opal
OVERVIEW
ABOUT OPAL
Opal derived its name from Sanskrit, meaning “stone”. The most spectacular feature of this gemstone is a special optical phenomena known as opalescence, which means this gemstone reflects different colours of rainbow on its surface. And the hues changes with the change of movement of the stone. This happens because of refraction and reflection of light. In medieval times, writers compared opals with volcanos, fireworks, and galaxies, and people used to symbolize this gem with love and hope. As some it’s varieties are rare in nature, opal’s pricing competes at par with big 3 gemstones - emerald, ruby, and sapphire.
400 Million
Mintabie mines of Australia are 400 million years old
90 Percent
of world’s total production of opals, comes from Australia
Billions
of uniform silica spheres makes one opal.
Celebrity
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kapil Sharma
FACTS
Species: Opal
Composition: SiO2,nH2O ; Hydrous Silicon Dioxide
Crystal System: Amorphous
Colour: All
Refractive Index: 1.37-1.52
Specific Gravity: 1.98-2.50
Fluorescence: White, Bluish, Brownish, Greenish
Dispersion: None
ASTROLOGY ANGLE
In ancient times, opal was considered as captivating and a mysterious gem, which was worn for high luxury, virtue, and great luck. It was believed that opal had the magical power to heal sore eyes by keeping the gem on the eyes. As it display different colours, it possess virtues of the gemstones whose colour it reflects, namely passion of the ruby, finances of sapphire, health of an emerald, and prosperity of a yellow sapphire. Opal is a birthstone of people born in October.
How to check an original gemstone Planets and InvestmentFACTS
Species: Opal
Composition: SiO2,nH2O ; Hydrous Silicon Dioxide
Crystal System: Amorphous
Colour: All
Refractive Index: 1.37-1.52
Specific Gravity: 1.98-2.50
Fluorescence: White, Bluish, Brownish, Greenish
Dispersion: None
3 REASONS TO LOVE THIS GEM
Play of Colour
It is one of the rare natural gemstone which diffract light to show flashy rainbow colours.
Water
3 to 30 percent of opal is consist of water.
Oldest Gemstone
Opal is considered to be the oldest gemstone found on this planet.
ASTROLOGY ANGLE
In ancient times, opal was considered as captivating and a mysterious gem, which was worn for high luxury, virtue, and great luck. It was believed that opal had the magical power to heal sore eyes by keeping the gem on the eyes. As it display different colours, it possess virtues of the gemstones whose colour it reflects, namely passion of the ruby, finances of sapphire, health of an emerald, and prosperity of a yellow sapphire. Opal is a birthstone of people born in October.
How to check an original gemstone Planets and InvestmentQUALITY
COLOR
With opalescence, opal displays all the colours of rainbow.
CLARITY
Unlike many other gemstones, clarity is not much of importance because opal is known for their colour and diffraction of light.
ORIGIN
Australia produces world’s 90% of opals. Some of the opal mines are also located in Brazil and Mexico.
CERTIFICATION
Sugar treatment and smoke treatment are the most common treatments for opals. Ask the gem testing laboratory about these treatments.
FAQ’s
What is fire opal?
Is opal a soft stone?
What are the benefits of wearing opal gemstone?
What are the opal healing properties?
How to clean opal jewellery?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Colour
Opals are known for play-of-colour. It is the most important factor in buying an opal. More the play-of-colours in an opal, higher the value it will have.
Clarity
It is not necessary that an clearer opal are higher in value and rarity. In fact, black opals which are known for their rarity and high market price are opaque in nature.
Treatment
Sugar treatment and smoke treatment are performed on opals to make them look vibrant. These treatments are not permanent, and over a period of time, these treatments are weaned off and the gemstone looses its vibrant colours.
Origin
About 90% of world’s opals are produced in Australia. Queensland, Mintabie, Lightening Ridge, Coober Pedy, and Andamooka are the major opal producing regions in Australia.
TIPS & ADVICE
1. BUY FROM US AND BE SURE.
An opal can be created in many ways. At the same time, doublet opals and triplet opals have been sold as natural opal. The practice of non-disclosure has led to confusion and wrong selling. At Gemkart, we have the gemmological expertise of more than 20 years. We have certified opals which comes direct from the mines that carries Authentication Report based on the 'clarity & purity' standard. Each Gemkart and Vishhwas gemstone is selected by a gemologist and enlightened with Vedic mantras.
2. LOOK FOR ORIGIN AND CLARITY.
Australia produces world’s 90% of opals. Mintabie mines in Australia which is more than 400 million years old is still in production. Opals from Australia doesn’t lose its play of colour, while opals from Ethiopia loses its play of colour if immersed in oil. So, ask for certified and natural Australian opals.
3. WHEN IN DOUBT, GET IN TOUCH WITH US.
We have a team of gemmology experts led Soli Sethi, who is a certified gemmologist and who has spent his life for gemstones. For any kind of help related to gemstones, you can write or call us.
FAQ’s
What is fire opal?
Is opal a soft stone?
What are the benefits of wearing opal gemstone?
What are the opal healing properties?
How to clean opal jewellery?
Buy Certified Opal
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