Collectors of gemstone jewelry value the beauty found in precious opal rings. Few gemstones rival the opal in terms of its varied colors and its ability to take on a multitude of hues, seemingly changing from moment to moment. Opals are truly a rainbow stone.
The majority of opals come from Australia and were formed as our planet Earth was in its infancy, millions of years ago. As continents shifted and waters flooded landmasses, these waters contained silica that worked its way into crevices of sedimentary rock. Over the course of time, the silica became gel-like and opals formed from this gel coating seeping into the rock base. The varying colors that make opals so special are a result of how silica spheres are arranged within the rocks.
Opals can be dark or light and may be transparent or translucent. The most valued opals are the black opals, which are rare and quite pricey. These expensive stones can range from grey to black. More commonly the opals we find in rings and other jewelry have a milky appearance with rainbow-colored hues within the stone. In between these two are fire opals. Fire opals are more yellow to orange in their base color with intense rainbow hues.
When it comes to choosing fire opal rings, the wise consumer will take the time to do some research online and learn more about the many choices that are available. Your personal tastes and pocketbook will lead you to the rainbow gemstone of your dreams.
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