Opal

Opal: the mysterious gemstone of color and light

Opal is a fascinating mineral often used in opal Jewellery. It belongs to the quartz family. Its physical composition is hydrous silica. Because this gemstone is hydrous, most opals are (semi-)transparent. But there are, of course, exceptions. Opals can be roughly divided into three types: sparkling precious opal, yellow-red fire opal, and common opal.

Sparkling precious opal is transparent, iridescent, and opalescent. This means the stone is translucent, yet all the colors of the rainbow are visible. A kind of holographic effect, you might say. Opalizing is a specific technique used to process opal, which is intended for use as an abrasive, for example. Another meaning of opalizing is to shine/glint like an opal .
Yellow-red fire opal is usually yellow to dark red in color and is often described as milky. This is mainly because the stone is partially transparent and the colors have a slightly creamy appearance. We also call this specific type of opal "sunstone." Yellow-red fire opal is sensitive to pressure and bright light. The stone is not opalescent, and therefore does not sparkle as much as a precious opal.
(Common) opal is generally opaque. This is because common opal holds relatively little water, causing the stone to become cloudy. This usually results in a light white or lilac color.

Opallios & Uppala

In addition, there are various types of synthetic opal, and the aforementioned types can be further subdivided into smaller, distinct varieties. Opal is truly an infinite world of beauty. The name opal could come from the Greek word " opallios ," which means to see a change. This is very fitting, as the colors in opals change with the light shining on them. It also refers to the Sanskrit word " uppala ," which means "gemstone."

Opal is a gemstone formed when fossils form or by filling grooves in stones or rocks. Previously, the best quality opals came primarily from what was then Czechoslovakia. Eventually, magnificent deposits were also discovered in Australia, and more recently in Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, and the United States. The most important deposits are those in Australia; approximately 90% of the opals used in Jewellery come from there.

Virgin Rainbow

Perhaps the name Virgin Rainbow rings a bell? The "virgin rainbow" is currently the most expensive opal in the world and was discovered in Australia a few years ago. The colors of this opal vary widely, from bright green to vibrant pink, and from aqua blue to fiery orange. A true spectacle for the eye, a pure experience in itself. The stone is worth over one million euros and has recently been on display at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide, Australia.

Long ago, opal wasn't as highly valued as it is today. There was even a time when people in the Western world believed that precious opal brought bad luck. It represented infidelity and evil. In the Far East, however, people believed the stone represented fidelity and hope. Fortunately, the Western world has since adopted this belief.

Opal Jewellery

Opal has a very special effect. The gemstone offers protection, fosters an active, open attitude in the wearer, and has a strong connection to pleasure. Opal allows you to enjoy all the beautiful things in life even more. It also makes you optimistic, lively, spontaneous, and joyful. Besides the stone's beauty and remarkable history, this is, of course, a welcome bonus.

Maintenance

Opal is very sensitive to temperature, chemicals, and drying. Use only a soft, damp cloth. No soap, no soaking, no ultrasound.

Discover our collection of vintage Jewellery with radiant opal here .