Opal: Its History and Meaning Opal, with its mesmerizing play of colors has captivated people for centuries both for its magical appeal and beauty. This stone, unlike any other gemstone, has a dense history interconnected with various societies, cultures and beliefs making it quite possibly the most fascinating gemstone around the globe. Opal’s history extends back millennia, with its origins saturated with fantasy and legend. Ancient human civilizations venerated opal for its perceived mystical properties, accepting it had the power to ward off evil and bring favorable luck to its wearer.