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An opal stone is one of the most interesting gemstones in the world for its multicolored flash that can seem to shift as the stone moves under light. Many other gemstones have a primary color and are only worth how much they can be sold for that single colour, but opal can have a variety of colours on its surface – blue, green, yellow, orange and red.
Fine opals display this incredible optical phenomenon, called play-of-color, which gives each opal a unique look. Due to this exclusiveness, opal is widely sought after by jewellery enthusiasts and gemstone collectors as well as those who prefer to purchase something other than traditional gemstone jewellery.
What Is an Opal Stone?
Opal stone is a gem of a hydrated silica (SiO₂·nHâ‚‚O) stone. It’s harder than most gemstones like sapphire and ruby, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 5 to 6.5.
Opal is formed when silica-rich material deposits in cracks and spaces in rocks. Tiny silica spheres are deposited and arranged in the material as water slowly evaporates. The pattern of these spheres can cause them to interact with light in precious opal to create the dazzling flashes of color that make opal so special.
One of the reasons why collectors love opals is because no two are exactly alike.
What Is So Special About Opal Stone?
Play of colour is the most obvious feature of an opal stone. When viewed from various angles, this effect can give rise to moving flashes of various colors.
The strength, hue, and design of this effect can make a significant difference to the appearance and appeal of the gemstone. Play-of-color is one of the most significant quality attributes of opal, according to GIA.
Sometimes, there are pinpoint flashes of color in some opals, and sometimes, there are broad patches of bright color. Some stones can display multiple colors simultaneously, producing a rainbow-like effect on the stone that looks like a mini rainbow.
There Are Several Varieties Of Opals
There are several varieties of opal and each variety will exhibit different characteristics and appearance.
Black Opal
Black opal has a dark bodycolor which creates a good contrast to its play of colour. Red, blue, green and other bright colors can really look spectacular on a dark background.
The combination of a good bodycolor and interesting and attractive play-of-color makes black opal extremely popular.
White Opal
White opal has a white or light-colored bodycolor, and may be translucent or opaque. One of the more well-known varieties of opal that can have nice colour highlights on its surface.
Fire Opal
Fire Opal typically displays yellow, orange or red bodycolor. Play-of-color is found in some fire opals, others are prized mainly for their handsome bodycolor.
Boulder Opal
The opal forms with inclusions of the natural rock (matrix) to which it belongs. The opal can become a source of natural patterning, along with the darker rock, and beautiful jewellery designs are possible.
Crystal Opal
Crystal opal is transparent to semi-transparent, and can exhibit magnificent play-of-colors. It can reveal the colors within the stone and not just on the surface.
Understanding Opal Play-of-Color
Play of color is one of the initial features to check on when purchasing an opal stone. Weaker or dull flashes are not as good as bright and vivid colors.
The pattern is also important. The common opal patterns are: pinfire, harlequin, flame and peacock. A harlequin pattern may be a larger, angular piece of color and pinfire may be a smaller spot of color.
Colors may vary, but bright flashes of red have always been very desirable. Other colors like blue, green, orange and multi-colors can be very attractive too.
When it comes to the value of an Opal stone, several factors come into play.
There are a number of factors that affect the worth of an opal stone.
Play-of-Color
Vibrant, bold, and pleasing flashes of colour can make for a very desirable addition. Stones that feature a wide spectrum of vivid colors can be especially attractive.
Pattern
Colour combination of the gemstone also plays a role. The perfect combination of a striking and beautiful pattern can enhance the appeal of an individual opal and make it more collectible.
Bodycolor
The background colour gives a base for the play of colour. Lighter backgrounds are ideal for creating a softer look, whereas darker backgrounds can help to create a strong contrast.
Clarity
Opals have clarity in terms of transparency and inclusions. Each variety of opal has its own requirements. In crystal opal, transparency is desired, but in black opal it is normal.
Cut
The cut should enhance the best color of the gemstone. Fine opals may be even cut into less conventional or freeform shapes since maintaining the best play-of-color may be more significant than retaining a conventional shape.
Opal Stone In Jewelry
- There are numerous ways to wear an opal stone, whether it’s in rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, or statement pieces.
- One popular use for opals is as a cabochon where a smooth, domed surface will help show play-of-color from various angles.
- If it is a ring that will be worn often, protective settings might be a good option as opal is relatively soft.Â
- Earrings and pendants may also be a great choice as these are less likely to be affected during normal activities.
Learn How To Select The Right Opal Stone For Your Needs
If buying an opal stone look for the stone under good lighting and from various angles.
Look for:
Standards: Bright and attractive play of color
A design that resonates with your individual style
- Good overall polish
- The opal type has the appropriate transparency
- Little or no cracks or damage on surface
- A proper form and thickness
- There is transparency regarding solid, treated, doublet, or triplet.
- GIA suggests that the type, play-of-color, transparency, clarity, and cut of opal be taken into account when evaluating.
How To Care For Opal Stone
Opal stones should be handled with care, as they can be more sensitive to handling than other gemstones. It can be relatively soft and may crack (crazing) due to sudden temperature changes or too high temperatures.
Warm soap water is deemed safe for cleaning. Do not use harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning unless using a method recommended by a qualified professional for the specific piece.
To avoid any potential scratching, keep opal jewels away from harder gemstones. Also, opal should not be exposed to very high temperatures, direct exposure to sunlight for too long, or to rapid changes in temperature.
Final Thoughts
An opal stone is a special possession when compared with other gemstones, as its beauty is ever-changing with light and movement. It has a wide variety of color options, natural patterns, individuality, and play of color, which make it a great addition to jewelry and collections of gemstones.
Knowing the characteristics of the colors, patterns, clarity, cut, and condition of opals can help you make a wise investment of your money when buying one.
If you’re looking for a gem that has character and a unique look out of all the others, opal is one of the most interesting gemstone options.
