What are the differences between white opal, black opal and common opals?

Answer 1

The main differences between white opal, black opal, and common opal lie in their appearance, color play, and rarity:

1. White Opal:

   • Color: White opal typically has a milky or pale white body color with vibrant flashes of colors like blue, green, and red.
   • Transparency: It can be translucent to semi-translucent.
   • Commonality: White opal is more common and affordable compared to black opal.
   • Origin: Found in various places including Australia (like Coober Pedy), Brazil, and Ethiopia.

2. Black Opal:

   • Color: Black opal has a dark body color, ranging from dark grey to black, which enhances the brightness of its play-of-color.
   • Transparency: It can be translucent to opaque.
   • Color Play: The play-of-color in black opals is usually more intense and vibrant against the dark background.
   • Rarity: Black opal is rarer and generally more valuable than white opal due to its striking appearance.
   • Origin: Predominantly found in Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, Australia, which is known for producing some of the finest black opals.

3. Common Opal (also known as potch when lacking play-of-color):

   • Color: Common opal lacks the vivid play-of-color seen in precious opals like white and black opal.
   • Transparency: It can be opaque or translucent.
   • Color Variations: Common opal comes in a wide range of colors, often without the iridescent play-of-color seen in precious opals.
   • Use: Common opal is often used for ornamental purposes rather than as gemstones.
   • Origin: Found in numerous locations worldwide and is more abundant compared to precious opals.

In summary, white opal and black opal are both types of precious opals distinguished by their body color and intensity of play-of-color. Common opal, on the other hand, lacks the distinctive play-of-color and is generally less valuable and more common.