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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 Click Here to see our available inventory of Opals
More Opal Articles Terminology: Common Opal, Precious Opal, Fire Opal or Potch What is Meant By Opal Doublet or Triplet |
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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.