Opals

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.

Opal has a unique luster known as opalescence, which is a play of colors that appears to change and move as the gemstone is viewed from different angles. This luster is caused by the diffraction of light through the tiny spherical silica structures within the opal.

An opal is considered to be a mineraloid, meaning that it has all of the properties of a mineral-- solid, inorganic, naturally forming, has a chemical composition-- but does not demonstrate crystallinity. Other examples of mineraloids include obsidian, an amorphous glass (that is not a crystal).

Synthetic opals may exhibit more vibrant colors, perfect patterns, and consistent play-of-color compared to natural opals. Additionally, synthetic opals often have a more uniform appearance and lack the inclusions and imperfections present in natural opals. A gemologist should be able to confirm whether an opal is synthetic through specialized testing techniques.

The other birthstone for October is the tourmaline, which comes in a variety of colors such as pink, green, and watermelon. It is believed to have calming and balancing properties, bringing a sense of harmony to the wearer.

There are very few jewellers that know the value of anystone. They are merchants. Go to a good G.I.A. certified appraiser for the value of a gemstone. Opals can range in price from several dollars a carat to fifteen/twenty thousand dollars a carat easy. Opals can be white, black, or crystal. Overall colour and intensity being roughly the same the blacks are most expensive due to their beauty and rarity. There are no strict guidelines for valuing an opal. Even experts will vary somewhat in their appraisal due to personal preference as to colour and pattern. It is difficult to value an opal due to each stone, for the most part, has its own personality, especially when you get into the better gem grades. Opals are generally rated on a one to five scale, five being brilliant. One are junk, twos are considered commercial grade. Most of what you see in a store, unless it is manmade, is the junk. There is not a good market for fine opals in the U.S. as most people have not seen any and consider it a cheap stone, even though it can sell for more per carat than a D flawless diamond. Any jeweller or gem smith. The value is based on the polish, size, clarity, common market, and rarity of the stone.

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.

Opal is known for its cleavage, which is the tendency of the stone to break along certain planes due to its crystal structure. This can give opal a characteristic pattern of fractures or cleavage surfaces when it is damaged or cut.

Opals get their color from the diffraction of light as it passes through microscopic silica spheres within the stone. These spheres diffract light into a spectrum of colors known as play-of-color, giving opals their distinctive iridescence.

Opal does not have a cleavage because it lacks a well-defined crystal structure. Instead, opal is an amorphous mineral composed of hydrated silica spheres arranged in a random pattern, giving it its unique play-of-color.

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Opal forms when silica-rich water seeps into cracks and cavities in rocks, then evaporates and leaves behind solid silica deposits. Over time, these deposits can stack up and form opal, with the play-of-color effect being created by the interaction of light with the silica spheres within the stone.

Opal does not have a cleavage or fracture because it lacks a distinct cleavage plane like minerals such as mica or calcite. Instead, opal typically fractures conchoidally, meaning it breaks with smooth, curved surfaces similar to glass.

A 20mm floating opal is typically about the size of a nickel or a small coin. It is considered a medium-sized opal that can be easily incorporated into jewelry designs or used as a focal piece in accessories.

A colourless opal is known as a "milky" or "white" opal. It lacks the play-of-color that is characteristic of other opals, resulting in a milky or whitish appearance.

Opal mines are primarily found in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. These two states are known for their rich deposits of opal, with opal mines such as Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy producing some of the world's finest opals.