Since we’re on the subject, let’s look more into the fascinating fire seen in precious opals. Common opals, however, do not display this feature, and that’s the primary distinction between the two opal classes. Precious opals display the striking optical effect like a rainbow called play-of-color, which we mentioned above. There are two types of opal, determined by whatever color they take on during formation: precious and common. Some opals are speckled with different colors and hues, others are translucent, and many are found in light shades of pink or blue with an iridescent shine. Miners discover these deposits and cut away the host rock to procure rough opal stones which are then faceted (cut) into gemstones! What’s left behind is a silica deposit that builds up over time - we’re talking millions of years - and eventually forms large opal boulders and concretions. The silica deposits that opal form in produce when rain and silicon dioxide seep into the ground the mixture picks up evaporated silica from the sandstone along the way and it all settles into crevices that eventually dry up. Opal’s composition is a hydrated (wet) amorphous silica mineral with a Mohs hardness scale ranking between 5.0 to 6.5. Opal is a gemstone that forms in a variety of different colors, shapes, and sizes. In this article, we’re going to share all of the pertinent details of opal stones, from their various meanings to holistic properties to gem characteristics and value. However, opals are the softest gem-quality stone in the market, requiring extra care to protect and preserve their luminous fire and sheen long-term. As a result, opals are one of the most aesthetically pleasing and desirable stones for jewelry and contain a rich history of folklore and holistic use. For example, spots of red were assumed to be ruby, green looked like emerald, and thus, each opal was rumored to be a cluster of different stones in one.
Why? Because of the radiating patterns and color combinations.
For centuries, people believed opals contained other stones inside of a single gem. Opals are one of the most unique gemstones in the world, known for their unique iridescent, fire-like appearance.
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