Opal

Opal is ranked at #5 to #6.5 on Mohs scale and very poor to fair in toughness. Sources are Australia—black and white opal, Brazil—white opal, and Mexico—fire opal. Opal is the world’s most popular phenomenal gem. Many cultures have credited opal with supernatural origins and powers. Arabic legends say it falls from heaven in flashes …

January Almandine/Garnet February Amethyst/Quartz March Aquamarine/Beryl April Diamond May Emerald/Beryl June Alexandrite, Pearl, Moonstone July Ruby/Corundum August Spinel, Peridot, Sardonyx September Sapphire/Corundum October Opal, Tourmaline, Rose zircon November Topaz, Citrine December Turquoise, Blue zircon, and Tanzanite