Opal is the official birthstone for October and is the most colorful of all gems. Each Opal is distinctly an individual.
There are two types of Opals — precious and common. Precious Opal displays a unique play of color (the ability to disperse light into flashes of rainbow colors). Common Opal is dull and does not exhibit a play of color.
Opals structurally consist of tiny spheres with water filling the gaps. There are many organized pockets with regular concentration of the spheres. This has the effect of diffracting light at various wavelengths, creating color. Each pocket produces a different color, which will move and change dramatically depending on the angle at which the stone is viewed.
The most desired and beautiful Opal is Black Opal, which has a dark blue, dark green, or black background with a strong play of color. Next would be the White Opal, with a light body color and a strong play of color. Next in line is the Mexican Fire Opal, which is a transparent or translucent orange red form of Opal. Opals are cut and polished into cabochons and used in all forms of jewelry. Some Mexican Fire Opals are faceted into a variety of gemstone cuts. Opal doublets, often used in jewelry, are thin slices of precious Opal glued onto a matrix material. Opals are also the most delicate gems commonly worn. They require special care to insure their health and longevity.
Australia is the leading source for Opals, but a great number of Fire Opals are found in Mexico. Other sources of precious Opals include Africa, the United States, Brazil and Nicaragua.
Opal is an exquisite gemstone with beautiful shifts of spectral hues. For stunning Opal jewelry, visit Prince of Jewelers, where you’ll find a nice selection of rings, bracelets, pendants, and earrings. Treat yourself or someone special to this unique gemstone.
For all your jewelry needs, please contact Prince of Jewelers at 661-284-6388.