ABOUT

Opal

Fireworks. Jellyfish. Galaxies. Lightning. Opal’s shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem.

 

Oh, the spectral delight that is Opal, the “Eye Stone.” Like lightning in a rainbow, it flashes its brilliance with even the slightest movement and claims notice by all who witness its phenomenal “fire.” This is a stone so dedicated to the eye, so pleasing to the sight, it inspires love and hope, innocence and purity, luck and happiness. The Roman historian, Pliny the Elder, described opalus – the Opal, as a precious stone containing the fiery flame of the carbuncle (Garnet), the resplendent purple of the Amethyst, and the sea-green glory of the Emerald – all shining together in incredible union and exquisite pleasure. It was considered by all in the ancient world to be the most bewitching and mysterious of gems.

Why we love this gemstone

FORMATION

When opal formed, silica gel filled crevices in rock. As water evaporates, the silica is deposited in the form of tiny spheres.

INTERACTION WITH LIGHT

Opal’s flashing play-of-color is caused by diffraction of light by silica spheres stacked like tiny Ping-Pong balls in a box.

UNIQUE

Opal’s arrays of silica spheres form a fantastic variety of patterns and colors. No two opals are exactly alike.