Opal: Creativity, spontaneity, relationships, memory, happy dreams and changes.
Opals are delicate. If an opal is allowed to dry, it will crack. They do not need special care while stored. If you live in a very dry climate take some precautions. Keeping them in a tight plastic bag, with a damp piece of cotton or fabric will prevent dehydration. Because of their water content, opals are also highly sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Opals do not mind being hot or cold, it is the rate of change that damages them. You need to avoid situations like going from a warm house to the winter's cold. Simply wearing an opal under clothing will protect them. Clean your opals using a soft cloth, a mild detergent, and room temperature water. Then rinse the jewels to remove any residue. Opals are best suited for earrings, brooches, and pendants that receive little contact with harder objects like a ring would. If you do get an opal ring, choose a setting that protects it from coming in contact with other objects. If you wear an opal ring on a regular basis, it will require occasional repolishing. Keeping it for special occasions will reduce the risk of damage. Opals are porous and absorb liquids.
Tourmaline: Energizing, soul-searching, releasing.
Available in a rainbow of colors and color combinations. Legend says tourmaline inspires artistic expression and enhances your intuition. The last empress of China, loved pink tourmaline above all other gemstones. She imported tons of tourmaline from Southern California in the early twentieth century, creating a gem rush in San Diego during the period.
In addition to unusually varied beauty, tourmaline has unusual electrical properties. Crystals acquire a polarized electrical charge when heated or compressed. This property has also made tourmaline the latest miracle ingredient in moisturizers: manufacturers claim the gem helps pull pollutants from your skin.
Tourmaline is durable and suitable for everyday wear. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.
