Opal gemstone is stunningly gorgeous and is among the most sought-after gems in the jewelry industry. You may find opals in a rainbow of hues, and their firework displays are nothing short of magnificent.
But in all honesty, how much do you know about them?
In this article, we will discuss everything from the many color variants of opal to its cost and how to properly care for it.
To find out more, keep reading!
What is an Opal Gemstone: Meaning & Origin
An opal gemstone is a semi-precious stone that is found in a variety of colors. The most common colors are white, black, and pink. Opals have a hardness of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively soft and susceptible to scratches. They also have a low melting point, so they should be stored away from heat sources.
Opals are made up of tiny spheres of silica that diffract light to create a shimmering effect known as “fire.” The water molecules cause light to diffract in many directions, giving opal its distinctive play of colors. Opals are found in Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States. The best quality opals come from Australia.
The name “opal” comes from the Sanskrit word “upala,” which means “precious stone.” Opals have been used in jewelry for centuries and are believed to bring good luck. In ancient Rome, opals were associated with hope and purity.
Opal Gemstones & Their Unique Properties
Opals come in a broad range of shapes and colors, and their many names reflect this. The following divisions for different types of opal explain the reasons behind these unique names.
Opal in Their Most Fundamental Forms
Common Opal
Common opal is the most basic type of opal and does not contain any jewelry-quality Gemstone.
Fire Opal
Fire opals are a type of opal that contains a small amount of hydrated silicon dioxide, which gives them their characteristic red or orange color.
Precious Opal
Precious opals are the most valuable type of opal and contain a large amount of hydrated silicon dioxide, which creates a beautiful play of color.
Opal Based on Colors
Black Opal
Black opal is a type of precious opal that exhibits a black body color. The gemstone gets its characteristic color from the presence of iron and carbon in the mineral’s composition. They are rare and typically found in Australia.
White Opal
The most common hue of opal is white. White opal has a white background and reflects various colors, usually blues, greens, and reds. White opal is found in Australia, Brazil, and Mexico.Its vivid look makes it a popular jewelry choice among the list of white gemstones.
Pink Opal
Pink opal is typically light pink or peach in color. It is found in various parts of the world, including Australia, Mexico, and the United States. The gemstone is prized for its beautiful color as well as its rarity. Also known for its delicate nature, it can be easily damaged if not handled properly.
Blue Opal
Blue opal is the rarest form of this gemstone and is found in Lightning Ridge, Australia. It gets its blue color from the presence of iron in the stone. Blue opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of 2.60 to 2.70. It is said to be a symbol of hope and good luck and is thought to have spiritual qualities that promote peace and calmness.
Crystal Opal
Crystal opal has a subtle yet beautiful color. It is typically a pale blue, but it can also be pink, green, or white. It is found in Australia and is a prized gemstone because of its unique beauty. It is also one of the most affordable types of opal.
Purple Opal or Morado Opal
Morado opal is a dark purple crystal in color. It is found in Mexico. It’s an opaque stone, which means that it does not let light through it. This gives it a very different look than other types of opal, which are typically translucent or transparent. Morado opal is also very dense and heavy, making it a good choice for jewelry that needs to be durable, such as opal rings.
Cat’s Eye Opal
Cat’s Eye Opal is a variety of opal gemstone that exhibits a cat’s eye effect, meaning that when it is moved, a thin band of light moves across the surface. The color can vary from white to orange, but the most common is yellow-green. It is found in Australia and Brazil.
Harlequin Opal
The harlequin opal is a multi-colored, faceted gemstone whose patterns take the form of diamonds or rectangles. It is found in a few different places around the world, but the best quality stones come from Australia. This opal is known for its unique properties, including the way it changes colors when viewed from different angles.
Pinfire Opal
Pinfire opal has a unique pin-like fire pattern. The color can vary, but it is typically a mix of orange, yellow, and green. This gemstone is found in Australia and Mexico. It’s a fragile stone that should be handled with care.
Contraluz Opal
Contraluz Opal has a dark body tone and is typically found in Mexico. This type of opal is known for its vibrant blue and green colors, which can be very striking against a darker background. They are also known for their fire or the play of colors that can be seen when they are rotated or viewed from different angles. These opals are fairly rare and can be quite expensive.
