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Virtually everybody counts opals among their favorite
gemstones. But they are different from
every other precious gem. Opal's beauty doesn't come from the clarity or
purity of its color. It comes from the "play of color" that is created when light
refracts and reflects off of their unique internal structure. Opal is noncrystalline, hydrous silicon dioxide. In other words it has the same chemical
composition as quartz, but it contains 1-2% water and it is not crystallized. It is
composed of alignments of tiny spheres which form a compact, three-dimensional
network. It is the play of light off of these tiny spheres that gives opal its
unique internal iridescence which is called "opalescence"!
More Opal Information
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Opal
Doublets
An
opal doublet is a layer of genuine opal bonded to a layer of dark colored stone,
usually ironstone. It is then cut and polished. Doublets use a thinner piece of opal and the backing stone
gives it added depth and strength. The black background also makes the
colors of the opal stand out more and look brighter, like a much more
expensive opal. So you can own an opal that looks better for less
money!
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Opal Triplets
A
triplet has three layers. It has the backing layer of dark colored stone or
industrial glass, then the opal layer and then a clear layer, usually
quartz, but sometimes a synthetic. The backing stone gives it added depth
and strength and also makes the colors of the opal stand out more and look
brighter. Opal is a relatively soft stone. The quartz top is very hard and
gives the stone added resistance to chips and scratches.
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Boulder Opal
Gem opal that is embedded in other stone, usually ironstone. These
stones have areas of earthy brown accentuated with patches of flashy opal. |
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Fire Opal Fire opal is named
for its fiery orange color. Ironically, it usually doesn't have any
"opalescence", commonly called fire. Confusing, I know. I didn't
make up the name. |
More Opal Articles
Describing Opal Fire Patterns
Opals on a Budget
Terminology: Common Opal, Precious Opal, Fire Opal or Potch
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