OPAL

Opal is a silicon dioxide containing water, and most likely formed millions of years ago as a result of mineral-rich silicon deposits within decomposed volcanic rock. Being amorphous, it is not truly a mineral at all, but is instead considered a mineraloid. It has a Mohs hardness of 5-6.5 and a chemical formula consisting of SiO2·nH2O. There are two broad classes of opal: precious and common. Precious opal displays iridescence, which is also called “play-of-color”; whereas, common opal does not display the color phenomenon. Precious opal gets these beautiful colorations due to incredibly tiny, intricately spaced silica spheres within the opal's structure. These silica spheres act as a prism and diffract white light, breaking it into its component colors. The size of these spheres determine which colors are most visible to the human eye; the smaller the spheres, the more likely they are to produce greens and blues; while the larger the spheres, the more likely they are to produce orange and reds. Precious opals that display the color red are rare and highly sought after, adding to the value of the raw material and, in turn, to the value of the finished gemstone. Unlike precious opal, common opal doesn't have the regular arrangement of silica spheres, which are necessary for the opalescent phenomenon; Instead, common opal coloration is typically due to trace impurities within the structure, as well as the body color of the stone.

OPAL HISTORY

The name opal is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word “upala”, which means jewel; and then later the Greek derivative, “opállios”. Opal was considered a very rare and incredibly valuable stone throughout European Antiquity, and was often considered an exclusive gem of the royal families and the exceedingly wealthy. During this time, the only known source for the material was found exclusively in the remote mining village of Červenica, Slovakia. It wasn’t until vast and incredible deposits of precious opal were discovered in Australia during the 19th century, and again in Ethiopia later in the 20th century, that the famed mineraloid became more widespread and affordable for the average consumer.

As of 2025, the two primary global resources for precious opal are Australia and Ethiopia, with the town of Coober Pedy in South Australia and the Wollo Province of Ethiopia being considered the top producers of the material. While the bulk of the Australian exports may come from Cooper Pedy, additional localities within the continent are well-known for their terrific varieties of precious opal material; such as the famed Black Opals of Lightning Ridge; as well as the intricately patterned matrix opal from Queensland, called Boulder Opal. It should also be mentioned that the Andamooka region, which is located in South Australia, is also a major producer of the famed matrix opals. In addition to some of the very best precious opal specimens on the planet, Australia has also unearthed an astounding amount of opalized fossil remains, including dinosaur bones in New South Wales, as well as marine creatures discovered in South Australia. Additional sites for precious opal have been discovered at a host of localities worldwide; including, but not limited to, a number of incredibly opalescent specimens from Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, and Virgin Valley Nevada, USA. Interestingly, in late 2008, NASA announced the discovery of opal deposits that had been discovered on the planet Mars.

The world's largest and most valuable gem opal, named "Olympic Australis", was found in August of 1956 at the famed "Eight Mile" opal field, in Coober Pedy. The massive opal specimen weighs 17,000 carats, or 7.5 lbs. It is 11 inches in length, with a height of 4 and 3⁄4 inches, and a width of 4 and a 1⁄2 inches.

OPAL METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, opal is said to be a stone of self-worth and transformation. It is said that opal can aid its user by bringing important revelations to the surface. A stone that is very much in tune with the Third Eye and Heart Chakra’s, it is said that opal can help to open the mind to cosmic consciousness and intuitive wisdom; as well as fill the heart with acceptance, joy, and purpose driven opportunities. Opal is also considered a stone of passion and pleasure, and is said to help attract an abundance of romance into one’s life or relationship. Physically, opal is said to assist the mind with memory and dream recall. Additionally, it is said that opal can have a positive impact on kidney health and proper oxygenation of the blood.