Libra Birthstone Color: Meaning, Symbolism, and History

Home — VDR.com Blog

by Suzanne Sachs — 5 min read

THE BASICS--

Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac, is traditionally associated with the opal as its birthstone, typically known for its mesmerizing play of colors. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion, the allure of an opal is truly captivating. However, its radiant beauty transcends the boundaries of a particular month, and the deeper you explore the enchanting world of this gemstone, the more irresistibly drawn you become to wearing it every day, making it a timeless and versatile choice for any occasion throughout the year.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• About Opal
  
• Factors to Consider When Choosing Opal
• Color
• Healing Properties
• Inclusions
• Structure
• Meaning and Symbolism
• Creativity
• Beauty
• Growth
• History
• Other Libra Birthstones
• Understanding the Unique Properties of Opal

About Opal

Opal is renowned for its mesmerizing play of colors, symbolizing balance, harmony, and creativity-qualities that align beautifully with the diplomatic and balanced nature often attributed to Libra individuals. The gemstone's unique ability to display a variety of hues reflects Libra’s appreciation for beauty and harmony. Opal's striking and versatile appearance makes it a timeless and meaningful choice for those born under the Libra sign, whether they are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any significant occasion throughout the year.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Opal

Color

Opal, the Libra birthstone, is renowned for its mesmerizing play of colors, perfectly reflecting the balanced and harmonious nature of those born under this sign. The vibrant hues of opal resonate with Libra’s appreciation for beauty and equilibrium, making it a cherished and symbolic choice. Whether you're drawn to its brilliant flashes of color or its deep symbolic meaning, opal is a timeless gemstone for Libra individuals.

Healing Properties

Opal is believed to offer a range of healing properties that resonate with Libra’s natural desire for balance and harmony. It is often associated with the heart chakra, promoting emotional stability and balance, which can help Libras navigate their natural desire for harmony in relationships and decision-making. In meditation practices, opal is said to enhance spiritual awareness, fostering a deeper connection with higher realms of consciousness.

Beyond its emotional benefits, opal is also known for boosting creativity and imagination, supporting Libras in expressing their artistic and innovative sides. It is often linked to spiritual insight, helping Libras gain clarity and align their inner wisdom with their outer actions. Additionally, opal is thought to provide protection from negative energy while grounding individuals, offering a sense of stability in challenging situations.

Inclusions

Inclusions in opals, like those in other gemstones, refer to unique features, imperfections, or foreign materials that become naturally trapped within the crystal during its formation. These inclusions can significantly influence an opal’s appearance and symbolism. Some inclusions enhance the gemstone’s stunning play of color, creating unique patterns of light diffraction that make each opal one-of-a-kind. However, certain opals may develop fine, web-like cracks known as crazing, which can occur due to the stone’s delicate nature and exposure to environmental conditions.

Structure

Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, composed of microscopic silica spheres that are arranged in a grid-like pattern. This unique structure creates the phenomenon known as 'play of color,' where light diffracts through the silica spheres, resulting in vibrant flashes of color. Unlike crystalline gemstones, opal lacks a defined crystal structure, making it softer with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. While opal is more delicate than other gemstones, its mesmerizing play of color and striking appearance make it a cherished choice in jewelry.

Meaning and Symbolism

Opal, carries deep meanings and symbolism that align with the unique traits of Libra individuals.

Creativity

Opal is known for its ability to inspire creativity, making it a perfect gemstone for Libra individuals who thrive on artistic expression. Its shifting colors symbolize the fluidity of creative thought, encouraging Libras to explore new ideas and perspectives.

Beauty

Opal's vibrant play of colors represents beauty in its most dynamic form, capturing the eye with its ever-changing hues. For Libra, a sign deeply connected to aesthetics and harmony, opal embodies the perfect balance between natural elegance and artistic beauty.

Growth

Opal is a powerful symbol of transformation, with its shifting colors reflecting change and growth. For Libra, this gemstone encourages personal evolution, helping individuals embrace new phases in life with balance and grace.

History

Opal has been cherished throughout history, valued by different cultures for its beauty and symbolic meanings. Throughout history, opal has held a special place in various cultures. Ancient Romans prized opal for its ability to reflect the colors of all other gemstones, believing it symbolized hope, purity, and good fortune. During the Victorian era, opal experienced a resurgence in popularity, often featured in elaborate jewelry designs as a symbol of hope, purity, and innocence.

Other Libra Birthstones

While opal remains the traditional birthstone for Libra, alternative systems of astrology and healing offer a range of gemstones and crystals believed to resonate with Libra individuals. These alternative birthstones are thought to harmonize with the unique energies and traits associated with Libra. Depending on individual preferences, spiritual beliefs, or astrological systems, other gemstones often linked to Libra include Peridot, Tourmaline, and Jade.

Understanding the Unique Properties of Opal

Opal is cherished in all types of jewelry, from elegant necklaces and earrings to stunning opal rings. Its mesmerizing play of color pairs beautifully with silver or white gold for a cool, modern look, but it’s equally captivating in yellow and rose gold for a warmer, vintage-inspired style. The better you understand opal’s unique symbolism and meanings, the more you can appreciate its extraordinary qualities.

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you - your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.