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Opal, being amorphous, is not really a mineral but a mineraloid. One of the scientifically accepted standards defining a mineral is that a mineral must have a crystal structure, which opal lacks. Many scientific groups and references, including the acclaimed Dana's System of Mineralogy, categorize Opal together with the "true" minerals. For this reason, Opal -- as well as other amorphous types that fall under the definition of a mineraloid.
What else can I help you with?
Is crystal a precious stone?
It depends. All gemstones other than pearls and opals are crystals, but most crystals are not gemstones.
Where can you find opals?
Opals are typically found in Australia, with the country being the world's largest producer of opals. They are mined in various locations such as Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, and Andamooka. Opals can also be found in other countries like Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil.
Are opals black?
Some opals are known as black opals, this is when they have a mainly black colour. In general a black opal is very dark blue and has flecks of other colours within
Are opals natively Australian?
No. When opals were first found in Australia, they were not thought to be opals because they were a milky white in appearance. Opals found elsewhere in the world were mostly black.
Which gemstones are found in Washington State?
Some of the gemstones found in Washington State include agates, jaspers, petrified wood, and garnets. Additionally, there are also reported findings of opals, quartz crystals, and fossils in certain areas of the state.
Is crystal a precious stone?
It depends. All gemstones other than pearls and opals are crystals, but most crystals are not gemstones.
Who made opals?
Nobody MADE opals. They're mined out of the ground.
What are food uses of opals?
Opals cannot be used as foods. They are hard, precious stones.
Where can you find opals?
Opals are typically found in Australia, with the country being the world's largest producer of opals. They are mined in various locations such as Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, and Andamooka. Opals can also be found in other countries like Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil.
Do opals actually make you invisible?
Neither opals or any other gemstone will make you invisible.
Are opals black?
Some opals are known as black opals, this is when they have a mainly black colour. In general a black opal is very dark blue and has flecks of other colours within
What crystal system is the sugar crystal?
monoclinic
Are opals natively Australian?
No. When opals were first found in Australia, they were not thought to be opals because they were a milky white in appearance. Opals found elsewhere in the world were mostly black.
Why are opals amorphous?
Opals are amorphous because they lack a crystalline structure. Their formation involves the precipitation of silica spheres in a disordered arrangement, which gives opals their unique play-of-color appearance. This lack of a crystal lattice is what differentiates them from most other gemstones.
Can you melt an opal?
No, opals are a type of mineraloid composed of silica spheres. Opals are sensitive to heat and can crack or lose their play-of-color if exposed to high temperatures. It is not recommended to try melting opals.
Where can black opals be found in NSW?
Three different types of Opal are found in Australia:Fire Opals are mined in South Australia near Coober Pedy.Black Opals are mined in New South Wales near Lightning Ridge.Boulder Opals are mined in the western Queensland.
Are green opals magnetic?
No, green opals are not magnetic. Opals, including green opals, are primarily composed of silica and water, which do not exhibit magnetic properties. If a green opal is attracted to a magnet, it may contain traces of iron or other magnetic minerals, but the opal itself is not inherently magnetic.
