Dendritic Opal
Moss opal / Merlinite
gemstones, bracelets, pendants, beads, rolled stones

Symbols

Dendritic opal takes its name from the Greek dendron, "tree", in reference to its dark, plant-like inclusions. " Moss opal " is a popular name that emphasizes these same characteristics; its nickname " Merlinite " links it to the elemental magic of Merlin the Enchanter.

Its inclusions of dendrites, its soothing virtues, its reassuring and regenerating symbols are a call for change and renewal of body and mind.

Opal in all its variants is the birthstone of October in the West.
 

Meaning and benefits of stone

In lithotherapy, the vegetal motifs of Dendritic Opal embody both growth and transformation. The stone is linked to a strong connection to nature and awareness of the interdependence of all living forms.

The first effect of its accompaniment is to calm the opposition that may arise from your own contradictions.

Its conciliatory impact can reduce stress and anxiety by positioning its wearer not exclusively in himself/herself, but in an awareness of the relational fabric that links him/her as much to nature as to his/her history and that of others.

This relativization is a source of security and emotional balance, opening a path that reveals an equivalence between the mental clarity that apprehends the external world and the renewed connection to your own intuition.

Action on the world, involving listening, concentration and decision-making, thus becomes the mirror of an inner journey in search of regeneration and growth. Then it may become clear that accepting the gaze of others, whose opinion will be evaluated with a healthy distance from your own subjectivity, can become a key to healing your relationships with others.
 

Mineralogy of Dendritic Opal

Classified as an amorphous tectosilicate, dendritic opal is a common opal - with no iridescent effect and composed of hydrous silicon dioxide. The dendritic inclusions that explain its vegetal patterns are mostly manganese or iron oxides.

Translucent to opaque, with black, brown or green dendritic inclusions.

It is "amorphous", as its crystalline structure is not defined, like all Opals. As such, this stone is a mineraloid and not a mineral.

It forms in silica-rich volcanic or hydrothermal environments. Its main deposits are found in Australia, the United States, Spain and Madagascar.

With a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, it can scratch Fluorite and Selenite, and in turn be scratched by Aquamarine - stones which we recommend above in combination with Dendritic Opal.. Handle with care!