Revered as a symbol of hope, fidelity, and purity, opal was dubbed the Queen of Gems by the ancient Romans
because it encompassed the colors of all other gems. Opal is prized for its unique play of color, the ability to diffract
light into flashes of rainbow color.
Opal occurs in different colors, ranging from semi-transparent to opaque. The most common is white opal. Crystal or water
opal has a colorless body. The most valued variety, black opal, has a dark blue, gray, or black body color. Boulder opal
combines precious opal with the ironstone in which it forms. Bright yellow, orange, or red fire opal are quite different
from the other varieties of opal. Their day-glo tones, which are translucent to transparent, are beautiful with or without
play of color. Opal, along with tourmaline, is the birthstone for October and the suggested gift for the fourteen
aniiversary.
Today's supplies of opal come primarily from Australia, Mexico and the United States. Most opals are not faceted but cut
into rounded or free-form cabochons that enhance their play of color. Although opal is rarely enhanced by methods other
than cutting and polishing, opals can be treated to bring out their play of color. One technique is to immerse white, gray,
or black opal in a sugar solution leaves microscopic carbon specks that blacken the body color, making its flashes of color
more visible. Opals can also be permeated with colorless oil, wax, resin, plastic, and hardeners to improve their
appearance and durability. Occasionally, some thinner or translucent opal may be painted with a black epoxy on the backside
of the gemstone to darken the body color and improve the play of color. Fire opal is not commonly enhanced.
Opal, with or without enhancement, should be treated with come care. Opal is softer than many other gemstones and should be
stored carefully to avoid being scratched by other jewelry. It should also be protected from blows, as exposed corners
can chip. Opal should not be exposed to heat or acid.
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