The alternative name of pearl opal is attributable to this nacreous appearance. Indeed, these lime stones resemble seed pearls and are frequently used in Chinese jewelry. A counterpart to this property exists in the mineral kingdom of opaline silicates known as cachalong, or cacholong opal, often confused with hydrophane opal. This affinity for liquids by tabasheer opals was put to use during previous ages for the purpose of drawing out venom from snake bites, hence the name snakestone. Similarly, it was used to extract curare from wounds inflicted by the poisoned arrows and darts of South American tribesmen.
Incomplete records indicate that tabasheer opal was also valued in the East Indies as a medicine.
Please contact me if you have any additional information regarding this unusual opal or know where specimens may be obtained.