Opal: features and curiosities
Among the most fashionable precious stones of the time, there is undoubtedly the opal, the magical stone that captivates everyone at first glance! Let us discover together some features and curiosities about this beautiful precious stone.
The name and the history
The term opal finds its root in the Sanskrit ùpala, in the Greek ὀπάλλιος (opallios) and in the Latin opălus. All three languages identify the meaning of the term as ''precious stone''. In short: since ancient times opal has been considered a truly special gem.
What it is made of
Opal is an amorphous colloidal mineral, with 20% water. Its formation occurs through a slow geological deposit of colloidal silica gel, formed at low temperature.
Where it is found
Opals are mainly found in Australia, the most important source for the extraction of these extraordinary gems. In particular, the richest regions for opals are Queensland and New South Wales, where the richest area is called «Coober Pedy». Southern Australia is also so rich in deposits because these gems form in very harsh, dry, and isolated climates. Other deposit areas include Mexico and Ethiopia.
Its features
For the evaluation of an opal, three features are usually compared. First, the intensity of the colour is assessed, then its distribution within the gem, and finally the number of colours present in the coloured area of the stone. In simple words? The perfect opal is a translucent gem that contains beautiful colour plays inside, with rainbow shades. A magical stone that enchants anyone who looks at it!
Types of Opal
There are many types of opal in the world, each with its special features. Let us look together at the most particular and precious ones.
Noble opal
Noble opal is undoubtedly one of the most precious types of the gem. Its most important feature is the harlequin effect, a playful carnival term that refers to the beautiful shifting colours present in the precious stone. The play of colours is caused by the infiltration of water and moisture in the stone and is visible to the naked eye.
Among noble opals, there are white opals, black opals, harlequin opals (the most prized!) and many other opals with various shades.
Fire opal
An opal that does not show the harlequin effect, but a particular fiery red colour, is the fire opal. An opaque stone, which can also be found in yellow or orange versions. Beautiful and definitely unique.
Common opal
In this case, colour plays are absent: common opal is an opaque gem, almost never translucent, often in various colours. Its value is certainly lower than the noble relative, but this does not take away that it is still very beautiful to see!
Some small curiosities
Since the 1990s, opal has officially been the symbolic stone of Australia.
A stone much loved during the Elizabethan era, its history goes back to the dawn of time. In Ancient Greece, it was believed that opal was a kind of talisman blessed by Zeus, with the power to foresee the future. Giving an opal as a gift symbolised the possibility of success, a special meaning that also concerned the Roman world. After the Roman era, however, opal began to be linked to occult magic, secret passions, and evil creatures. In short: opal is a magical stone, connected to divination and meditation.
In jewellery, opal is undoubtedly one of the precious stones of the moment. Beautiful and enchanting, it fits perfectly with every jewel, becoming a symbol of purity and luck. Even at Ferro Gioielli, opal is at home: many, in fact, ask our expert goldsmiths to create jewels adorned with this gem. If you too are looking for a beautiful opal to set in a jewel, do not forget to visit us in store! We await you at the Ferro Gioielli store on Matteotti Street, in Este.
