What are the different types of opal?
There are many different types of natural opals. There is black opal, white opal, crystal opal and jelly opal. There are other kinds – fire opal, hyalite, water opal, hydrophane and honey opal. Black Opal is the most valued of Opals and comes mainly from Lightning Ridge.
What color opal is most valuable?
red
The ‘dominant colour’ in an opal can affect its value, with red commanding the highest cost, followed by orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. However, do not forget, a blue-green brilliant stone will be more valuable than a dull red.
What is the most beautiful opal?
The Virgin Rainbow
Considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful opals, “The Virgin Rainbow” is a 63.3mm Black Crystal Opal Belemnite Fossil in a ‘pipe’ shape. It Features gem quality colour, and is also said to glow in the dark.
Which shape of opal is best?
Look for an opal that has intense and evenly distributed play of color across the stone. The play-of-color pattern known as harlequin is the most highly valued. It consists of a patchwork of diamond-shaped flashes spread across the entire stone. The diamond shapes should be large.
What is the difference between a white opal and a crystal opal?
Crystal opal sits between N7 and N8 on the body tone scale and exhibits more brightness than a white opal can. This is because crystal opals are semi-transparent meaning that they look almost glass-like with no milky or frosted tint. As with all opal, grading can be subjective.
What is the difference between opal and Boulder opal?
The difference is that precious black opal gemstone will have a higher dome shape or cabochon cut (with no host rock as part of the gemstone) and precious black boulder opal gemstones will be a flatter cut (with the host rock as part of the gemstone).
How can you tell a real opal from opal?
Most genuine solid opals have an irregularity in this area – curved or bumpy due to their natural formation – whereas a man-made stone will be perfectly flat because the two sections are flattened so they can be glued together. Be especially wary if the opal is set in jewellery and you cannot see its back or side.
How can you tell a good quality opal?
To judge an opal, consider its play of colour, body tone, brilliance, pattern, the thickness of the colour bar, and any faults such as cracks or inclusions (natural inclusions are acceptable but never buy an opal that’s cracked). Choose an opal that you love and one that goes with your skin tones.
Where is the best opal found?
Opal is found around the world (Brazil, Mexico, Honduras and the western US) however Australia produces 95% of the world’s precious opal and it is our official national gemstone.
Which is the best opal stone?
Opaque, Spotless White Fire opal is liked most. Shape – Fire Opals are mostly cut into Oval & round cabochons to display the best possible play of colors. Opal cabochons with perfect domes display the best fire from different viewing angles.
How can I tell if my opal is real?
Who should not wear opal?
The most common opal superstitions The most often heard opal superstitions include: Only those born in October whose birthstone is an opal are safe to wear them. Opals should never be given or accepted as a gift.