Opal
Fireworks and Rainbows
 Unlike any
other gemstone, opal dazzles the eye with a spectral display of flashing
and dancing colors – colors that move and shift within the opal’s
mysterious depths. A Roman historian in the first century
AD wrote, “There is in them
a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the
amethyst and the sea green of the emerald – all shining together in
incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the
painters, others the flame of burning sulfur or of fire quickened by
oil.” Opal offers the wearer a wider variety of appearances and color
choices than any other gem.
Opal is treasured as much for its many different
appearances as it is for its breathtaking beauty. There are over 100
different variety and trade names used today to describe opals. Opals
with a lighter body color are often called white opals, and those with a
darker (and more rare) body color are classified as black opals. Whether
white or black, the value of an opal depends upon the vividness of the
spectral flashes (often called play of color) visible from within the
gem and the patterns these colors form. Another popular opal with little
or no play of color is fire opal. Fire opals range in hue from vivid
yellows to fiery reds and oranges.
Birthstone
Opal is the birthstone for October and shares this designation with
tourmaline.
Origins
Most of the world’s opals come from the deserts of Australia. Other
important sources include Mexico and the United States.
Treatments
There are various treatments used to enhance the beauty of opals.
The most common treatments darken the body color, making the play of
color slightly more noticeable. Some opals are coated with oil, wax or
plastic to improve their appearance. All of these treatments only affect
a thin outer layer of the gem’s surface and, therefore, are not
considered stable.
Care
Because of their unusually high water content, opals should be
protected from heat and strong light that can dry them out. Opals also
draw moisture from the air and, therefore, should not be stored for long
periods of time in dehumidified environments such as a bank vault. Never
clean an opal using strong chemicals or detergents, and avoid both
ultrasonic and steam cleaning machines. Because opals are slightly
softer than most transparent gemstones, they are best suited for wear in
earrings and pendants. When mounted in a ring or bracelet, special
attention should be paid to ensure the stone is well protected. Opals
can be cleaned with plain soap and warm water using a soft brush. Be
sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.
Photo: Robert Weldon,
Professional Jeweler Magazine © 2002-2005 Jewelers of
America |
Member
American Gem Society