“A Gift of Love”

So what are Opals?

Opal is one of the world’s most beautiful and precious gemstones, mainly found in Australia. It is one of only six types of precious gemstones found on earth, sharing prestigious company with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and pearls.

Scientifically, opal is known as SiO₂nH₂O – an amorphous mineraloid comprised of hydrated silicon dioxide (A mix of silica and water) with tiny crystalline spheres that seem to spackle as they refract light.

The colour range is very impressive. Ranging from milky white, pink, light green and blue or the very rare black.

How is Opal Formed? 

Opal is formed as water seeps through sandstone, it picks up tiny particles of silica. Millions of years ago, the solution flowed into cracks and voids in sedimentary as well as volcanic areas in Australia. This solution had a rate of deposition of approximately one centimetre thickness every five million or so years at a depth of forty metres. Over a period of aroun 1 to 2 million years after this period solidification occurred as the climate changed. The opal remained soft for long periods as cementation took place before becoming hardened.

History

Opals have been treasured and used as jewelry at least as far back as 6,000 years ago. Louis Leakey found ancient artifacts in Kenya that dated way back to 4000 B.C. Opals are valued by many cultures, and could be found in both the modern world and the old. Early opals were likely mined in Egypt, but today’s opals are primarily obtained from Australia.

The Romans believed wearing these gem stones helped clarify emotional states and made wearers become more spontaneous providing clarity of thought and foresight. European nations during the Middle Ages had a lesser view, but felt that the gems had medicinal properties that would protect the eyes

How to choose the right Opal?

Quality of opals is assessed through several different factors. Since they are not clear gemstones but have lots of colour, clarity matters less than with other stones. A major consideration is body tone, the main background colour of the opal. Darker body tones receive higher prices than light or white body tones.

Opals have three degrees of brilliance classed as subdued bright or brilliant.The greater the level to which the colours are brightly displayed, the better the quality. The pattern of colours in the opal is also assessed. The highest quality patterns are those in which the different colours are portrayed in equal proportions, called the harlequin. Any faults such as cracks, inconsistent colouring, or breaks in the pattern can reduce the value of an opal. A crack can render the gem worthless, while pattern disruptions may merely reduce the price