Opal's name has roots in the Roman word "opalus" and Greek word "opallios", which means "to see a change of color." The Greek word came from the ancient Indian Sanskrit name for opal - "upala" - which means "precious stone."

Opals break and scratch easily and are heat seansitive. Some varieties can destruct themselves by the loss of water. Even with these drawbacks, Opals still are considered premier gemstones.

Opals have been treasured as gemstones throughout the centuries and there were many beliefs associated with wearing them.

• Greeks believed that opals gave their owners powers of foresight and prophecy
• Romans thought of it as a token of hope and purity
• Eastern people considered it as sacred
• Arabs believed it came from heavens

In the XIX century people superstitiosly believed that wearing opals brings bad luck, unless it was the wearer's birthstone. Today, however these superstitions have diminished or completely disapeared.

Opals come in over one hundred varieties and trade names. The most important and most widely known are the precious opals. They are divided by colors: white, black, pink, and blue, which describe the color of its body.

Australia is famous for its white and black precious opals. Fire opals, with bright red, reddish-yellow, or orange colored bodies are the second commercially most important opals that come mainly from Mexico.