Opals

Opal is the Australian natural gemstone and is formed from a solution of silicon dioxide and water, it ranges in colors from clear to white, gray, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, magenta, rose, pink, slate, olive, brown, and black. However, it is brittle, heat sensitive, and breaks and scratches easily. They are very common and not at all rare. There are many different kinds of opal and the precious kinds are either black or white.

Black opals can be found in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, which is one of the most famous opal mining areas in Australia. Lightning Ridge is known for producing high-quality black opals, prized for their vibrant play of colors against a dark background.

Opal You Asked Me was written by Robert H. Pearson and was first published in 1960.

Fire opals are known for their vivid orange, yellow, and red colors, often with flashes of green or blue. They have a distinctive internal structure that diffracts light, giving them a fiery appearance. Fire opals are typically transparent to translucent and are prized for their intense and vibrant play-of-color.

Faux opals can come in a variety of colors such as white, blue, pink, purple, and green. They are created to mimic the appearance of natural opals but are usually made of materials like glass or resin.

Opals can be found in various countries including Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia, and the United States. They are often mined in regions with unique geological conditions that allow for the formation of these beautiful gemstones.

Gemstones possess several characteristics that contribute to their beauty. Here are some of the key factors:

Color: Color is one of the most noticeable and important features of a gemstone. Vibrant and saturated colors are often preferred, such as deep blues in sapphires, vivid greens in emeralds, and rich reds in rubies. The hue, tone, and saturation of the color can greatly impact the gemstone's beauty.

Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal flaws (inclusions) and external blemishes. The fewer and less visible the flaws, the higher the clarity, and the more desirable and valuable the gemstone. A gemstone with excellent transparency and minimal imperfections allows light to pass through and enhances its beauty.

Cut: The cut of a gemstone determines its shape, facets, and proportions, which influence its brilliance, sparkle, and overall appearance. A well-cut gemstone reflects and refracts light effectively, resulting in maximum brilliance and fire. Different gemstones have specific cutting styles that optimize their beauty.

Transparency: Transparency refers to a gemstone's ability to transmit light. Transparent gemstones are highly valued, as they allow light to pass through and interact with the stone, enhancing its color and brilliance. Some gemstones, like diamonds, are prized for their exceptional transparency.

Luster: Luster refers to the way light reflects off the surface of a gemstone. A gemstone with a high luster appears shiny and reflective, adding to its visual appeal. Different gemstones exhibit different types of luster, such as vitreous (glass-like), metallic, or pearly.

Optical Phenomena: Certain gemstones display optical phenomena, such as asterism (star effect), adularescence (moonstone effect), or play-of-color (opalescence). These unique effects can make a gemstone captivating and increase its beauty.

Rarity: Gemstones that are rare and difficult to find tend to be highly sought after and valued for their uniqueness. The rarity factor adds to their allure and exclusivity.

Durability: The durability and hardness of a gemstone influence its desirability. Gemstones that can withstand everyday wear and tear without easily scratching or breaking are more desirable and considered beautiful.

Size: While beauty is not solely dependent on size, larger gemstones often attract attention and are perceived as more valuable. However, the beauty of a gemstone can also be appreciated in smaller sizes, especially if the other characteristics mentioned above are exceptional.

It's important to note that beauty is subjective, and personal preferences may vary. Different individuals may be attracted to different gemstone characteristics, and cultural and historical influences can also play a role in determining beauty standards for gemstones.

Yes, opal is relatively fragile, but not as fragile as many people believe. They are rated 6 on Mohr's hardness scale, and have the same strength as the equivalent piece of glass. they are quite stable, and difficult to crack, but naturally should not be allowed to slam into hard surfaces. They do not crack, and it is a myth that they need to be rubbed with oil to prevent cracking (they are non-porous and do not absorb oil or other liquids).

Opal has a hardness of around 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it is relatively soft compared to other gemstones. This makes opal prone to scratching and requires gentle handling and care.

The value of opals and amethysts can vary depending on factors such as quality, size, and rarity. In general, high-quality opals can be more valuable than amethysts due to their uniqueness and play-of-color. Ultimately, it's best to have both evaluated by a professional to determine their worth accurately.

Silica is a key ingredient in opal glass, providing the glass with its unique properties. Silica helps to lower the melting temperature of the glass, making it easier to work with during the manufacturing process. Additionally, silica contributes to the opalescent appearance of opal glass, giving it a milky, iridescent quality.

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.

Cherry opal is primarily found in Mexico and the United States, specifically in locations like Nevada and Oregon. It can also be found in other countries such as Peru, Australia, and Indonesia.

Australian opals are exported practically everywhere around the world but the main countries we export to is Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, USA and Europe.

Opals can float in water because they have low density. However, not all opals will float as this depends on their specific density and porosity. It's always a good idea to test each opal individually if you plan on using water to differentiate between a synthetic or a simulant.

Opal is a mineraloid gel. It is made, oddly enough, almost entirely of opal.

It is also completely free of birefringence, and has virtually no pleochroism.

Opal is basically silica. Saying opal is made of opal is like saying quartz is made of quartz, or tiger eye is made of tiger eye. It's the unique structure of the silica that makes it become opal. The Japanese have made a nice man made opal using silica and zirconium oxide.

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Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is the element oxide that makes up quartz and opal. Silicon dioxide is a compound composed of silicon and oxygen atoms and is the main component of these minerals.

Opals are mainly used for jewelry, ornaments, and collector specimens. They are also used for healing.

The value of a 2.5 carat opal can vary significantly depending on factors such as the quality, color, clarity, and origin of the stone. In general, opals can range in price from a few dollars per carat for lower-quality stones to several hundred dollars per carat for high-quality stones. It is recommended to have the opal appraised by a professional to determine its exact value.

The density of opal typically ranges from 1.9 to 2.3 g/cm³, with an average density around 2.1 g/cm³. This can vary depending on the specific type and composition of the opal.

A mineraloid is a naturally occurring substance that lacks a crystalline structure, which distinguishes it from minerals that have a well-defined atomic structure. They may have a chemical composition similar to minerals but do not exhibit the same regularity in their internal arrangement of atoms. Amber and opal are examples of mineraloids.

People typically sell black opal in jewelry stores, online marketplaces such as eBay or Etsy, specialized gemstone auctions, or through private dealers. It is important to ensure that the black opal is certified and authenticated before making any transactions to guarantee its authenticity and value.