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Opal takes its name from the Latin word "Upala" meaning "precious stone." Pliny, a learned Roman scholar, described opal as having "the fire of the carbuncle, the
brilliant purple of the amethyst and the sea-green color of the emerald, all shining together in incredible union." The Romans believed the opal was the symbol of hope
and purity. They called it "cupid paederos" (child as beautiful as love) and thought the wearer safe from disease. The Arabs believed that opals fell from heaven in flashes of
lightning and thus acquired their marvelous color. Ancient Greeks also believed that opal had the power of giving foresight and the light of prophecy to their owners.
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