Pink Opal

What is pink opal?

Pink opal is a common opal, the everyday relation of fiery precious opal. Like all opal, it is made of hydrated silica: tiny spheres of silica with a small amount of water held within the structure. In precious opal, those spheres are stacked so regularly that they split light into flashes of colour; in common opal they are not, so instead of play-of-colour you get a smooth, even, milky body. In pink opal that body is a soft, pastel pink, sometimes with fine dark branching markings.

Most pink opal comes from the Andes of Peru and is often sold as Peruvian or Andean pink opal. At about 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale it is softer than quartz, and its water content makes it more sensitive to heat and dryness than most stones. It is usually cut into smooth beads, cabochons and tumbled stones, where its gentle, candlelit glow shows best.

Pink opal meaning

In crystal lore, pink opal is known as the “stone of resolution”. It is traditionally believed to soothe painful memories and act as a gentle balm for a broken heart, helping you release the past without forcing it. Where some love stones are about attracting new romance, pink opal is about the quieter work that comes first: making peace with what has happened, forgiving where you can, and letting go gently.

It is linked with the heart chakra and associated with calm, tenderness and emotional renewal. Its Chinese name, 粉澳宝 (fěn ào bǎo), simply means “pink opal”, 澳宝 being a common Chinese word for opal. As an opal, it is sometimes chosen by those born in October; see birthstones by month. Crystals complement, rather than replace, the support of people you trust.

How to wear pink opal

Wear pink opal on your left hand. In crystal practice the left is the receiving side, so a pink opal bracelet on the left wrist is said to let its soothing energy in. It is an especially comforting stone to wear after a breakup, a falling-out or a loss, when you want a quiet daily reminder to be gentle with yourself. See which wrist to wear a crystal bracelet for more on left and right.

Pink opal pairs well with rose quartz for self-love, with rhodochrosite for older hurts, and with lepidolite for calm. Its soft, powdery pink is flattering and easy to wear, and it sits beautifully alongside 925 sterling silver.

Pink opal as a gift

Because its message is one of comfort, pink opal is a kind gift for someone going through a hard time: a friend after heartbreak, a relative after a loss, a daughter leaving home. It says “take your time” rather than “move on”. For those born in October, it is also a soft, wearable way to carry a stone from their birthstone family.

When choosing pink opal, look for an even, gentle colour and a smooth polish. Natural pink opal varies from pale shell pink to deeper bubblegum; very bright, uniform colour may point to dyeing, so ask the seller if you are unsure. See our guide to meaningful crystal gifts for more ideas.

Caring for pink opal

Pink opal needs a little more care than quartz. At about 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale it scratches more easily, and because it holds water within its structure, it dislikes heat and sudden temperature changes.

• Keep it away from heat. Do not leave it in hot sun, on a car dashboard or near a stove; heat and extreme dryness can cause fine surface cracks known as crazing.
• Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth and dry it; avoid soaking, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
• Store it on its own in a soft pouch, away from harder stones.

Take bracelets off to swim or shower, and restring when the elastic loosens. For energetic cleansing, choose gentle methods such as moonlight or sound; see how to cleanse crystals.