Unlike any other
gemstone, opal dazzles the eye with a spectral display
of flashing and dancing colors – colors that move
and shift within the opal’s mysterious depths.
A Roman historian in the first century AD wrote, “There
is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the
brilliant purple of the amethyst and the sea green of
the emerald – all shining together in incredible
union.
Some by their splendor rival the colors of the
painters, others the flame of burning sulfur or of fire
quickened by oil.” Opal offers the wearer a wider
variety of appearances and color choices than any other
gem.
Opal is treasured as much for its many different appearances
as it is for its breathtaking beauty. There are over
100 different variety and trade names used today to describe
opals. Opals with a lighter body color are often called
white opals, and those with a darker (and more rare)
body color are classified as black opals.
Whether white
or black, the value of an opal depends upon the vividness
of the spectral flashes (often called play of color) visible from within the
gem and the patterns these colors form. Another popular opal with little or no
play of color is fire opal. Fire opals range in hue from vivid yellows to fiery
reds and oranges.
Birthstone
Opal is the birthstone for October and shares this designation with tourmaline.
Origins
Most of the world’s opals come from the deserts of Australia. Other important
sources include Mexico and the United States.
Treatments
There are various treatments used to enhance the beauty of opals. The most common
treatments darken the body color, making the play of color slightly more noticeable.
Some opals are coated with oil, wax or plastic to improve their appearance. All
of these treatments only affect a thin outer layer of the gem’s surface
and, therefore, are not considered stable.
Care
Because of their unusually high water content, opals should be protected from
heat and strong light that can dry them out. Opals also draw moisture from the
air and, therefore, should not be stored for long periods of time in dehumidified
environments such as a bank vault. Never clean an opal using strong chemicals
or detergents, and avoid both ultrasonic and steam cleaning machines. Because
opals are slightly softer than most transparent gemstones, they are best suited
for wear in earrings and pendants. When mounted in a ring or bracelet, special
attention should be paid to ensure the stone is well protected. Opals can be
cleaned with plain soap and warm water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and
dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.
Back to Gemstones
