Gemstones Beginning with "O"

Obsidian is transparent to opaque volcanic glass, formed when volcanic lava comes in contact with water. Many impurities in the material cause it to take on different colors and shades, such as black, gray, brown and green, sometimes with a golden or silver sheen. Deposits can be found in Ecuador, Indonesia, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico and the United States. Obsidian is said to help strengthen and stabilize the system and to help the healing process. Mohs' hardness: 5 to 5-1/2.

Ocean Jasper is a newer form of jasper that contains a variety of colors including pink, gold, green, black, white, yellow and brown, usually in softer, muted shades. These colors appear in circles, specks and circles throughout the stone. Deposits can be found in Madagascar. Ocean jasper is said to teach responsibility and patience and to help regulate breathing for meditation. See Jasper for more information.

Onyx is a layered variety of chalcedony with a black base and a white upper layer, resulting in contrasting stripes ranging from white and tan to gray and black. What is known as black onyx is usually dyed to give its uniform black color. Heat treatment can result in stones of blue or green. Sard onyx shows layers of a brown base with white upper layer, but the term is often used to refer to the banded stones as opposed to the uniformly colored stones. Deposits can be found in India, Brazil, China, Germany, Madagascar and the United States. Onyx is said to help balance the demands of everyday life with the need to find rest and new inspiration; to encourage inner stillness; and to energize the feet and legs. Mohs' hardness: 7.

Opal is derived from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning precious stone. There are three main subgroups: precious opal, fire opal and common opal (see specific names in glossary for more information). Opal always contains from 3 to 30 percent water and can appear transparent or opaque in a broad range of colors, often with a rainbow play-of-color. Opal is said to stabilize mood swings and help to increase trust in one's feelings. Mohs' hardness: 5-1/2 to 6-1/2.

Oregon Opal is a unique variety of opal found in only one place in the world -- Opal Butte, Oregon. See Opal for more information.

Oriental Pearls See Pearl

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