Gemstones Opal Opal is given as a symbol of hope, happiness and truth.
Color: Opal is fundamentally colorless, but such material is rarely found. Disseminated impurities generally impart to opal various dull body colors that range from the yellows an
d reds derived from iron oxides to black from manganese oxides and organic carbon.The milkiness of many white and gray opals is attributable to an abundance of tiny gas-filled cavities in them. Precious opal reflects light with a play of brilliant colors across the visible spectrum, red being the most valued.
Description: Amorthous silica, SiO2 + nH2O, A solidified jelly so it has no crystal structure and contains up to 13% water. Precious opals are translucent to transparent and are distinguished by a combination of milky to pearly opalescence and an attractive play of many colors. These colors flash and change as a stone is viewed from different directions are caused by interference of light along minute cracks a
nd other internal inhomogeneities.
Opal is extensively used as a gemstone. Various forms of common opal are widely mined for use as abrasives, insulation media, fillers, and ceramic ingredients.
The name's origin: The name opal is derived from the Latin word opalus, meaning seeing jewel. According to another theory the word opal comes from upala, a Sanskrit word simply meaning a stone.
Birthstone: Opal along with tourmaline are birthstones of Libra (Balance): Sept. 23 - Oct. 23.
