Natural Opal: Discovering Its Unique Beauty and Vibrant Colors

The natural opal has a unique characteristic of play-of-color along with a pattern that will be unique in any given stone forever. All the other colored stones owe their color to the absorption of certain wavelengths of light, whereas opal gets its color from the diffraction of light across microscopic spheres of silica, hence displaying constantly changing rainbow colors. 

In this blog, we explore several types of opal and the vivid colors associated with the stone, as well as go over some care and handling tips for these special gemstones.

What is Natural Opal?

Natural opal gemstone is considered to be a mineraloid because it lacks an orderly internal structure. This happens when waters rich in silica enter into the fissures of rock; through evaporation, the resulting process leaves a hardened gel-like substance to opal. Perhaps the true magic of its beauty might be expressed in the arrangement of its spheres of silica, which diffract light and present a color spectrum.

What gives opal crystal its special status is the ability, in case of incidence of light into the interior structure, to display all the colors of the rainbow. This "play-of-color" can show all the hues of the rainbow and give the reason for its brilliance. Opals are types, each differing in appearance and properties:

• Precious Opal: It is the most valuable type of opal and is differentiated by its play of color. Its subtypes include black opal crystal, boulder opal, and fire opal. Black opal generally possesses a dark body tone with vivid colors, while fire opal is characterized by its bright orange to red color.

• Common Opal: Opal stone does not exhibit play-of-color. It occurs in several colors like white, pink, and brown, and is usable for ornamental purposes.

• Opal Doublets and Triplets: Composite stones in which a thin slice of natural opal stone is put over some backing material. The doublet has two layers, while in triplets, there is an added layer at the top to enhance the play of color in the opal.

Learn more about other gems and head to Effects Of Malachite Gemstones On Your Health. 

Understanding Opal's Vibrant Colors

The play of colors in opal stone is a result of the diffraction of light due to the internal silica spheres. For any given angle of light, other than the size and arrangement of these spheres, colors are displayed. A look at some common opal colors:

• Rainbow Play-of-Color: Most valuable opal gemstones show red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet in a kaleidoscope of patterns and flashes that are called play, creating a dynamic optical effect.

• Fire Opal: Fire Opal Crystal has bright red, orange, and yellow colors; it doesn't play, but its bright warm colors are attractive. Fire Agate is often compared to this gem. 

• Black Opal: It is the type of opal that has a dark body tone which makes its play-of-color more vivid. Black natural opal stone may offer a variety of bright colors and, for this reason, is highly in demand.

Characteristics Affecting Quality

The quality of opal stone is based on several factors:

• Play-of-Color: The strength of colors and area of color coverage are the important facts. The finest opal crystals display brilliant, well-defined play-of-color across a significant area of the stone.

• Body Tone: In terms of the background color, the shade is the most critical factor that sets the degree of contrast of play-of-color. Lighter body tones tend to make the play-of-color more vibrant in appearance, whereas darker tones give a very dramatic background, such as Black Opal Stone.

• Clarity and Transparency: Good quality opal is supposed to be devoid of any sort of cracks or inclusions. Most of the natural opal stones are found to have some form of inclusions that may be visibly seen; however, clarity and transparency do play a part in the general value of the stone.

• Cut and Shape: Opal stone is generally cut into cabochons-smooth, curving shapes that allow its play of color. The shape and polish can affect the brilliance and beauty of the stone.

Want to know more about other crystals then click on How Can Moss Agate Make Your Health Better? 

Caring for Your Natural Opal

Natural opal stones require some special attention because it has some unique qualities. Here are some tips that will help keep your opal at its best:

• Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals: The opal crystal is sensitive to chemicals, and chemicals, cleaning solvents, or abrasive materials should not come into contact with the surface of the stone.

• Protect from Extreme Temperatures: Heat andcmparatively sudden changes in temperature are injurious to the opal gemstone and may cause it to craze or even crack. This goes for other stones like Moonstone, Aquamarine, and Amethyst as well. 

• Cleanliness: It has also been established that cleaning the opal stones should only be done with a soft wet cloth. They should not use ultrasonic cleaners and hard brushes.

• Storage: The Opal gemstones should be placed in a soft pouch if not they should be placed in a lined box specifically meant for storing jewelry; this would help avoid scratching. It is also possible to preserve them in a moist area, they do not get spoiled nor dry up easily.

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Conclusion

Of all the stones, natural opal is arguably the most resplendent and colorful, much admired for its attractive play-of-color and blazing colors. Whether fire opal in striking reds, black opal with its mysterious blacks, or precious opal in rainbow colors, its special attributes make it treasured in any collection. Knowing its types, colors, and care will help you appreciate and maintain this spectacular gem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 What causes the play-of-color in opal?

Ans. The play-of-color in opal is a result of light quartz diffraction through the interlocking silica spheres and generating a spectrum of colors.

Q.2 What should I do to maintain opal jewelry?

Ans. Clean with a soft wet wipe gently do not expose it to heat or toxic chemicals and avoid scrubbing it with abrasives. This is best stored inside a soft pouch, so they do not scratch each other or anything else they come in contact with.