Why the name Opal?

Numerous texts state that the derivation of the word “Opal” comes from the Sanskrit word “upala” although this appears to be the general name given for “precious stones” (Skertchley).

In Greek language, in the first century before Christ, the gemstone was known as “opallios”.

In Indonesia Opal was known as “Kalimaya” a name also derived from the Japanese word “Kali” meaning a “river” and the Sanskrit “maya” meaning “an illusion” and hence the stone was a “river of illusion”.

The Aztec name given to early Mexican Opals was “vitzitziltecpatl” meaning “Hummingbird stone” as the colour change of precious opal was likened to the changes of colour seen in the birds’ plumage.

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