Blue Opal: Meaning, Symbolism and The colors of Greece
Blue Opal: Meaning, Symbolism & The Colors of Greece
Blue opal is one of the most captivating gemstones associated with calm, clarity, and emotional healing. Its shimmering hues — ranging from soft sky blue to deep Aegean blue — echo the iconic colours of Greece: the sea, the sky, and the blue-domed churches scattered across the islands.
In Greek culture, colour holds deep meaning. Blue symbolises protection, purity, and the endless horizon — the same themes embodied in blue opal’s luminous, watery glow.
This guide explores the mythological, historical and cultural meaning of blue opal and why it remains a cherished gemstone for jewellery lovers, collectors, and those drawn to the spirit of the Greek islands.
The colours of blue opal & their connection to Greece
Blue opal naturally mirrors the landscapes of Greece:
Aegean Sea blue
The gemstone’s deeper blues resemble the waters surrounding the Cyclades — Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos — where the horizon blends sky and sea into a seamless gradient.
Sky blue
Lighter opal tones evoke the clear Mediterranean skies, symbolic of freedom, optimism, and inspiration.
Cycladic blue
The famous painted domes and shutters of the islands were traditionally coloured blue as a symbol of protection and spiritual cleansing. Blue opal echoes these same cultural themes of protection, purity, and harmony.
In our own collection, the Blue Opal Olive Leaf Necklace captures this connection perfectly – the glowing blue stone set in an olive leaf design feels like wearing a small piece of the Aegean sea and Greek countryside.
Blue opal in Greek mythology
While blue opal itself is not exclusive to Greece, opal as a gemstone appears in ancient Mediterranean and Greek lore.
The name “opal”
The name “opal” is believed to come from the Greek word opallios (ὀπάλλιος), meaning “to see a change of colour”. This refers to opal’s shifting iridescence, which the Greeks associated with divine messages, spiritual transformation, and intuitive insight.
Links to the gods
In different traditions across the Mediterranean world, opal was linked to deities of light, love, and truth. For the Greeks, gemstones that captured both sea and sky were seen as gifts from the gods – reminders that the divine could be reflected in the natural world.
Blue opal, blending water and sky, became symbolically tied to:
- Emotional purity
- Clear thinking and insight
- Divine inspiration
- Spiritual protection
Historical meaning of opal in the ancient world
Opal was highly prized across ancient civilisations for its “play-of-colour”, which many believed held magical properties.
In Greek and Roman culture
- Opal symbolised hope, purity, and foresight.
- It was thought to strengthen eyesight and inner vision.
- Travellers carried opals as talismans for safe journeys across sea routes, tying beautifully to Greece’s maritime heritage.
In Byzantine Greece
Jewellery and icons often used gemstones representing divine light. Blue stones symbolised spiritual clarity, heavenly protection, and sacred illumination. The shimmering light of blue opal fits naturally into this tradition.
Spiritual & modern meaning of blue opal
Today, blue opal is especially loved for its gentle, calming energy and emotional depth.
Emotional healing
Blue opal is associated with soothing stress, easing anxiety, and helping to release emotional tension — like watching waves wash worries away.
Communication & truth
Linked to the throat chakra, blue opal is said to support honest, heartfelt communication. Wearing a blue opal necklace near the throat, such as our Blue Opal Olive Leaf Necklace, is believed by many to encourage clear self-expression.
Creativity & intuition
Its shifting tones are said to awaken imagination and intuition, making blue opal a favourite stone for artists, writers, and dreamers.
Harmony & tranquillity
With its ocean-like appearance, blue opal brings a feeling of peace and inner balance – a reminder of quiet mornings by the sea on a Greek island.
Blue opal jewellery inspired by Greece
Blue opal is a beautiful choice for jewellery because:
- It reflects Greek island colours – sea, sky, and domes.
- It symbolises spiritual harmony and emotional calm.
- It pairs perfectly with sterling silver, a classic metal in Greek jewellery.
- It looks stunning alongside Greek motifs such as waves, spirals, the Greek key (meander), and olive leaves.
The Blue Opal Spiral Necklace blends two powerful Greek symbols: the spiral and the meander (Greek key). The spiral represents eternal growth and the continuous journey of life, while the meander symbolises longevity, unity, and the powerful flow of the Aegean waves. The blue opal at its centre enhances this symbolism with the calming colours of the Greek sea.
Another design deeply rooted in ancient symbolism is the Blue Opal Sterling Silver Necklace – Spiral Meander Design. The meander pattern dates back thousands of years to Minoan and Classical Greek art, representing eternity and the cyclical nature of life. With its glowing blue stone, this necklace beautifully reflects the colours of the Aegean while honouring ancient Greek artistry.
If you love matching sets, our Sterling Silver Spiral Blue Opal Dangle Earrings are a beautiful complement to any blue opal necklace. The delicate spiral detail is inspired by ancient Greek designs, while the glowing blue stones reflect the colours of the sea and sky around the Greek islands.
The Blue Opal Dangle Earrings – Greek Key Meander Design feature one of the most iconic patterns in ancient Greece. The meander (Greek key) symbolises eternity, unity, and the unbroken flow of life. Paired with luminous blue opal, these earrings beautifully reflect the colours and spirit of the Aegean Sea.
For a bold statement piece, the Sterling Silver Blue Opal Ring – Greek Key Meander Rectangle Statement Ring combines a striking rectangular blue opal with the classic Greek key motif. It’s a modern way to wear an ancient symbol of protection, continuity, and strength.
Our Blue Opal Olive Leaf Necklace ties everything together, uniting the olive leaf – a symbol of peace, victory, and Greek heritage – with the calming blue of the sea and sky.
Blue opal: a piece of Greece you can wear
Blue opal captures everything people love about Greece:
- The tranquillity of the sea
- The purity of the sky
- The symbolism of Cycladic blue
- The mythology of transformation
- The history of gemstone protection
Whether worn for beauty, emotional meaning, or cultural connection, blue opal is a gemstone rich with symbolism and deeply tied to the colours and spirit of Greece.
Shop blue opal jewellery at My Greek Memories
Explore blue opal pieces inspired by the Greek islands, the Aegean Sea, and ancient symbolism:
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Blue Opal Olive Leaf Necklace
A luminous blue opal set in an olive leaf design, echoing Greek landscapes and the calm colours of the sea. -
Blue Opal Spiral Necklace
Combines the Greek spiral and meander motifs with a glowing blue stone, symbolising eternity, longevity, and the movement of the waves. -
Blue Opal Sterling Silver Necklace – Spiral Meander Design
A classic sterling silver necklace featuring the ancient Greek key (meander) pattern and a radiant blue opal, inspired by the colours of the Aegean Sea. -
Sterling Silver Spiral Blue Opal Dangle Earrings
Elegant dangle earrings with Greek spiral detail and blue opals that shimmer like the sea and sky. -
Blue Opal Dangle Earrings – Greek Key Meander Design
Featuring the ancient Greek meander motif and luminous blue stones, these earrings symbolise eternity, unity, and the beauty of the Aegean. -
Sterling Silver Blue Opal Ring – Greek Key Meander Rectangle Statement Ring
A bold statement ring combining the Greek key pattern with a rectangular blue opal, for those who love meaningful, eye-catching jewellery.
