Which chakra does Boulder Opal work with?

Boulder Opal is traditionally associated with the Sacral · Third Eye chakra, the element of Water · Earth, and the sign Libra · Cancer.

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Entry № 077

Boulder Opal

Q: What is Boulder Opal made of?

Boulder Opal has the chemical formula SiO₂·nH₂O in ferruginous sandstone, crystallises in the amorphous system and measures 5.5 – 6.5 (Mohs) on the Mohs scale. Boulder opal forms as thin veins and pockets of precious opal within cavities of Cretaceous ironstone concretions in western Queensland. The opal is cut with a natural backing of ironstone, which strengthens the fragile silica gel and provides a dark background against which the play-of-colour is unusually vivid. Principal fields are Winton, Quilpie, Yowah and Koroit.

Hydrated Silica in Ironstone

Living colour anchored in stone.

Chakra

Sacral · Third Eye

Element

Water · Earth

Zodiac

Libra · Cancer

I. The Metaphysical Reading

How the stone has been held.

Boulder opal is worked with as a stone of grounded imagination, kept nearby when a vision needs a strong body to carry it. Practitioners speak of it as a reminder that inspiration is safer when it is set firmly into ordinary matter.

Chakra: Sacral · Third Eye
Element: Water · Earth
Zodiac: Libra · Cancer
Keynote: Living colour anchored in stone.

II. The Scientific Reading

What the lattice actually does.

Boulder opal forms as thin veins and pockets of precious opal within cavities of Cretaceous ironstone concretions in western Queensland. The opal is cut with a natural backing of ironstone, which strengthens the fragile silica gel and provides a dark background against which the play-of-colour is unusually vivid. Principal fields are Winton, Quilpie, Yowah and Koroit.

Formula: SiO₂·nH₂O in ferruginous sandstone
System: Amorphous
Hardness: 5.5 – 6.5 (Mohs)
Provenance: Australia (Queensland - Winton, Quilpie, Yowah)

References & Sources

Independent mineralogical references used to verify the scientific details above.

Mineral Profile

Fact Sheet

Chemical Formula: SiO₂·nH₂O in ferruginous sandstone
Crystal System: Amorphous
Mohs Hardness: 5.5 – 6.5 (Mohs)
Density: 2.10 – 3.20 g/cm³ (with ironstone)
Refractive Index: 1.44 – 1.46
Provenance: Australia (Queensland - Winton, Quilpie, Yowah)
Color Origin: Vivid electric blue, green and red opal in dark ironstone matrix