These black opal gemstone beads in faceted rondelles are cut from opal rough mined in Ethiopia and are an unusually long strand – a full 18 inches! Black opals are mined in a few locations around the world, including Australia and Ethiopia. Opal is a type of mineraloid that is made up of tiny spheres of silica arranged in a three-dimensional pattern. These spheres diffract light, creating the stunning play of color that opals are known for. Black opal is a type of precious opal that has a dark, dramatic base color.
This base color can range from dark grey to black, providing a stunning contrast to the bright flashes of color that dance across the surface of the stone. Another special characteristic of black opal gemstone beads is that each bead is unique. No two black opal beads will be exactly the same, as the play of color and the distribution of color within the stone will vary from bead to bead. The play of color in these black opal gemstone beads can include a wide range of hues, including blues, greens, yellows, reds, and oranges. Given that play of color, here are a few good color combinations:
- Black and Gold: Black opal beads pair beautifully with gold accents and findings. The warm tones of the gold add a touch of luxury to the design, while the black opal gemstone beads provide the strong contrast that creates drama.
- Black and Silver: For a more modern and edgy look, consider pairing black opal beads with silver accents and findings. This creates a sleek and sophisticated design.
- Black and Red: Red is a bold and vibrant color that picks up on the flashes of yellows, reds, and oranges in the dramatic black of the opal gemstone beads.
- Black and Green: Shades of green, such as emerald or peridot, provide a beautiful contrast to the black base color of the opal beads. This creates a natural and earthy design.
Metaphysical Properties of Black Opal Gemstone Beads
In addition to their beauty, gemstones are often associated with various metaphysical properties. Black opal is believed to have several healing and spiritual properties, including:
- Protection: Black opal is said to protect against negative energies and entities. It can help shield the wearer from harm and provide a sense of safety and security.
- Emotional Healing: Black opal gemstone beads are also believed to help heal emotional wounds and promote emotional balance. It’s believed to provide a sense of calm and grounding, making it a good choice for those dealing with stress or anxiety. Jewelry is an easy way to keep the stone with you throughout the day.
- Creativity and Inspiration: Black opal is said to stimulate creativity and inspire new ideas. It can help the wearer tap into their intuition and find new ways of expressing themselves.
- Transformation: Black opal gemstone beads are believed to help facilitate personal transformation and growth. It can help the wearer let go of old patterns and beliefs and embrace new experiences and opportunities. Who doesn’t want to do that?!