Definition of opal

The word "opal" has an interesting origin that dates back to the ancient Greeks. They called this unique gemstone "opallios" meaning "to change color," which described the way opals seemingly shifted in hue when viewed from different angles. This name was later adapted by the Romans, who called the stone "opalus," which was derived from the Greek name. The modern spelling of "opal" came from the English, who simplified the Latin name in the 14th century. The Spanish explorers discovered opals in what is now Mexico in the 16th century, and soon after, the word for opal spread to the Spanish colonies in South America and began to appear in mining records. Opal continued to capture the imagination of people across the world, and by the 19th century, it had acquired a place in popular culture. Jane Austen referenced opals in her novels, and the gemstone even featured in the popular music of the time, including Sir Walter Scott's poem "The Lady of the Lake" and Johann Strauss II's waltz "The Opal." Today, opals are still mined in various parts of the world, including Mexico, Australia, and Ethiopia, and remain a popular choice for jewelry thanks to their unique and captivating properties. The word "opal" has come a long way since its Greek origins, but it remains just as fascinating and mesmerizing as ever before.