The enticing world of gemstones is filled with a plethora of vibrant, outrageously robust, and astrologically valuable precious and semi-precious gemstones. Out of all those coveted gemstones, the original opal stone is in a league of its own. Widely touted as one of the most alluring and sought-after gemstones in International markets, An opal stone is extensively used in inculcating with affordable and expensive jewelry pieces as well as to eliminate rudimentary problems according to Vedic Astrology.
An opal stone is one of the few gemstones that comes in a myriad of ranges colorwise. Like tourmaline and sapphires, opal gemstones are renowned for exhibiting rainbow colors that are eye-pleasing and hold significance as well. When it comes to roping in a fine-quality opal stone, people often get confused as it’s daunting to choose the right one among a massive range of opal stones.
To make sure our valued users and gemstone enthusiasts get well-versed with different types of opals, we have carved an all-inclusive post on types of opal stones that will thoroughly educate you about opal types and help you make rational decisions when purchasing an opal gemstone.
Different Types of Opal
White Opal
White Opal, renowned for its pervasive presence, typically features a milky or medium gray base with a white backdrop. This opal variation exhibits sub-transparency to translucency and often showcases opalescence, occasionally revealing spectral colors. Despite its slight shift in perceived value compared to black Opal, the exquisite display of colors in high-quality white Opal remains a striking sight.
Occasionally referred to simply as “White Opal,” this variety is sourced primarily from Marla and White Cliffs in Australia, although it can also be found in Hungary, Ethiopia, and Canada. Despite the shift in market preferences, the allure of fine white Opal endures, commanding a notable price and retaining its timeless appeal.
Black Opal
The highly coveted black Opal, distinguished by its predominantly dark body color and minimal opalescence, has now become the most sought-after variety. With its deep black backdrop, this opal type serves as a striking canvas for the vibrant display of yellows, oranges, and reds, allowing these hues to vividly contrast and elevate the gem’s overall impact.
Contrary to common misconception, the term “black opal” does not imply that the stone is entirely black; rather, it denotes a rich, dark body tone. The value of black Opal is heavily influenced by the vividness and richness of its play-of-color, contributing significantly to its pricing and desirability.
While the primary source of black Opal is the Lightning Ridge region in Australia, it is also sourced from various other locations, including Hungary, Honduras, and the United States of America.
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Fire Opal
Fire opal, characterized by its transparent to translucent nature, boasts a captivating spectrum of warm body colors ranging from yellow to orange to red. While typically devoid of the play of color, certain specimens may surprise with intermittent flashes of bright green. In the realm of terminology, the phrase “Fire opal” finds limited usage in Australia, but the state of Querétaro in Mexico stands as the renowned source of these opals, often referred to as Mexican fire opals.
When fire opals lack the play of color, they are sometimes identified as jelly opals. Within the Mexican opal domain, some specimens are skillfully cut within their rhyolitic host material, earning the label of Cantera opals, provided the material’s hardness permits cutting and polishing. Another variety known as Mexican water opal, hailing from Mexico, is a colorless opal that exhibits either a bluish or golden internal sheen.
Boulder Opal
Boulder opal emerges when Opal develops within slender veins and is subsequently cut and polished while still embedded in its host rock. Its origins trace back to the initial discovery in Queensland, Australia, although it also surfaces in regions like Brazil and Canada.
Distinct from matrix opals, boulder opal veins manifest prominently within the host rock, weaving a delicate network that contributes to its distinctive appearance. In the vicinity of Yowah in Queensland, Australia, matrix opals can be unearthed, each presenting a unique variation in their formation and structure.
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Matrix Opal
Matrix opal is a term frequently employed to describe opals that have seamlessly diffused into the pores or gaps between grains of the host rock during their formation. In the case of boulder matrix opal, the distinctive feature lies in its discovery in Queensland, where the opal intricately integrates with an ironstone host rock, lending it a unique appearance.
Another notable variation, Andamooka matrix opal, is sourced from the region of Andamooka in South Australia. This particular type of matrix opal is recognized for its porous composition, which can be further enhanced through a process involving soaking the specimen in a sugar solution followed by boiling in acid. This treatment results in the deposition of carbon within the available pore spaces, ultimately producing a striking dark background.
Blue Opal
The captivating blue opal showcases a range of hues, from delicate, luminous shades to more subdued pastel blues, making it a distinctive and easily recognizable variety. Widely prevalent, this type of opal is extensively sourced from regions such as Oregon, Peru, and Indonesia, offering a diverse supply for enthusiastic collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
Water Opal
Jelly opal, alternatively recognized as water opal, stands out as a distinctive opal variant renowned for its gel-like appearance. The fluid motion observed within the jelly opal gemstone mirrors the graceful flow of water, giving rise to its moniker, “water opal.” This unique opal type derives its gelatinous quality from specific characteristics, primarily attributed to its thickness and transparency. Emerging primarily from Mexico and Ethiopia, the jelly opal remains a captivating and sought-after gemstone for connoisseurs and collectors alike.
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Cat’s Eye Opal
Cat’s eye opal is recognized for producing a striking visual effect reminiscent of a feline’s eye on the surface of the gemstone. This phenomenon arises from a subtle yet brilliant light that reflects an orderly arrangement of needle-shaped inclusions within the opal. The mesmerizing play of light and pattern within the cat’s eye opal contributes to its allure and distinctiveness in the realm of gemstones.
Honey Opal
Exhibiting a honey-yellow hue, this opal variation appears either translucent or clear, displaying a distinctive resinous to glassy texture. While some specimens may showcase the mesmerizing play-of-color, others may lack this characteristic, adding to the intriguing diversity within this opal category.
Doublet and Triplet Opal
These particular enhancements are designed to elevate the visual appeal of natural opals, encompassing various types and forms. Doublets and triplets, classified as composite stones, are fashioned using a layer of authentic Australian Opal, carefully overlaid with additional materials, meticulously imitating the stunning appearance of solid black Opal.
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