The name "opal" comes from the sanskrit word "upala", meaning precious stone. In Indian mythology, the virgin Goddess of the Rainbow was turned into an opal by the Morther Goddess becuase she was being chased by suitors. During Roman times, the Latin word "opalus" came into use/ The opal is said to be many things, including the post powerful of healing stones, the stone of hope, the stone of great achievement and even the "stone of the Gods".