Opals are unique, and they are often called the “Queen of gems”. Opals are a mix of colours, brightness, and sparkle. It is difficult to describe the colours found in opals. They have all the rainbow colours. Some opals can be transparent or colourless. Crystal Opal has a higher price than white opal stones and is partly or completely transparent. Opal is amorphous and doesn’t have any crystalline structure. Opal can be found in Brazil and Mexico, as well as Ethiopia and Mexico. However, Australia accounts for 95% of the world’s opal. Opals are highly-priced and come in a variety of intense colours.
There are two types: common and precious opals. There is a significant difference between the two types: precious opals display a play of colors while common opals do not. The presence of silica within the opal stone causes the play of colours. Opal stones contain many tiny silica spheres. When light hits them, it bounces off of them in different directions, creating unique colours. The background colour of the opal stones is caused by impurities.
What’s the colour play in opals,
Because the light rays that enter opals travel through the spaces between silica spheres, the play of colour phenomenon can be seen. The beams bend through these holes, resulting in them being forced to bend. The light rays are split by the bend, which creates different colours. The size of the gaps between tiny spheres made of silica will determine the colours that are formed. Blue and green colours are formed by smaller holes, while yellow, orange, and yellow colours are created by larger gaps. It is rare to find large gaps between the spheres. It is rare to find red or orange opal stones.
Types of Opals
White Opal: These opals display colours against a transparent or white background.
Black Opal: These are dark opals which display the colours against dark backgrounds.
Fire Opal: These stones are able to show their colours against a bright red background, yellow or orange.
Crystal Opal: These opal backgrounds are transparent or semi-transparent.
Water Opal: This is a transparent opal that is completely colourless, or shows very little colour play.
Boulder Opal: This opal contains rock fragments that are part of the final gem.
There are many colours of opals, but the rarest and most valuable is red. While white opals can be found, black opals tend to be rarer and more expensive. They are either completely black or have a dark tonal tone. Opals can have different patterns, so it is difficult to find two identical opals. The most common patterns include Harlequin and straw, flagstone, flagstone, pinfire, and broad flash.
The colour and pattern of an opal gem will determine its value. Opals with more vibrant colours and patterns are generally more valuable than those with less. The price of a transparent, completely colourless water opal is high. Its colour, clarity, colour pattern, play-of-colour, and brightness are the main factors that determine an opal’s value.
Why is opal expensive?
Because of their unique colour play, Opals are very expensive. It isn’t found in any other gemstone. Every opal is unique and has its own colour and pattern. No two opals will be the same. High-value opals have bright, large sparkles in a variety of colours. They should also be free from cracks and inclusions. Black Australian opals can be more expensive than diamonds.
The transparent background of crystal opal is a characteristic feature. When faceted, these opals create a beautiful lustre and are used in the creation of high-quality jewellery such as engagement rings. Opals are beautiful and have many healing properties. Opal jewellery gives people the feeling that they are capturing lightning through their jewellery. The light rays are split by the bend, which creates different colours. The size of the gaps between tiny spheres made of silica will determine the colours that are formed. Blue and green colours are formed by smaller holes, while yellow, orange, and yellow colours are created by larger gaps. It is rare to find large gaps between the spheres. It is rare to find red or orange opal stones. Opals with more vibrant colours and patterns are generally more valuable than those with less Blue and green colours are formed by smaller holes, while yellow
