ideal for individuals seeking creativity, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. It is particularly beneficial for:

• The opal stone is ideal for those born under Libra and Cancer, promoting harmony and balance.
• Artists, writers, and performers can benefit from the best opal stone to enhance creativity and inspiration.
• The real opal stone helps those experiencing emotional stress by restoring stability and peace.
• Spiritual seekers and meditators can use the original opal stone to enhance awareness and growth.
• The opal gemstone attracts luck and prosperity, making it great for those in high-pressure careers.
• The red opal stone strengthens relationships by fostering love, trust, and loyalty.

How to Wear Opal Ratna

• Opal can be worn as finger rings, pendants, or other jewelry made from silver, platinum, gold, white gold, or Panchdhatu.
• The minimum weight of the opal should be your body weight divided by 10. For example, a 60 kg person should wear at least a 6-carat stone.
• Wear the opal on Friday morning during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) on the middle or ring finger of the right hand.
• Before wearing, immerse the certified Opal stone or dhudhiya pathar in a mixture of curd, honey, Gangajal, Tulsi leaves, and ghee for 10 minutes.
• Take the stone out of the mixture, wash it with Gangajal, and recite “Om Shun Shukraye Namah” 108 times.

Types of Dudhiya Pathar

1. Ethiopian Opal: Originating from northern Ethiopia, Ethiopian opals are known for their striking play of color and variety of body colors and patterns. These opals are becoming increasingly popular due to their beauty and relatively affordable pricing compared to other varieties.
2. Australian Opal: Sourced from Australia, this variety is renowned for its high quality, with rich body tones and an intense, long-lasting play of color. Australian opals are considered some of the most valuable in the world.
3. Black Opal: Black opal stands out for its dark body color, ranging from black to dark grey, blue, or green. It is prized for its vibrant play of color and is one of the rarest and most valuable types of opal, often used in high-end jewelry and for astrological purposes.
4. Fire Opal: Known for its fiery hues ranging from yellow, orange, red, to brown and green, fire opal may or may not display the play of color. It is commonly worn as an October birthstone and is believed to have healing properties.
5. Blue Opal: A rare variety found in the Andes Mountains of Peru, blue opal is light blue in color and has a soothing, translucent to opaque appearance. It is often used for emotional healing and promoting mental clarity.
6. Boulder Opal: Boulder opals contain traces of ironstone, which gives them a unique, dark-colored appearance. These opals are highly durable and exhibit a captivating play of color, making them favorites among collectors and jewelry designers.
7. White Opal: White opal is a semi-precious gemstone known for its pale body color and kaleidoscopic play of color. It is often used as a substitute for diamonds in Vedic astrology and is a popular October birthstone.
8. Mexican Fire Opal: Mexican fire opals are prized for their vibrant orange to red hues. While they may not always show the traditional play of color, their bright, fiery appearance makes them a popular choice for custom jewelry.

Benefits of Wearing Opal Gemstone

The opal stone is widely regarded for its powerful metaphysical and emotional benefits. Wearing an original opal stone can bring harmony, positivity, and balance to the wearer. Here are some key opal gemstone benefits:

• Enhances Creativity and Imagination: Known as the “stone of inspiration,” the opal pathar is believed to stimulate creativity, innovation, and artistic expression.
• Promotes Emotional Healing: The calming energy of the best opal stone helps release stress, soothe emotions, and foster inner peace.
• Attracts Good Luck and Prosperity: Wearing a real opal stone is thought to invite good fortune and success, making it a popular choice for those seeking financial and career growth.
• Strengthens Relationships: Associated with trust and loyalty, the opal stone is believed to strengthen bonds in personal and romantic relationships.
• Supports Physical Health: The opal gemstone is said to improve vision, enhance metabolism, and strengthen immunity, contributing to overall well-being.
• Balances Chakras: The opal pathar is linked to chakra alignment, particularly the crown chakra, promoting spiritual awareness and intuitive growth.
• Encourages Passion and Love: The red opal stone is associated with love and passion, symbolizing energy and devotion in romantic relationships.

Factors Affect Opal Gemstone Price

The opal gemstone price varies significantly based on key factors such as color play, clarity, cut, carat weight, and origin. Here’s an in-depth look at what influences the value of opal pathar:

