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Opals have enchanted people throughout time with their ethereal beauty and kaleidoscopic play of colors. These precious gemstones are unique with their flashes of color.
If your birthday is in October, you're in luck! Opal is your birthstone. Let's explore the fascinating world of opal jewelry and discover what makes them so special and cherished. Then browse our collection of handpicked opal jewelry to find your new favorite.
What Are Opals?
Opals are a form of hydrated silica, a type of silicon dioxide It is an example of a naturally occurring photonic crystal.
The Science Behind the Magic
Opal's mesmerizing color display is not from pigments or dyes, but it's due to the interaction of light with the crystal. The hydrated silica are spherical in shape and stacked in a grid-like pattern.
As light enters the opal, it bends around the silica spheres and splits into the colors of the rainbow. The size and arrangement of these spheres determine the colors we see. This stacking and the structure of the material, allows the gemstones to diffract light as it enters and exits the opal. This creates a dazzling display of colors known as opalescence, often called the opal's “play of color”.
Types of Opals
- Precious Opals: These are the most valuable and exhibit the classic play of color.
- Common Opals: Also known as "potch," these lack the play of color but can still be attractive.
- Fire Opals: Transparent to translucent opals with warm body colors of yellow, orange or red.
- Boulder Opals: Opals naturally intergrown with their host rock.
- Black Opals: The rarest and most valuable, with a dark body tone that enhances the play of color.
Opal Lore and Legend
Throughout history, opals have been surrounded by myth and superstition. In ancient Rome, they were considered to be the most powerful of gems, embodying the virtues of all stones. Some cultures believed opals could grant invisibility, while others saw them as symbols of hope, purity, and truth.
Caring for Opal Jewelry
Opals are relatively soft and contain water, making them more delicate than many other gemstones. To care for your opal jewelry:
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
- Keep them away from harsh chemicals
- Clean gently with mild soap and water
- Store separately to prevent scratching
Conclusion
Whether you're a collector of gemstones, or simply someone who appreciates nature's beauty, opal jewelry is a true treasure. No two opals are exactly alike. The color and flashes of light are unique to that stone in the moment the light hits them.
Next time you encounter an opal, take a moment to marvel at its complexity and beauty. You're not just looking at a gemstone; you're peering into a tiny, magical universe of light and color.
