Opal

Opal – the October birthstone is derived from the ancient Greek; its meaning is “to see change”; in the case of the opal, a change of color.

Opals have been mined from the beginnings of early civilization in both the ‘Old’ and ‘New’ worlds. Opal continues to be mined on several continents today in places like the Royal Peacock Opal Mine. Each locale seems to have its own special form of opal, but out of all, one country’s opal excels in quality and color.

Australian opals are exquisite representatives of the opal mineral. Australian opal is the most highly prized of all the opal mined in the world. Its color and fire exceeds the opals mined in ancient times. Opal mining in Australia began in the late 1800’s, just in time for Queen Victoria to benefit from the find of a lifetime in her favorite gem. Queen Victoria loved opals, and made them popular through her devotion to the opal, often giving the gem as a wedding gift.

Australian opal mines are set so high above the rest of the world’s opal mines because they not only produce the most valuable white opals, but moreover because they are the only source of black opals. Black opal shows an exceptional display of ‘fire’ (color reflection) in vivid colors ranging from greens to reds and oranges. As the black of the black opal reflects more than white opals do, the diffusion of color from a black opal is unparalleled in white opals.

There are other kinds of opal other than the best known white opal and the best valued black opals. Fire opals are a third opal type; fire opals exist in the U.S. and Mexico. In the United States fire opal is found in the state of Oregon. American and Mexican fire opals are transparent opals that range in color from colorless to orange, and less frequently, red. Color play in a fire opal is less often seen, but is still at times, because the transparent nature of the fire opal is not good at reflecting color. Fire opal has a unique origination. Fire opals are produced by volcanoes.

opal ring or necklace is more commonly seen with the most prolific opal, the white opal, and this is the best known type of opal. Opal rings, necklaces, and bracelets are also set in a variety of precious metals to suit the preferences of buyers and to enhance the colors of the opal stone. Opal jewelry is frequently seen set in yellow gold, particularly older pieces, but with the increased popularity of white precious metals has come more white metal opal settings, such as white gold, platinum, and white opal sterling silver rings. Sterling silver is more affordable than the other white metals, so a white opal sterling silver ring setting is a good middle-ground with still high quality.

The beauty of opals has stood the test of time and will continue to for many years. Opals are as loved today as ever before. The unique gems, a touch reminiscent of pearls, are becoming even more popular as new, unique varieties enter opal jewelry markets. Owning one of these unique stones is a practice in historical tradition as well as contemporary fashion accessorizing.