Some Interesting Facts about Opal Stone That You Should Know

Opals Stone are the most enchanting of all the gemstones which display beautiful flashes of color when turned in the light sometimes displaying all the hues of a spectrum; red of a ruby, green of an emerald, blue of a sapphire and purple of an amethyst. This spectacular optical phenomenon is called play- of- color or fire, the most distinctive feature of an opal.

What are the various types of an opal?

Opals are classified on the basis of its base color, play-of-color and transparency. The trade accepts following opal categories:

• Black opal: Translucent to opaque, appear black in reflected light and display play-of-color. Black opals with vivid play-of-color are the most valued and also rarest of all opals.
• White opal: Translucent white to gray, display play-of-color.
• Crystal opal: Transparent to semitransparent, show exceptional play-of -color.
• Water opal: Transparent to translucent with faint or no play-of color.
• Boulder opal: Have fragments of host-rock and show play-of-color.

How are opals formed and what causes play-of-color?

Opals mostly form in dry arid regions when water from seasonal rains run down deep into earth and deposits silica into cracks in underground rocks. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a silica layer in the cracks. This silica deposit is opal. Opal's most distinctive feature, its play of color occurs when light interacts with layers of stacked silica spheres, it diffracts and breaks up into spectral colors, causing a beautiful play-of-color. Opals which display play-of-color are called precious opals while the ones which don't are called common opals.

What is the source and origin of best opals?

Opals were first discovered in Australia in 1902 and even today 90% of the world's supply of opal comes from Australia. White cliff area of New South Wales and Coober Pedy in South Australia are major sources where opals are mined. In recent years, Ethiopia has also emerged as a significant white opal source.

How is the value of an opal determined??

Opals can differ widely in appearance and quality and their valuation is subjective depending on the preferences of the consumer. Generally speaking, value of an opal is determined on the basis of its color and play of color, pattern of play-of-color and transparency. A vivid play-of-color is always preferred and the most valued is the one which has all the hues of the rainbow. But not all opals display all the spectral hues, most have one dominant color with two or more secondary colors. A red dominant hue is highly preferred followed by orange and green. Some opals have play-of-color all over the surface of opal in an attractive pattern while some have many dead spots where there is no play-of-color which lowers its value.

How to care for opal?

Opals have a significant amount of water usually 5-10%, some also containing as high as 20% and loss of moisture can cause development of cracks or crazing in an opal. Thereffore it should be handled with a lot of care and caution. It should not be exposed to sudden temperature changes, excessive heat and light and should be stored in water when not in use.

What are the benefits of wearing Opal gemstone?

Just as diamond, opal is also associated with planet Venus. 5-6 carat diamonds of high quality are rare and very expensive. Opals are excellent alternate to diamonds and give the same astrological benefits as diamonds. It is an October birthstone and some of the benefits of wearing this gemstone are:

• Venus is a planet of love, luxury, wealth and fame. A strong Venus gives an attractive personality and enables the native to enjoy all the luxuries of life.
• If Venus is a benefic planet in horoscope, then wearing opal prevents delays in marriage and children and promotes love and harmony in relationships. Alos, it helps to re-ignite lost love and romance in a relationship.
• It is a beneficial stone for those in the field of arts, acting, theatre, public relations, sales of luxury items and import-export.
• It helps to build a good reputation and status in society and enables the wearer to get rid of debts and law suits.
• It also sharpens mental capabilities, improves creativity and strengthens imagination power of the wearer.

To know more about opal gemstone, how and when to wear it and to buy lab-certified and natural gemstones, visit the website http://shubhgems.in or Call 8010 555 111

I am Shahid working as a digital marketer in Shubh Gems From last 1 year. I have published many article related to gemstone, online astrology etc.