A small discovery in 1994 put Ethiopia on the worldwide opal map. This was followed by important discoveries in 2008 and 2013. These are now producing beautiful precious opal, fire opal, and black opal with spectacular play-of-color in a variety of patterns and body colors.
The ancient Greeks thought the stone could give people the gift of prophecy and protect them from disease. Some metaphysical thought includes the idea that wearing opal can make you unobtrusive or unnoticeable, pulling all of a person’s human sparkle into the fiery colors of the stone. While some people believe it is unlucky for people not born in October to wear opal, the gemstone has actually long been valued as a stone of luck and magic--as well as love and passion.
Ethiopian opal is believed to be an emotional intensifier, enhancing the true nature of those who wear it. Some say it strengthens the will to live and shields the wearer against negativity, burning off karma. Practitioners of energy work say it activates the base and sacral chakras, although other base colors of this opal can be used with corresponding chakras if needed.