Opal derives its name from “opalus”, which means “to see a change in colour”, the Romans prized them, ranking them second only to emeralds, and believed them to bring the owner good fortune. The Romans also believed these gems symbolised hope and purity. The Ancient Greeks believed that opals brought foresight and prophecy, while Arab cultures thought opals fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning, which is what imbued them with their changing colours.
