The name Opal is derived from the Greek word "opallios" and the Sanskrit word "upala", meaning "Precious Stone". It differs from most gemstones because of its non-crystalline crystalline, or amorphous, structure. Opal is allochromatic and comes in a variety of colors, most importantly black. Other forms include white (milk opal), red (fire opal), or colorless (water opal). The most striking features of the precious opal are the sheen effects it displays when exposed to light, known as "color play". This is due to the minute spheres of silica reflecting and separating white light. This effect is known as "opalescence". The smaller circle produces only blue and green, while the larger ones produce the whole spectrum. Dark opal accentuates the play of color in an astonishing way. Opal looks great in simple jewelry settings and looks especially attractive, when set on rings.
Identification:
Opal weighs 5.5 to 6.5 with a specific gravity of 2.1 to 2.2 and is of low size. It shows through so that it is opaque, has vitreous, greasy, dull, or waxy luster, and leaves a white line. The refractive is solitary, and has pores. In this case, it is dangerous to immerse yourself in any liquid other than water.
Event:
Another area of Czechoslovakia that was once under Hungary had been digging Opal since Roman times and was the only source of honorable Opal for Europeans. In modern times, most opals come from Australia where opals are found of the highest quality. Other sources are Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the United States and Iceland.
Varieties:
There are a few types, but in particular the 3 most popular types in the jewelry business are the following: White Precious Opal Ring, Black Precious Opal and Fire Opal also called common opal. Each has its own colors and unique features.
Price:
The amount of opal depends on its body color, color play, and sound. There is no comparison between the value of noble opal and fire opal, which is less expensive even when compared to other small gems. It is somehow appropriate if a few splashes of color are visible inside the stone. It was introduced by collectors as a curiosity but is rarely used in jewelry. Dark opal, flawless and with the same pattern made of bright colors, including red, may be worth more per carat than diamonds. Ordinary opals do not show color play and, as a result, are not important.
Historical use and healing:
Opals were revered by the ancient Romans; used as an eye tonic in the Middle Ages; celebrated by Shakespeare; and was Queen Victoria's favorite gem. The most common and popular source is white milk, called the White Precious Opal. The stone can be used to enhance magical awareness and to empower all levels and areas of the body, thanks to the rainbow of colors it contains.
Simulants and Synthetics:
It was long considered impossible to imitate opal. In recent years, however, imitation, which, at first glance, looks deceptively like opal, has appeared on the market. It is called "Slocum Stone" after its composer. Plastic imitation has also recently entered the market and is very similar to natural opal, composed of microscopic spheres, such as opal. White opal has been manufactured by the French Company for almost a decade.
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