Opal is one of the most amazing gems, famous for its unique play of colors and the variety it offers. Opals have fascinated civilizations for centuries, with each type reflecting different hues and patterns, making it one of the most sought-after gems in the world.
Types of Opal Gemstones
| Type of Opal | Origin | Colors |
| Black Opal | Australia | Blue, Green, Red |
| White Opal | Australia | White, Milky |
| Fire Opal | Mexico | Orange, Red |
| Boulder Opal | Australia | Blue, Green, Red |
| Crystal Opal | Ethiopia, Australia | Colorless, with vibrant play of color |
| Ethiopian Opal | Ethiopia | White, Yellow, Orange |
| Common Opal | Worldwide | White, Green, Pink |
Types and Origins of Opal Gemstones
Black Opals
Known for its dark color, black opal is found mainly in Australia, especially in Lightning Ridge. It was first discovered in the early 1900s and its intense colors range from dark blue to bright green and fiery red. Black opals are the most valuable of the opal varieties because of their rarity and the spectacular play of colors they display.
White opals
Born mainly from Coober Pedy and Andamooka in Australia, white opal was discovered in 1915. This opal has a milky, translucent appearance, with a less vibrant play of colors than black opal. White opals are popular because of their affordability and softer shades.
Fire Opal
Found primarily in Mexico, fire opal has been prized since ancient times, particularly by the Aztecs who believed it held the power of the sun. This opal gets its name from its warm colors, which range from yellow to bright orange and red. Unlike other opals, fire opals can be transparent or translucent, and are often faceted rather than cabochon cut.
Boulder Opal
Discovered in Queensland, Australia in the late 19th century, Boulder opals are unique because they form in iron-bearing rocks. The vibrant colors of Boulder opal are similar to black opal, but the natural support of the stone adds a rustic charm. The first important discoveries were reported in the 1870s.
Crystal opals
Crystal opals are among the most beautiful opals because of their transparency and play of vivid colors. They are found in Ethiopia and Australia, especially in the Welo and Coober Pedy region. Crystal opals were discovered relatively recently and are highly prized for their clarity and intense bursts of color.
Ethiopian Opal
Ethiopia emerged as a major opal producer in the 1990s with the discovery of opals in the Welo and Shewa regions. Ethiopian opals are known for their rich colors and stability, and they often exhibit a bright play of color within a clear or translucent body.
Common opals
Unlike the precious varieties of opal, the common opal does not show a play of colors. This type is found all over the world and has been used in jewelry since ancient times. Common opals come in a variety of colors, including white, green, and pink, and are prized for their smooth, waxy appearance.
History and Significance of Opals
Opals have a rich history spanning thousands of years. The name “opal” is said to come from the Sanskrit word “Upala”, which means “precious stone”, and later from the Greek term “Opallios”, which means “to see a change of color”. Opals were highly valued by ancient civilizations such as the Romans, who considered them a symbol of purity and hope.
The history of opal mining dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of the use of opal found in ancient artifacts. However, it was not until the discovery of large opal deposits in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that opal gained popularity. Australia is still the largest producer of opal in the world, with about 95% of the world’s opal supply coming from the country.
Opals are valued not only for their beauty, but also for the mystical properties attributed to them. In the middle Ages, opals were believed to bring good luck and were often associated with eyes because of their iridescent appearance. Some cultures considered the opal a symbol of loyalty and security, while others believed it could ward off evil spirits.
Why Opals Are Valuable
Opals are unique among gemstones because of their ability to refract light, resulting in a fascinating play of colors. This optical phenomenon, known as “color play”, occurs when light passes through spheres of silica in the opal, creating flashes of color on the surface of the stone. The value of the opal is determined by its body color, color scheme and general appearance.
The most valuable opal are those with a dark body (such as black opal), which provide a wonderful contrast to the vivid colors displayed. In addition, the pattern, luster and color distribution in the stone also significantly affect its value. Opal with a bright and uniform play of colors and a pleasing pattern are highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
