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Physical Properties
Blue Peruvian opal is a gemstone that ranges in color from slightly blue to blue- green. Jewelers describe it as being the color of the Caribbean Ocean. Stones can have dark inclusions that look like fern plants. The color intensity of the stone can vary within a single specimen. They are vitreous to pearly in luster, and transparent to translucent. The fracture of the blue Peruvian opal is conchoidal, meaning they are brittle and have smooth, curved surfaces. The streak is white. Blue Peruvian opal is a 5.5 to a 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness. The stone is a precious opal (as opposed to common opal) because it shows iridescent properties when light hits it at an angle.
Chemical Properties
Blue Peruvian opal is a sedimentary stone formed at low temperature from igneous rock with a high silica content. The composition is mostly silicon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The formula is SiO2̶6;n(H2O). The stones are not radioactive. The specific gravity is 2.10 gm/cc. The water content of Blue Peruvian opal can be very high, with ranges from 3 to 20 percent. The silica in the stone is amorphous, or non-crystalline. The high water content makes blue Peruvian opal very delicate and prone to heat damage. Heat can cause the stones to loose luster or crack.
Mystical Properties
According to lore as told on Shimmerlings Jewelry's website, blue Peruvian opal is a calming stone that can quiet the mind and ease sleep problems. These stones aid in releasing communication blockages and in allowing the wearer to more calmly deal with stress. They promote tranquility and nurturing. All opals project the energies of the wearer, positive or negative.
Fun Facts
Along with tourmaline, opals are a birthstone for October. Ancient Greek cultures believed the opal guarded them from disease. Unlike other stones, blue Peruvian opals can be cleaned with just warm, soapy water. Dealers can soak opals of poor quality in dye or treat them with smoke or even plastic to achieve the desired color and luster.