Stone: Dendrite Opal/Merilinite

Dendrite Opal - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Brazil, India, Madagascar, the USA, Mexico and Kazakhstan.

General information: Dendrite Opal, also known as Moss Opal or Merilinite, gets its name from the tree-like appearance of the inclusions. Dendrites, comes from the Greek word, "dendron", meaning "tree". The word "opal" is thought to be derived from the sanskrit word "upala", meaning "precious stone". During the Middles Ages, opals were considered lucky and some even believed that an opal wrapped in a bay leaf would provide the owner with the power of invisibility. 

Physical Properties: Opal is considered to be a hydrated silicon dioxide, always containing 3 to 30% water. This characteristic results in the relative softness of this stone. Dendrite Opals are usually identified by its milky white to brownish color, with black inclusions. These inclusions are typically caused by hornblende. 

Metaphysical properties: The energy of Dendrite Opal helps with one's spiritual and physical growth. It is believed that Dendrite Opals also facilitate the fulfillment of desires and helps wearers recover from difficult past lives. This stone is associated with the base root chakra, heart chakra, and crown chakra