en-us-Opal: The Gemstone That Plays with Light

06/05/2024

Opal is a gemstone with a long and rich history. It has been used in jewelry for thousands of years and has been prized for its beauty and its unique properties. Opal is characterized by its iridescent play of colors, which is caused by the diffraction of light within the tiny silica spheres that make up the stone.

A polished opal with an iridescent play of colors that changes with the light. The predominant colors are blue, green, and orange.
A polished opal with an iridescent play of colors that changes with the light. The predominant colors are blue, green, and orange.

OPAL PROPERTIES

  • Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale
  • Luster: Vitreous
  • Color: Colorless, white, gray, black, brown, red, yellow, green, blue, purple
  • Transparency: Transparent, translucent, opaque
  • Refractive index: 1.45-1.46
  • Density: 2.1-2.2 g/cm³

OPAL VARIETIES

  • Precious opal: The most prized variety of opal. It is characterized by its iridescent play of colors.
  • Fire opal: It has an intense red color.
  • Black opal: It is an opaque opal of black color.
  • Blue opal: It has an intense blue color.
  • Girasol opal: It has a yellow or orange color with an iridescent play of colors.

OPAL MEANING

Opal is associated with hope, creativity, joy, and good luck. It is said to be a stone that can help improve communication, intuition, and imagination.

OPAL CARE

Opal is a relatively fragile stone. It is important to avoid bumps and falls. It is also important to protect it from heat and chemicals.

WHERE TO BUY AN OPAL

Opals can be purchased at jewelry stores, mineral stores, and online. It is important to choose a good quality opal from a trusted seller.

TIPS FOR BUYING AN OPAL

  • Consider the color: The color of the opal is one of its most important features. Choose a color that you like and that matches your personal style.
  • Consider the play of colors: The play of colors of the opal is another important feature. Choose an opal with an intense and vibrant play of colors.
  • Consider the clarity: The clarity of the opal is also important. Choose an opal that is transparent or translucent and that does not have visible inclusions.
  • Consider the size: The size of the opal is important for the price and usability. Choose a size that is suitable for your budget and for the use you will give the stone.
  • Consider the cut: The cut of the opal is important for its beauty and its value. Choose an opal that is well cut and that highlights its play of colors.

We hope this information is helpful.

Remember:

  • Opal is a gemstone with a long and rich history.
  • It is characterized by its iridescent play of colors.
  • It is associated with hope, creativity, joy, and good luck.
  • It is important to take care of the opal to prevent it from being damaged.
  • Opals can be purchased at jewelry stores, mineral stores, and online.