Opals Based on the Location
Did you know that opals also come in a wide variety of types based on their place of origin? Let’s take a look:
- Coober Pedy Opal
- Lightning Ridge Opal
- Andamooka Opal
- Louisiana Opal
- Ethiopian Opal
- Honduras Black Opal
- Mexican Opal
- Peruvian Opal
Opal Based on Host Rocks
Solid Opal (Type 1)
Solid opal or Type 1 opal is the most common variety of opal gemstones. It is distinguished from other opals by its uniform body color and lack of play of color. Type 1 opal is found in sedimentary rocks, where it forms as small, round nodules. The host rock for this opal is usually shale or mudstone.
Boulder Opal (Type 2)
Boulder opal is a variety of opal, not to be confused with precious opal. It is found in Queensland, Australia, and is composed of up to 30% opal. The host rock is a sedimentary ironstone. The ironstone matrix can be dark or light depending on the amount of iron present. The opal is usually a bright yellow but can also be red, green, or blue.
Matrix Opal (Type 3)
Matrix opal can form in any type of rock, but it is most commonly found in sedimentary rocks. The host rock can influence the color and pattern of this opal. For example, matrix opal found in shale will often have a gray or black color, while that found in limestone often has a cream or light brown color.
How Much Does an Opal Cost & Factors Affecting the Price Tag
Opal gemstones can be very affordable, or they can be extremely expensive. They can cost from $10 to even up to $5000 per carat.
Factors that affect the price of opals include:
Type
The most common type of opal is white opal, which is also the most affordable one. Black opals are the most expensive type of opal due to being rare.
Size
The size of opal can also affect its price tag. Smaller opals are usually more affordable than larger opals.
Color
The color of opal is another factor that affects its price. Opals with more color are usually more expensive than those with less color.
Roots
Finally, where opal was mined can also affect its price. Opals from Australia are usually more expensive than those mined in other countries.
What are the Benefits of Owning an Opal Gemstone
Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry or hoping to reap the astrological benefits of opal gemstone, owning an opal is sure to be a rewarding experience.
Astrological Benefits
Opal is said to be the birthstone of October, and it is associated with the astrological sign of Libra. People who wear opal are said to be blessed with love, good fortune, and creativity.
According to ancient lore, opals were thought to possess the power to grant their owners invisibility. While that particular benefit may be up for debate, there is no denying that opals are truly one-of-a-kind gemstones.
Other Benefits
The opal gemstone is best known for its unique display of colors. However, this precious stone has many other benefits that are not as well known. For example, opals are said to bring luck and good fortune to those who wear them.
They are also believed to have healing properties, such as the ability to relieve stress and anxiety.
In addition, opals are said to promote self-confidence and creativity. There’s also no denying that this beautiful gemstone makes a stunning piece of jewelry.
Care for Opal Gemstone Jewelry
Opals are composed of a relatively high amount of water, and they can easily become dried out if they are not properly cared for. As a result, opals are more susceptible to cracks and chips than other gemstones.
If you are worried about how to take care of an opal ring or other precious jewelry, fortunately, there are a few simple steps that can be taken.
- First, it is important to avoid exposing the gemstone to extended periods of heat or direct sunlight, as this can cause the water within the stone to evaporate.
- When cleaning opal jewelry, use only mild soap and warm water; avoid using any harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
- Lastly, it is advisable to store opal jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or lined box when not being worn, as this will help to keep the stone hydrated.
FAQs
Opal is a mineral but also a gemstone because it is used for jewelry and has a high value.
Some people may prefer to wear them on their ring finger, as this is the traditional placement for a gemstone ring, but others may choose to wear them on their index or middle finger. Ultimately, it is up to the individual wearer to decide where they feel most comfortable wearing their opal gemstone.
A yellow opal gemstone is a type of quartz. It is usually light in color but can also be darker shades of yellow.
Ready to Invest in an Opal?
So if you’re looking for a little bit of luck or just want to add a pop of color to your outfit, consider investing in an opal gemstone!
Tell us in the comments what kind of opal you find most appealing.
