Why are opal gemstones considered the queen of gems? That's an easy question to answer! Opals are so unique and distinct that experts have developed a specific vocabulary that applies only to opals.
This also means buying opal jewellery is slightly more complex than buying other gemstone jewellery.
Let's take a deep dive into the mines and discuss the properties, types, and mining locations of opal gemstones. You'll quickly learn how to purchase the best opal jewellery for you.
Physical And Chemical Properties Of Opal Gemstones
Have you ever wondered about the formation of opals? Well, under certain conditions, water seeps through the ground, which becomes enriched with dissolved silicates. Silicates are a mineral that consists of silica and oxygen and make up a significant part of the earth's crust.
These microscopic silica spheres gradually form opals.
Today we can categorise opals into two types based on the arrangement of silicates that compose this beautiful stone.
Silicates that are stacked neatly, and are uniform in shape and size, form precious opals. Precious opals are great at diffracting light, which gives them that flashing or moving colour appearance.
While common opals are formed by silicates arranged randomly in various shapes and sizes. Common opals can be opaque, glassy, waxy, and often fluorescent.
Types Of Opal Gemstones
There is such a wide variety of opal gemstones that it's impossible to describe them all in one go! Here are our favourite opal gemstones:
- Black Opals: The black opal, which gets its name not from appearing black but from the black potch (or an inferior opal material) is covered in a thin layer of crystal opal. Black opal, forming from volcanic ash, presents blueish, greenish, and brownish colours.
- Crystal Opals: Crystal opals are colourless, ranging between transparent and semi-transparent in transmitter light. In reflective light, however, the play of colours is impressive!
- Boulder Opals: Boulder (or matrix) opals are thin layers of opal that form in ironstone. Their play of colours is also dazzling due to their ironstone matrix brown background.
- Other Opals: There are other opal gemstones, like dark opals, light opals, composite opals, fire opals, Contra Luz opals, pink opals, moss opals, and many more! Moss opals are those opals with natural moss-like inclusions that make stunning patterns within the gemstone. Opal gemstones come in many shapes and sizes, making them a versatile gem.
Opal Gemstone Mining Locations
Since opal gemstones are so versatile, humans have been mining them for thousands of years. Unfortunately, this has resulted in their depletion and is causing scarcity.
One of the first known discoveries of opal was in 1850 in Australia. This deposit is today known as the primary opal source. The number of opal miners at the primary opal source has diminished since discoveries have become rarer and rarer.
Incredibly durable and abundant opals have also been discovered on the other side of the world, in Northern Brazil. While these opals are white and fiery, they are much less heat sensitive than others.
The Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic are also home to striking opals with a glittery medley of solid colours. At the same time, Ethiopia holds ancient caches of precious opals, considered the luckiest and the unluckiest of gemstones.
Myriad opal varieties have also been discovered in Honduras, Indonesia, Poland, Tanzania, the USA, Mexico, and more.
Our Ultimate Opal Gemstone Buying Guide
Opal gemstones are precious, difficult to mine, and take years to occur naturally. No wonder everyone is asking how to buy them! Let's help you with this handy buyer's guide.
Buying Guide For Opal Pendants
To buy the best opal pendants, ensure the jeweller you choose has a wide variety of opal styles available. This ensures you have abundant choices to find the perfect opal pendant. Choose the one that catches your eye best. And question your jeweller about the quality of their pieces. You want to find the unusual, interesting ones that elevate your style. So, look closely and pay attention to the intricacies and detail of each piece.
Buying Guide For Opal Earrings
There are a few factors to consider when purchasing any earrings. And opal earrings are no exception. Be mindful of your style if you're choosing between white and blue opal earrings. Will they match your other jewellery? Do they align with your usual outfit choice?
Earrings sit right next to your face, so the colour and style of earrings should enhance your face shape, complement your hairstyle and colour, and brighten your eye colour. Choose an opal earring that is bold and bright. The goal is to let your opal earrings stand out and glamourize your look. So, consider the ones that have an array of tones. And ones that change and sparkle in different lights.
Buying Guide For Opal Rings
Opal rings are the non-traditional version of the diamond ring. So, consider an opal engagement ring, for example, if you want something special to gift your beloved. Opals with domed surfaces give the best play of colour on the market. But test the opal ring against your skin to understand how it will look on your finger. Being able to see your skin through the gemstone takes away from a gorgeous play of colour. An opal that is too thin can appear transparent. And it won't be as marvellous in colour.
Additionally, remember that opals are somewhat sensitive to damage. Bear this in mind when purchasing a ring.
Buying Guide For Opal Bracelets
Be aware of the delicate nature of opals when purchasing an opal bracelet. If you deem yourself forgetful or clumsy, opt for a bangle or bracelet type with a fixed opal. Once again, colour matters. Blue opals are the perfect colour for summer since they have a bright and beachy energy. White opals can better be worn in winter and autumn. Always avoid buying opals that appear cloudy. This appearance indicates a high potential to crack or craze due to their dryness.
Before purchasing an opal bracelet, play with it in different lights. Is the colour and luminosity visible and magnificent from all angles? Is there a strong colour pattern resulting in a broad range of colours?
Opal Gemstone Care And Maintenance
Opals are incredibly delicate. Only the lightest of opal gemstones are used for jewellery. Therefore, they require special care.
Remember, their high water content makes them sensitive to heat and moisture. Ensure you avoid exposing them to extreme heat, light, or dryness. These factors can contribute to potential cracking.
Most jewellers cure their opal gemstones. But you should still be aware of these factors when wearing and storing your opal jewellery.
Final Thoughts
From the Greek word "Opallus", translating to "to see a change", opals have become famous worldwide.
Opals come in all different shapes and sizes but are always delicate and detailed. They contain a fantastic array of unique, sparkling reflective colours.
