Opals

If the basalt flow contains air bubbles and pockets and there is a spring that contains silica then the silica can deposit into the air bubbles (the air bubbles are known as Amygdaloidal basalt or vesicles) If the silica deposits slowly and the conditions are correct then precious opal can form. Two examples of this would be in California at the Nowak and the Barnett mines.

Australian opal is the finest opal known and is exported around the world. It's safe to say that even the smallest gem and jewelry store in the smallest towns of the developed world will carry some Australian opal.

A fire opal is composed of silicon dioxide with varying amounts of water and sometimes contains trace elements such as iron, copper, and manganese. Its vivid orange, red, and yellow colors are due to the presence of small gas bubbles and other impurities within the crystal structure.

Opal is often referred to as a mineraloid because it lacks a crystal structure, which is a defining characteristic of minerals. Instead, opal is made up of tiny silica spheres arranged in a more random, non-repeating pattern, giving it its unique play-of-color. This amorphous structure sets it apart from traditional minerals.

No, opal gemstones do not have a smell. They are composed of silica and water, and their scent is neutral.

It depends what its made from. Natural opals made from silica have a high melting point around ~1600 celsius. These are common structures in research as silica spheres are easy to make with the stober method and form opals using the colvin method. The other 2 common types of opals created synthetically are PMMA, polystyrene. Polystyrene melts areound 120 celsius, PMMA melts at 160 celsius.

Melting opal can cause the gemstone to lose its color iridescence due to the high temperatures involved. The internal structure of opal can also be altered, impacting its overall appearance and value. It is generally not recommended to heat or melt opal.

The density of opal birthstone varies depending on factors such as water content and composition, but it typically ranges between 1.98 to 2.20 grams per cubic centimeter.

Opal is a form of silica, amorphous and hydrated: SiO2.nH2O.

Fire opals are unique in the lush world of the opals. They were already admired as symbols of the most fervent love in ancient times, in India and in the ancient Persian kingdom, and among the peoples of Central America and the Amerindians.

Conchoidal fracture pattern, characterized by smooth, curved surfaces with sharp edges. This distinctive pattern is a result of the way these materials break along flat planes of weakness.

The opposite of opal does not have a universally recognized term. However, some may consider diamond, as they are both precious gemstones but with very different characteristics.

Opals do not naturally occur in a true purple color. However, there are opals that can exhibit purple flash or play-of-color when viewed from certain angles due to diffraction of light. These opals are usually referred to as having purple "flash" rather than being completely purple.

Opal is composed primarily of silica and water. It is a mineraloid, not a true mineral, because it lacks a crystalline structure.

Opals change color due to a phenomenon called play of color, which occurs when light is diffracted within the tiny silica spheres in the gemstone. The different colors seen in an opal are caused by the way light is reflected and refracted within the stone, creating a vibrant display of colors.

Fire opals are known for their vibrant orange to red colors, often with flashes of yellow. They have a distinctive translucency and usually do not exhibit the play of color seen in other opal varieties. Fire opals are primarily sourced from Mexico and are prized for their unique coloration.

The cost of opal gemstones can vary widely depending on factors like size, quality, and color. On average, opal gemstones can range anywhere from $20 to $2,000 per carat, with rare and high-quality opals fetching even higher prices. It's best to reach out to a reputable jeweler or gem dealer for specific pricing based on your preferences.

Individual Birthstones colors, such as the Opal, also have special attributes. The meaning behind birthstones colors were symbolised by their association with events which occurred in history, many of which date back, and relate to, the biblical meanings of colors. The Christian meaning of Multi-colored was highly symbolic. From Ancient times wise men and healers have believed that jewels and gemstones, such as the Opal, have mystical powers and conduct the energies of the ruling planets with which each gemstone is associated which affect our physical or emotional well being and healing powers. Gemstones and their attributes were related to signs of the Zodiac or month of birth and referred to as Birthstones. The symbolism and meaning of the Birthstone Color for October is as follows: * The symbolic meaning of the color white, the dominant colour of the opal, is purity and virtue. White also has a Biblical meaning for holiness and is the Christian color for all high Holy Days and festival days of the Church Year, especially the seasons of Christmas and Easter. The Pope is associated with the color white and the colour is used in church services for baptism, marriage, ordination and dedications ====== ======

October's child is born for woe,

And life's vicissitudes must know,

But lay an opal on her breast,

And hope will lull those woes to rest.

Opals are typically cut and polished to enhance their color and clarity. They may also be stabilized or treated to improve their durability. Some opals go through a process called "dopping" where they are attached to a stick for easier handling during cutting and polishing.

Yes, diatomite is a type of sedimentary rock made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of single-celled algae. Opal silica, on the other hand, refers to a non-crystalline form of silica that can be found in amorphous, hydrated, or gel-like states. While diatomite contains opal silica, they are not the same thing.

Opals are composed primarily of hydrated silica (SiO2·nH2O) with a unique internal structure that creates its play-of-color effect. These gemstones can also contain small amounts of water, which is responsible for their variable colors and iridescence.

Opals have been associated with bad luck in some cultures due to superstitions and myths. In the past, opals were believed to bring misfortune because of their changing colors, which was seen as unsettling. However, many people today view opals as a symbol of hope, creativity, and inspiration.

A created opal is a type of synthetic opal that is made in a laboratory. It is created using a combination of silica spheres and a polymer resin material to mimic the appearance of natural opal. Created opals can display similar color play and patterns to genuine opals.

The hardness of fire opal ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft compared to other gemstones. This means it can be susceptible to scratching and abrasion if not handled carefully.