The opals are one of the most interesting and unusual stones in the world and are known by their brilliant play of color that appears to dance across its surface. Often referred to as "Nature's fireworks," opals have been treasured for centuries, not only for their beauty but also for the mystical qualities bestowed upon them. In this article, we will look into the astonishing features of opals, a little history of the gemstones, their types, their formation, and what makes them so special in the world of jewelry.

The Mystique of Opal

Among all the gemstones, opals are really different because of their spectacular optical phenomenon they produce, known as "play-of-color." The structure of the opal consists of minuscule silica spheres and is a result of diffraction after the white light passes through these spheres. Depending on the size and arrangement of these spheres, opals can display a spectrum of colors—from deep blues and greens to fiery reds and oranges.

The word "opal" itself comes from the Sanskrit word "upala," which means "precious stone"; and a Greek word "opallios," which means "to see a change in color." This stone has worked its way into many beliefs and legends. To the ancient Romans, opals were that one, great-most powerful, and magical of all gemstones, capable of good fortune to whoever was lucky enough to wear them.

Opal: Origin and Formation

The process by which opals form involves a solution of silicon dioxide in water. With rain, water runs down through the earth, picking up silica from sandstone and carrying this solution rich in silica into cracks and voids in the ground. Over time, as the water evaporates, the silica deposit is left behind. This is a slow process that repeats over millions of years to eventually form an opal.

Unlike most gems, opal is not a crystal but considered to be a mineraloid simply because of its amorphous structure.

Australia is the world's most important source of opal, producing about 95% of the world's total. Other important sources include Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. Origin has a profound impact on the appearance, and hence the quality, of an individual opal. Australian opals possess the remarkable play-of-color; Ethiopian opals are hydrophane, meaning they have the ability to absorb water and hide inclusions within their structure.

Types of Opal

Opals exist in a few varieties, with each having some unique characteristic:

• Black Opal: This is considered the most valuable type of opal due to the dark body tone enhancing the play-of-color. They are found mainly in Lightning Ridge, Australia.
• White Opal: Sometimes referred to as "milky opal," these stones have a light body color, usually white or light gray, displaying a softer play-of-color than the black opal. But they are also the most common type of opal.
• Boulder Opal: The finest specimens of this variety are found in Queensland, Australia. They occur as an ironstone boulder with the formation of precious opal within. It shows a nice contrast since the play-of-color is presented by the brown ironstone matrix.
• Fire Opal: Warm body colors range from yellow to orange to red. Unlike other opals, fire opals can be faceted to enhance brilliance and may or may not show play-of-color.
• Crystal Opal: These opals contain a transparent to semi-transparent body and show a bright play-of-color. They are really valued due to their clarity and brightness.

The Legend and Lore of Opals

Since time began, opals have always had a handful of myths and legends surrounding them. In ancient times, there was this belief that opals lent their owner magical powers. The Romans regarded the gemstone as a symbol of purity and hope, and to the Greeks, opals were the symbol of giving one prophetic vision to save from disease.

In the Middle Ages, opals were considered a sign of good luck since they contained every color of the rainbow and hence let people access the power of every gemstone. But for the opal, there is also a darker side: it is claimed to bring bad luck. Such superstitions about dark-colored opals spread so strong in the 19th century after the novel by Sir Walter Scott that their popularity went down.

Fortunately, that superstition has long since faded and the opal is once again treasured for its beauty.

Famous Opals and Their Stories

A number of opals are renowned for either their size, their beauty, or their historic significance:

• Andamooka Opal: A 203-carat opal that was found in Andamooka, South Australia. This opal was given to Queen Elizabeth II on her first visit to Australia in 1954 and forms part of the Royal Collection.
• Fire Queen Opal: This opal, weighing in excess of 900 carats, was found in 1906 in the Lightning Ridge Area in Australia and displays a brilliant red and orange play-of-color—it was one of the most valuable opals ever found.
• Olympic Australis: The largest and most valuable opal ever found weighed an astonishing 17,000 carats. Mined in Coober Pedy, Australia, in 1956, this miracle of nature is worth more than $2 million.

Caring for Your Opal Jewelry

Being softer as compared to other gemstones, opals lie in the range of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Thus, special care is called for when looking after them to maintain their glory. Herein mentioned are a few tips that you may follow to take care of your opal jewelry:

• Avoid high-temperature exposure or extremely low temperatures: Opals are mainly made of a massive amount of water, which makes them vulnerable to temperature changes. Extreme heat or cold may crack your opal.
• Proper Care: Store your opal jewelry apart from other harder gems—including diamonds—to avoid scratching. A soft pouch or a lined box is best.
• Care: Clean your opal jewelry using a soft cloth or a mild detergent and warm water. Avoid exposure to chemical cleaning, steam cleaners, or ultrasonic cleaners that may affect the stone.
• Hydration: Opals can lose their water content over time and may start to crack or craze. Because of this, many individuals try to store their opals in a slightly humid environment or place a wet cloth next to the stone on longer-term storage.

Opals in Modern Jewelry

Today, opals continue to be popular for an engagement ring, statement necklaces, and all types of jewelry. Their diversity in 'play-of-color' and a variety in body tone make them versatile and desirable. Opals cast a spell in classic gold or modern silver settings, adding elegance and mystique to any piece.

In recent years, opals in jewelry have had a resurgence of increasing popularity; the acceptance of this can be traced back to an advanced desire to wear vintage and antique pieces. Designers also test opals in modern settings, joined with other stones and metals to create original, striking pieces.

The beauty of the opal attracts, besides many historical feelings and symbolism. It has fired the imagination of every age, from ancient Romans to the present-day enthusiasts in the field of gemstones. For the collector of gemstones, a lover of jewelry, or a seeker of a special gift, opals offer something of timeless charm sure to enchant.

When you are looking at an opal, remember that you are not looking at just a piece of stone but at one small part of Earth's history, solidifying over millions of years and being treasured by generations. Let magic and mystery adorn your life with colors and elegance.