Opals: The Playful Gemstone Full of Color and Magic

Opals are one of nature's most dazzling creations, and there's no mistaking their signature play of color. When you look into an opal, it feels like you’re holding a piece of the rainbow itself. Whether it's the fiery reds and oranges or the deep blues and greens, opals offer a mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic display that’s truly one-of-a-kind. It’s no wonder they’ve been adored by cultures worldwide for centuries.

What Makes Opals So Special?

Opals are formed from silica, the same substance found in sand, but over thousands (sometimes millions!) of years, water seeps into the earth, carrying silica deposits. These deposits slowly form into opal, filling cracks and voids in rocks.  Over time, as the silica builds up and water evaporates, these deposits become beautiful opal gemstones. As the spheres of silica diffract white light, breaking it into the many colors of the spectrum, we see the phenomenon called opalescence.

The gemstone signifies hope, innocence, confidence and purity. Opals are believed to bring about happiness and beauty to the wearer. Opal is the birthstone for October. 

Types of Opals

Opal comes in many colors, shapes, forms, and colors. These include: white, orange, yellow, red, blue, green, purple, grey, brown and black. While all opals share their iridescent beauty, there are many types to explore:

Boulder Opal

Around 95% of the world's opal supply comes from Australia. Australian Boulder Opal forms in the cracks and cavities of ironstone boulders, making it truly unique. Primarily found in Queensland, this opal showcases vibrant flashes of color set against the earthy tones of the host rock. The stunning contrast between the opal’s fiery hues and the ironstone creates a captivating visual effect. Boulder Opal is especially prized for its durability, and its natural setting enhances its play of color, revealing brilliant blues, greens, purples, and reds. The rugged, organic feel of each stone makes boulder opals a favorite for those who appreciate jewelry with a natural, earthy vibe.

Cantera Opal

Cantera Opal is a unique gem from Mexico, found within rhyolite stone. Unlike other opals, Cantera Opals remain partially encased in this matrix, creating a stunning contrast between the fiery iridescence of the opal and the earthy tones of the stone. These opals are softer and more crystalline than other types, showcasing a vibrant play of color that often includes brilliant reds, oranges, and a full spectrum of hues. Their natural, uncut appearance makes Cantera Opals highly prized among collectors and jewelry makers alike. With their organic beauty and rich cultural heritage, these gems are a true treasure!

Ethiopian Opal

Ethiopian Opals are  a true wonder of the gemstone world, known for their vibrant play of color and mesmerizing transparency. These opals, primarily found in the Welo region, often have a lighter body tone, allowing their fiery flashes of reds, oranges, blues, and greens to shine through beautifully. What makes Ethiopian opals especially captivating is their ability to absorb water (often called jelly opals), making their colors even more dynamic when wet. They're prized for their stunning, almost ethereal glow, and each stone seems to have a life of its own, constantly shifting and shimmering with every movement. If you're looking for a gem that's full of energy and charm, Ethiopian opals are a perfect choice.

Lab Simulated Opals

Lab Simulated Opals are created in a lab setting rather than being created by the earth. Though they are created differently, the mineral composition is exactly the same. These opals have the same distinctive play of color as natural opals, with the added benefits of being eco-friendly, more affordable, have less flaws and are stronger. Sterling Opal is one brand of lab simulated opals. 

Dendritic Opal is a form of common opal (meaning it shows no play of color when flashed with light) and is characterized by mineral deposits that often appear in branch-like patterns. The most common dendritic inclusions in these opals are metallic oxides like manganese and iron. These pieces are always one-of-a-kind because no two dendritic patterns are the same. 

Indonesian Opalized Wood is formed when the wood grains of petrified wood are replaced by opal. Since Indonesia is an active volcanic island chain, super-heated water percolates through layers of ash deep into long buried trees, depositing silica where there once was carbon, forming these unique and colorful gems.  The silica  in these stones is often accompanied by other elements that give it a wide range of colors. Red, green and purple colors are usually from iron minerals. Manganese often creates pink, black and brown  coloration and copper minerals can produce blue and green. 

Wild Fire Opal, also referred to as "Bacon Opal" and "Bubble Opal" is a hot spring deposit that was discovered in Utah in 2018-2019. It is made mostly of silica, but does have a variety of other minerals throughout which are responsible for the vibrant colors. Reports say that all the unique Wild Fire Opal material has been completely mined out. 

Opals are delicate gems. The silica in opals contains as much as 20% water, which means they may dry out if left in a warm environment. Try to avoid very high temperatures or low humidity extremes, such as boiling water or zero humidity. Avoid letting opals come in contact with bleach, chemicals and cleaners, swimming pools and spas. It is best to take off your jewelry when putting on lotions or perfumes.  

Opals can be cleaned gently with a soft cloth. Never clean your opal in an ultrasonic cleaner, as the intense vibrations may cause cracking. 

Store your opal jewelry in a jewelry box or safe place. Putting it in a zip bag will help reduce tarnish.