• Color Play: The most desirable opal stone displays vibrant "play-of-color," a phenomenon where the stone reflects a dynamic range of hues. Black opals with intense color play are highly valued, followed by boulder and white opals. Stones with limited or dull color play tend to have a lower natural opal stone price.
• Clarity: High-quality original opal stones are semi-transparent to opaque, with minimal inclusions or cracks. Visible flaws, such as cloudiness or fractures, reduce the stone's appeal and opal ratna price. The water content and the "body tone" (background color) also significantly affect the opal stone price per ratti.
• Cut: The way an opal pathar is cut impacts its brilliance. Cabochon cuts (domed shapes) are popular because they enhance the stone’s play-of-color. Well-cut opals are priced higher, while poorly cut ones often have a lower opal stone cost per carat due to their diminished sparkle and appearance.
• Carat Weight: As with most gemstones, the opal price per carat increases with size, especially for stones with exceptional color play. Larger opals command premium prices, while smaller stones are more affordable. The opal stone price per ratti is calculated similarly, with larger stones typically being rarer and more valuable.
• Origin: The source of an opal ratna influences its price. Australian opals, especially those from Lightning Ridge, are among the most expensive due to their unmatched quality. Ethiopian opals are gaining popularity for their vibrant colors and affordability, while Mexican fire opals, with their fiery red and orange tones, also hold a unique position in the market.

How to Clean & Care Opal Ratna

Proper cleaning and care of your opal stone are crucial to maintaining its brilliance, durability, and the benefits it offers. As a valuable opal pathar, known for its unique play-of-color and metaphysical properties, caring for it properly helps protect its opal stone price and appeal. Here's how to maintain your natural opal stone and its opal gemstone benefits:

Cleaning

1. Use Mild Solutions: Clean your original opal stone gently with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild soap. Avoid harsh cleaning agents or chemicals, as they can damage the delicate surface of your opal gemstone.
2. Soft Materials Only: Use a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt or debris, ensuring the stone remains scratch-free. Proper cleaning also enhances the opal ratna price by preserving its appearance.
3. Avoid Prolonged Soaking: Never soak your opal ratan, particularly doublets or triplets, as excessive moisture can compromise the adhesive layers and reduce its durability.

Storage

1. Protective Storage: Store your opal pathar in a soft-lined jewelry box or individual pouch to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. This keeps your natural opal stone safe and pristine.
2. Maintain Humidity: Hydrophane opals, such as those from Ethiopia, may require a slightly humid environment to avoid dehydration. Place a damp cotton pad near the stone during storage to maintain its luster.

Handling

1. Keep Away From Heat: Heat and rapid temperature changes can crack or dry out your original opal stone, affecting its value and opal stone benefits. Keep the stone away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
2. Limit Chemical Exposure: Remove your opal gemstone when applying cosmetics, perfumes, or household cleaning products, as these chemicals can dull its surface and reduce its beauty.
3. Gentle Wear: Since opals are relatively soft, avoid wearing your opal ratan during strenuous activities that could chip or scratch the surface.

Periodic Care

1. Professional Cleaning: Have your opal gemstone professionally cleaned and inspected regularly to maintain its brilliance and secure its settings, ensuring it retains its opal ratna price.
2. Rehydration: If your natural opal stone appears dull or dry, consult a gem expert about rehydration to restore its original vibrancy.

When purchasing an opal, it’s essential to ensure the authenticity and quality of the stone to make a worthwhile investment.

• The opal stone cost per carat varies significantly based on quality, origin, and type, so it’s important to research thoroughly before making a purchase.
• Always opt for a certified Opal stone to guarantee its authenticity and avoid being misled by synthetic or low-quality imitations.
• Whether you’re looking for a dhudhiya pathar (milky white opal) or a Kalimaya Stone (black opal), ensure the source is reputable to avoid counterfeit products.
• If you plan to buy opal stone online, check for reliable sellers who provide certification and detailed information about the stone’s origin and quality.
• For smaller traditional measurements, you can buy opal stone per ratti, but make sure to compare prices with opal stone cost per carat for a fair deal.

Q1: What are the benefits of wearing an opal stone?

The opal stone benefits include enhanced creativity, emotional balance, spiritual growth, and better relationships. It is also believed to attract good luck and prosperity.

Q2: What is the price of a natural opal stone?

The natural opal stone price depends on factors like quality, color, and origin. The opal price per carat and opal stone price per ratti can vary significantly based on these factors.

Q3: How do I know if I am buying a genuine opal stone?

Always opt for a certified Opal stone to ensure authenticity. Look for a reputable seller if you plan to buy opal stone online to avoid synthetic or imitation stones.

Q4: What is the significance of the opal stone in astrology?

The opal ratan is associated with Venus and is believed to bring harmony, luxury, and prosperity. The opal gemstone benefits make it a popular choice for individuals seeking emotional and spiritual upliftment.

Q5: What is the ideal weight of an opal stone for wearing?

The weight of an opal ratan should be calculated as body weight divided by 10. For instance, a 60 kg person should wear a 6-carat opal for optimal results.

Q6: Which opal stone is best for jewelry?

The best opal stone for jewelry depends on your preference. A real opal stone with vibrant colors and a high-quality cut is ideal for rings and pendants. Always check the original opal stone price for authenticity.