Drawn illustration, not a photograph
Opal
Opal
AlsoFire opal, Black opal
Silica containing water, whose tiny ordered spheres split light into flashing colours called play-of-colour. Black opal and fire opal are prized varieties.
- Mineral
- Hydrated silica
- Colour from
- Diffraction by silica spheres
- Hardness
- 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale
- Known sources
- Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico
What to look for
- Bright play-of-colour across the whole stone
- A dark body colour makes the colours stronger
- Doublets and triplets must be disclosed
CareDelicate. Avoid heat, dryness, knocks and ultrasonic cleaning.
General guidance about the stone. Each actual stone is described individually, with its own photographs and any laboratory report, when you enquire.
Opal, to wear.
Ask whether a ring, pendant, stud earrings or a bracelet with opal is available, in gold, platinum or silver.