Gemstone of the Week: Opal

Gemstone: Opal

Hardness: 5-6.5 on Mohs Scale of Hardness

Birthstone: October

Opal, the chameleon of the gemstone world, encompasses the essence of countless colors within its vibrant existence. Revered as "The Rainbow Stone" by Australia's Aboriginal people, Opal stands as a testament to nature's awe-inspiring creations.

Derived from the Latin word "opalus," which traces back to the Greek term "opallios" meaning "to see a change of color," the name opal aptly captures the gem's transformative nature. Opals showcase an exquisite array of hues, ranging from profound blues and violets to radiant oranges and yellows.

This splendid gemstone, composed of silicon dioxide and various minerals, presents itself as a captivating sight. Its mesmerizing play of rainbow-like colors owes its enchantment to minuscule silica spheres that diffract light, resulting in an unparalleled and spellbinding spectacle.

Opal holds the distinction of being the birthstone for the month of October. The opal's mesmerizing quality lies in its ability to exhibit an enchanting range of rainbow colors. It is believed to bring luck and hope to the wearer while also inspiring love and passion. Throughout history, opals have been associated with fostering creativity and stimulating imagination, making them an emblem of artistic expression.

There are a few different varieties of opal. There is the common light opal, the rare black opal, the opal doublet, boulder Opal and Fire opal.

Among the opal varieties, the rarest and most coveted is the black opal, exclusively found in Lightning Ridge, Australia. Renowned for its scarcity, black opals captivate the attention of gem enthusiasts and collectors due to their unique beauty. The dark background enhances the intensity and vibrancy of the play-of-color, making black opals highly sought after and prized in the world of gemstones.

Opal doublets are crafted by layering a thin sheet of opal onto a base of epoxy and ironstone. Ironstone serves as the matrix or host rock where opal is commonly found. In the construction of doublets, the combination of black epoxy and ironstone acts as a protective layer, preventing any light or colors from escaping through the opal. This technique allows the opal's full spectrum of colors and inherent beauty to be showcased on the surface, ready to be admired.

As assembled gemstones, opal doublets require special care to maintain their integrity. It is advised to avoid using ultrasonic cleaners and to refrain from soaking them in water or subjecting them to steam. Similar to pearls, opal doublets should be treated delicately, ensuring they are the last piece of jewelry put on in the morning and the first to be removed in the evening.

Boulder opal, a distinctive type of opal, is primarily found within ironstone boulders in the region of Queensland, Australia. These opals possess a unique appearance, with iridescent colors embedded into the stone and interlaced with dark brown, black, and gray veins. This natural pattern running through the opal gives boulder opals their exceptional and individualized charm. To preserve the opal's inherent beauty, they are often cut into freeform shapes, allowing the natural pattern to shine through.

Fire opal is highly valued for its captivating display of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, setting it apart from the rainbow colors often associated with Australian opal. This unique coloration of fire opal can be attributed to its high iron content, which contributes to its distinct hues. While fire opal may not exhibit the play-of-color characteristic found in some opals, its vibrant shades remain a primary allure.

Beyond its visual appeal, fire opal holds a rich symbolism in many cultures. It is regarded as a stone of transformation, believed to have the power to facilitate significant changes in one's life. Additionally, fire opal is associated with qualities of passion, creativity, and strength, inspiring individuals to tap into their inner potential and express their unique talents.

Ancient cultures drew a strong connection between fire opal and the sun, considering it a potent symbol of protection and good luck. Some even believed that fire opal possessed magical properties, capable of granting wishes or revealing hidden knowledge. The gemstone's association with the sun's energy further enhances its symbolic significance as a source of vitality, warmth, and illumination.

Care for your Opal jewelry by avoiding sharp blows to the stone and harsh chemicals. Clean using a mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner. Prolonged exposure to water and or steam should be avoided.