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Gems are stuff of legends ; In the seventh century it was believed that to gaze intently into an opal would relieve stress and improve eyesight. Of all gem stones, opals have the most ancient tales and beliefs surrounding them and the notion that they are

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From: Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK)
Date: 20080507
Author:

In the seventh century it was believed that to gaze intently into an opal would relieve stress and improve eyesight. Of all gem stones, opals have the most ancient tales and beliefs surrounding them and the notion that they are unlucky came from Sir Walter Scott's novel Anne of Geirstein, but this didn't prevent Queen Victoria wearing them and giving them as gifts.

There are two types, namely precious - or noble - opals, which are iridescent, and common opals, which are milky in appearance, as well as several sub- species. They sparkle more in water, certainly the hydrophane variety, but ...

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