Opal is one of the most fascinating gemstones: a single stone displays a lively play of colors in blue, green, orange, and red that changes with every movement. This shimmering effect is called opalescence. At the same time, opal is a relatively soft, water-containing stone and therefore more delicate than most gemstones — it should be worn and cared for with caution. Those who keep this in mind wear a true natural wonder with opal.
What is Opal?
Opal is not a classic crystal but a water-containing mineraloid made of tiny silica spheres. These regularly arranged spheres refract light and create the famous play of colors. The water content typically ranges between 3 and 21 percent — making the stone both special and sensitive. On the Mohs hardness scale, opal only reaches about 5.5 to 6.5; for comparison, a diamond reaches 10. This means opal is easier to scratch and sensitive to impacts, dry air, and heat.
Opal forms over long periods: silica-rich water seeps into fine cavities in the rock, the water gradually evaporates, leaving behind the characteristic sphere structure. Because this process never occurs exactly the same way twice, no opal is like another — each play of color is unique. This individuality is what makes the stone so appealing and distinguishes it from uniformly faceted gemstones like diamond or sapphire.
What types and colors of opal are there?
Opal is not just opal. The variety ranges from milky light to deep black, and this is exactly what makes the stone so appealing:
- White Opal: light, milky base tone with delicate play of colors — the most common variety.
- Black Opal: dark background that makes the spectral colors shine especially brightly — the rarest and most sought-after type.
- Boulder Opal: opal in its host rock, often with strong, broad color patches.
- Fire Opal: transparent to orange-red glowing, often without the typical play of colors but with a warm inherent color.
- Common Opal: without play of colors, monochrome — for example, pink or green opal.
The majority of precious opals come from Australia; other significant sources are Ethiopia and Mexico. Those who like the shimmering play of colors in opal will find a beautiful alternative in related cabochon stones — such as our 585 gold necklace with peach moonstone, whose gentle shimmer is close to that of opal.
What makes an opal valuable?
The value of an opal depends mainly on the intensity and variety of its play of colors. A lively, evenly distributed display of all spectral colors across the stone is considered especially desirable. Important factors are:
- Play of colors: the brighter and more varied the colors, the more valuable. Red and orange tones are rarer than blue and green.
- Base color: a dark background like in black opal makes the colors stand out more.
- Pattern: large, contiguous color patches are considered higher quality than small, fragmented ones.
- Clarity and cut: opal is almost always cut as a round cabochon, which optimally showcases the play of colors.
What is the meaning of opal?
Hardly any stone has been interpreted as differently as opal. In antiquity, it was considered a lucky stone and a symbol of hope and purity — the Romans valued it as one of the most precious stones. Its name probably derives from the Latin opalus or the Sanskrit word upala (“precious stone”). Traditionally, opal is said to represent imagination, creativity, and inner transformation — fitting for its constantly changing play of colors.
In the 19th century, opal temporarily gained a reputation for bringing bad luck — a superstition mainly based on a novel by Sir Walter Scott and without any real foundation. Shortly thereafter, Queen Victoria significantly helped rehabilitate opal: she gifted it to family and court, making it socially acceptable again. Today, opal is once again regarded as a stone of joy and beauty. As a birthstone, it is traditionally assigned to October and is often given as a gift for special occasions.
The meanings associated with opal are culturally and historically passed down. They are to be understood as symbolic tradition and do not imply any health or healing effects.
No opal is like another — each stone carries its own play of colors like a fingerprint.
Splendido JewelryHow to properly care for opal?
Because opal is soft and water-containing, it requires more attention than harder stones. However, with a few simple rules, the play of colors can be preserved for a long time:
- Clean gently only: a slightly damp, soft cloth is sufficient. No aggressive cleaners, no brushes.
- No ultrasonic bath: ultrasonic and steam cleaners can cause fine cracks — forbidden for opal.
- Protect from heat and dryness: direct sunlight, heaters, or saunas can draw water from the stone and cause fine cracks.
- Avoid chemicals: apply perfume, hairspray, and cream first, then put on the jewelry.
- Avoid impacts: better to remove during sports, cleaning, or gardening.
- Store softly: keep separate from harder jewelry in a soft pouch or case.
More basic knowledge on proper care for delicate stones can be found in our guide on cleaning and caring for jewelry.
Opal jewelry and shimmering alternatives
Opal is especially suitable for jewelry that is worn with care — such as ear studs or pendants, which are less exposed to impacts than a ring on the hand. Due to its lower hardness, opal is often set in a protective bezel setting that surrounds the edge of the stone and protects it from knocks. As the birthstone of October, opal jewelry is also a personal gift with meaning.
Those who shy away from opal’s sensitivity but love its lively shimmer will find handpicked pieces at Splendido Jewelry with related gemstones like moonstone, amethyst, or topaz. Discover our gold chains with gemstones and gold rings with gemstones — or browse the entire gold jewelry and silver jewelry.
All pieces are made from genuine 585 gold, which is nickel-free and does not tarnish, as well as solid, rhodium-plated 925 silver — carefully selected by Italian goldsmiths. At Splendido Jewelry, you enjoy free shipping and returns as well as a 30-day return policy.
