Opals

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.

A real opal will have unique color patterns and play-of-color effects, while a fake opal may have a uniform color and lack depth in its appearance. You can also conduct a scratch test by using a sharp object on a small inconspicuous area; a real opal will not scratch easily. Additionally, a jeweler or gemologist can authenticate the opal using specialized equipment if needed.

To drill holes in opals for making jewelry, you will need a fine diamond-tipped drill bit and a rotary tool or flex shaft. It's important to use gentle pressure and go slowly to avoid damaging the opal. You may also want to use a lubricant such as water to keep the drill bit cool and prevent the opal from cracking.

Halite is a naturally occurring mineral form of sodium chloride, commonly known as rock salt, while opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica with a characteristic play-of-color. Halite is typically colorless or white, whereas opal can display a wide range of colors due to its internal structure diffracting light.

Opal Jewelry designed by Wayne Roland Brown can be found on his official website, at select jewelry stores and boutiques that stock his designs, or at specialized gem and jewelry shows where he exhibits his creations. You can also reach out to him directly through his website or social media to inquire about purchasing his Opal Jewelry.

Boulder opal is distinct from black opal in the following ways: * Boulder opal is usually mined in open-cut operations while black opal is mined in shafts. * Boulder opal is found in ironstone boulders, while black opal is found in seams.

Opals are not commonly found in Washington state. They are primarily found in countries like Australia, Mexico, and Brazil. Washington is more known for its variety of other gemstones like agates, garnets, and petrified wood.

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.

Opal has an amorphous or non-crystalline structure, meaning it lacks a repeating atomic arrangement like that found in crystals. Instead, opal is made up of tiny silica spheres arranged in a disordered pattern, which gives it its beautiful color play known as "play-of-color."

This unique arclike pattern that forms when flint and opals break is called a concoidal fracture. It is characterized by smooth, curved surfaces with concentric ridges radiating from the point of impact, resembling the shape of an arc or horseshoe. This fracture pattern is distinct and useful in identifying these minerals.