Welo Opal
The Honeyed Flame of Cosmic Vision
About the stone
First discovered in 2008 near the town of Wegal Tena, Wolo Province, Ethiopia. These opals are found in a single area of stratified volcanic rock. The main being is an opalized rhyolitic ignimbrite up to a meter thick that overlies a base of clay soil. The opal likely formed as silica rich water accumulated above impermeable clay. This silica gel precipitated into the spaces of the ignimbrite, forming Welo Opal. Much of this opal is considered fire opal due to its yellow, orange or red body color and intense play of color. Some rare specimens are called Honeycomb Welo Opals, and have a pattern within the stone that looks just like honeycomb. They are only found in Welo Opals. Welo Opals have become very popular in recent years as they tend to be less expensive than their counterparts from Australia, though they are just as precious and high quality. Opal is made up of silicon dioxide, just like quartz crystal. But unlike quartz it contains up to 38% water, but most commonly 3%-16%. Until recently it was believed that all opals were completely amorphous, however now we know that isn't the case. Some opals contain tightly packed spherical SiO2 molecules in a hexagonal structure lattice. Not always perfect, but they do have a pattern. There are 2 types of opal; precious and common. Precious Opal displays an optical property that gemologists call "Play of Color" or Opalescence, and Common Opal does not. Common Opal is usually milky white, grey, yellow/brown or black. Precious Opals display every color that we can see. They do so by diffracting light through their lattice structures. Formed under water by diatom shells that accumulate on sea/river/lake beds. Diatoms are algae that synthesize silicon dioxide in water to use in their cell walls. They produce most of the oxygen on the planet, not trees. Diatoms tend to have massive "blooms" and then die off and sink to the bottom of the water column, where they accumulate in silt. Here is where, over thousands & millions of years, they can fall into seams between rocks, pockets in sediment and slowly take over the skeletal systems of decayed plant matter to form opals. Black Opal is the rarest variety, & white, grey and green are the most common. The biggest Opal producers are Australia, Ethiopia & Nevada. There are very rare opals in Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Idaho & Slovakia. Opal is the birthstone for October.
Mineral data
- Chemical composition: Welo Opal is a precious opal, a hydrated amorphous silica (SiO2·nH2O) with strong play of color, found in opalized volcanic ignimbrite in Ethiopia.
- Hardness: 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.
- Color: Light to dark body color, often yellow, orange or red, with red, green, blue, purple, yellow, orange and pink play of color.
- Specific gravity: 2.09 g/cm3
- Refractive index: 1.34-1.47
Metaphysical data
Welo Opal, prized for its fiery play of color, has been used in metaphysical practices to expand awareness, strengthen self-worth and awaken love, passion and loyalty.
Grounding and Stabilizing Energy
- Welo Opal is believed to strengthen the will to live and to bring feelings of self-worth, helping a person understand their full potential.
- It is also thought to carry a quality of lightness and spontaneity, and, when properly programmed, to offer protection for shamanic work in the underworld.
Emotional Healing
- Welo Opal is often used to help one access and express true feelings, encouraging the release and open expression of positive emotions.
- It is associated with love, passion, desire, eroticism, loyalty and faithfulness, qualities that many people hope to nurture in their relationships.
Harmonizing Energy Centers
- Welo Opal is associated with the third eye chakra, the energy center of intuition, imagination and inner vision.
- It is believed to enhance cosmic consciousness, inducing psychic and mystical visions as the third eye opens to wider fields of awareness.
Zodiac Associations
- Welo Opal is traditionally linked with the zodiac signs of Libra and Cancer, one a seeker of harmony and the other a guardian of feeling.
- It vibrates to the number 9, a number of completion and compassion, which suits the stone's wide, visionary, humanitarian spirit.
Spiritual Growth
- Welo Opal is thought to enhance cosmic consciousness, and some traditions say that when properly programmed it can make a person unnoticeable or invisible in dangerous places.
- It is considered useful for shamanic journeying and underworld work, where a steady will and clear intention matter most.
Physical Healing
- Welo Opal is not a substitute for professional medical advice; the following is traditional lore only and does not promise any cure.
- Old beliefs credit it with supporting memory and vision, easing childbirth, and aiding the blood and kidneys, but anyone with an illness or fever should seek proper medical care.
Care and handling
Opal contains water, so it is best protected from sudden temperature changes, strong heat and very dry air, which can cause crazing or cracking. Clean it with a soft damp cloth and mild soap, dry it gently, and avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and harsh chemicals. Keep it out of long periods of direct sunlight, and store it wrapped softly apart from harder stones, because at 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale it scratches more easily than quartz. Welo Opal is known to be water-sensitive in some pieces, so do not leave it soaking and let it dry fully after cleaning.
Individual experiences with Welo Opal vary, and its effects are a matter of personal belief rather than fact. Use it mindfully, enjoy its honeyed play of color, and let it inspire you without taking the place of care from professionals.