Opals

The preference between translucent and opaque opals often comes down to personal taste and intended use. Translucent opals typically exhibit a more vibrant play of color and light, making them highly sought after for jewelry. In contrast, opaque opals can have a unique, soft appearance and may be favored for certain artistic or decorative purposes. Ultimately, both types offer distinct beauty and appeal.

Yes, Opal is a cute dog name! It has a unique and playful sound, making it memorable and fitting for a loving pet. Plus, it can reflect the dog's personality or appearance, especially if they have a sparkling or colorful coat. Overall, it's a charming choice for a furry friend.

The cursed opal necklace, often referred to in folklore and tales, is said to bring misfortune or death to its wearers. While specific stories vary, it's commonly believed that several individuals have suffered tragic fates after donning the necklace. However, these accounts are largely anecdotal and part of myth rather than documented historical events. As a result, there is no definitive number of deaths attributed to the cursed opal necklace.

Opals have long been associated with various superstitions and beliefs. In some cultures, they are considered to bring bad luck, particularly if worn by someone whose birthstone is not opal. Conversely, in other traditions, opals are seen as symbols of hope, purity, and truth, believed to enhance the wearer's creativity and imagination. Additionally, some believe that opals can change color based on the wearer's mood or health, further enhancing their mystical reputation.

Garnet, opal and topaz are considered to be gemstones because gemstones are known for their beauty, colour, lustre (shininess) and rarity. They are also known for the way light passes through them, and hardness. All three of those gemstones have aspects of these.

UGA, or the University of Georgia, is often referred to as "The Opal" due to its vibrant and multifaceted community, much like an opal gemstone. The term symbolizes the university's diversity, academic richness, and dynamic spirit. Additionally, the opal's unique play of colors reflects the various opportunities and experiences that UGA offers its students. This nickname captures the essence of the institution as a place of growth, creativity, and innovation.

Opals are a type of mineral composed of silica and water, so they do not have a distinct smell. The smell of a material is typically due to volatile compounds that are released into the air, which opals do not contain. Therefore, if you encounter an opal that has a smell, it may have been exposed to other substances that are imparting an odor onto it.

The price of Mexican opal can vary widely based on factors such as quality, color, and uniqueness. Generally, it ranges from $10 to several hundred dollars per carat, with high-quality specimens, especially those with vibrant play-of-color, fetching even higher prices. Collectible pieces or larger stones can command prices in the thousands. Always consider purchasing from reputable sources to ensure authenticity.

The streak of an opal is typically colorless due to its amorphous structure. It doesn't leave a visible streak on a streak plate like some other minerals do.

Opal's grain size refers to the size of the silica spheres that make up the gemstone. Larger grain sizes can enhance the play of colors in opals, while smaller grain sizes may result in a more uniform color appearance. Grains in opal are typically between 150 and 300 nanometers in size.

The price of opals can vary widely depending on factors such as size, quality, and color. Prices can range from a few dollars for lower quality opals to several thousand dollars for high-quality, rare opals. It's best to research specific types of opals and shop around to find the best price.

Sadly, Yes, Opal can be shattered. Opal is roughly the same hardness as common glass and can be shattered in the same manner as glass. Including heating then immersion into ice water, or hammer blows or dropping Opal onto a hard surface such as a sidewalk or driveway.

It depends.... when they have just been dug out of the round they are extremely rough and vary in shapes. Once they have been polished they are very smooth and usually a round shape.

Opal stones can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The largest opal ever found was known as the Olympic Australis, which weighed around 17,000 carats (3.4 kg) and measured about 30 cm in length.

Opals are formed when silica (SiO2) spheres all of a similar size, are arranged into a cubic close packed structure. This structure has the ability to diffract certain wavelengths of light based on the spacing in between layers of silica and the size of the spheres that make up the FCC lattice too. This is the basis for photonic crystals that can be created synthetically today.

Opal is a precious gemstone that can display a unique play of colors due to its internal structure. It is composed of silica and water, and its colors can vary depending on the angles of observation. Opal is the birthstone for October and is often associated with luck, love, and creativity.

The array of colors seen in opals is caused by diffraction and interference of light within microscopic silica spheres in the gemstone. The size and arrangement of these spheres influence the specific colors visible, giving opals their characteristic play of color.

The tenacity of opal is relatively low compared to other gemstones. It is prone to scratching, chipping, and cracking due to its composition, which includes water. It should be handled with care to avoid damage.

Ther is no set answer to this question. Each opal is unique and has its own value. From colorless opal to the most prized fire opal it depends on the size and color. A good place to get the idea of the value of opal is to go to ebay and type in opals. You will see prices from a few dollars to over 50,000 dollars.

Australian opals are known for their vibrant play-of-color, while Ethiopian opals typically exhibit a more honey-like coloration with flashes of red, orange, and green. Ethiopian opals are also generally more translucent than Australian opals.

About 95% of the world's opal comes from Australia, particularly from the regions of New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. These areas are known for producing high-quality opals with vibrant colors and unique patterns.

No, it's a type of silica, and is classed as a mineraloid.