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Opals can be found in several locations around the world, with the most famous opal-producing regions being Australia, particularly in areas like Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, and Andamooka. Other notable locations include Mexico, where fire opals are prevalent, and Ethiopia, which has gained recognition for its opal deposits. In addition to these countries, small quantities of opals can also be found in the United States, particularly in Nevada and Idaho. However, mining regulations vary by location, so it's essential to check local laws before digging for opals.
What else can I help you with?
Who made opals?
Nobody MADE opals. They're mined out of the ground.
Where are opals mined most in the world?
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.
What are food uses of opals?
Opals cannot be used as foods. They are hard, precious stones.
Do opals actually make you invisible?
Neither opals or any other gemstone will make you invisible.
Are opals black?
Some opals are known as black opals, this is when they have a mainly black colour. In general a black opal is very dark blue and has flecks of other colours within
Are opals natively Australian?
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.
Why are opals amorphous?
Opals are amorphous because they lack a crystalline structure. Their formation involves the precipitation of silica spheres in a disordered arrangement, which gives opals their unique play-of-color appearance. This lack of a crystal lattice is what differentiates them from most other gemstones.
Can you melt an opal?
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.
Where can black opals be found in NSW?
Three different types of Opal are found in Australia:Fire Opals are mined in South Australia near Coober Pedy.Black Opals are mined in New South Wales near Lightning Ridge.Boulder Opals are mined in the western Queensland.
Are green opals magnetic?
No, green opals are not magnetic. Opals, including green opals, are primarily composed of silica and water, which do not exhibit magnetic properties. If a green opal is attracted to a magnet, it may contain traces of iron or other magnetic minerals, but the opal itself is not inherently magnetic.
Do opals shrink?
No they do not shrink.
Does Coober Pedy mine white or black opals?
Yes. Coober Pedy is still a major producer of opals.
