Opal. A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity. The precious opal shows a peculiar play of colors of delicate tints and is highly esteemed as a gem. One kind, with a varied play of color in a reddish ground, is called harlequin opal. The fire opal (which comes from Mexico) has colors like the red and yellow of flame.

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“The meanest and most contemptible person whom we behold is the offspring of heaven, one of the children of the Most High; and, however unworthily he may behave, so long as God hath not passed on him a final sentence, He will have us acknowledge him as one of His; and, as such, to embrace him with a sincere and cordial affection.”
–Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man