Opal: characteristics and curiosities

Among the most popular gemstones of the period, there is undoubtedly the opal, the magical stone that conquers everyone at first sight! Let's discover together some more characteristics and curiosities about this beautiful gemstone .

The name and the history

The term opal has its roots in the Sanskrit ùpala , in the Greek ὀπάλλιος (opallios) and in the Latin opălus . All three languages would identify the meaning of the term as '' precious stone ''. In short: since ancient times the opal has been considered a truly special gem.

How it's made

Opal is an amorphous colloidal mineral, with 20% water. Its formation occurs through a slow geological deposition of colloidal silica gel, which occurs at low temperatures.

Where is it located?

Opals are found mostly in Australia , the most important source of extraction of these extraordinary gems. In particular, the richest regions of opals would be Queensland and New South Wales, where the area that is richest is called "Coober Pedy". South Australia, moreover, is so rich in deposits because these gems are produced in very difficult, arid and isolated climates. Other territories of deposits are Mexico and Ethiopia .

Its characteristics

To evaluate an opal, three characteristics are usually compared. First, the intensity of the color is evaluated, then its distribution in the gem and finally the number of colors present in the colored area of the stone. In simple words? The perfect opal is a translucent gem , which contains within it beautiful plays of color, with rainbow shades. A magical stone that enchants anyone who happens to observe it!

Types of Opal

There are many types of opal in the world, each with its own special characteristics. Let's see together the most particular and precious ones.

Noble Opal

Noble opal is undoubtedly one of the most precious types of the gem. Its most notable characteristic is harlequination , a funny carnival term that refers to the beautiful iridescent colors present in the precious stone. The play of colors is caused by the infiltration of water and humidity into the stone and is visible to the naked eye.
Among the noble opals, there are white opals, black opals, harlequin opals (the most precious!) and numerous other opals with the most varied shades.

Fire Opal

An opal that does not have harlequination , but a particular fiery red color, is precisely the fire opal. Opaque stone, which can also be found in yellow or orange versions. Beautiful and decidedly particular.

Common Opal

In this case, colour games are banned: the common opal is an opaque gem , almost never translucent, often of various colours. Its value is certainly lower than its noble relative, but this does not take away the fact that it is still very beautiful to look at!

Some little curiosities

Since the 1990s, opal has officially been the gemstone of Australia.
A stone much loved in the Elizabethan period, its history dates back to the dawn of time. In Ancient Greece, it was believed that opal was a sort of talisman blessed by Zeus, with the power to predict the future. Giving an opal as a gift symbolized the possibility of success, a special meaning that also affected 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, linked to divination and meditation.

In jewelry, opal is undoubtedly one of the most precious stones of the moment. Beautiful and enchanting, it adapts perfectly to 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, don't forget to come and visit us in store! We look forward to seeing you at the Ferro Gioielli store in via Matteotti, in Este.