Precious Opals are the gem grade variety of Opals, known for their extraordinary opalescence or “play of colors” that shine like a rainbow! Black Opal, Boulder Opal Matrix Opal and White Opal are all Precious Opals. Fire Opals belong to this category when they display opalescence, otherwise, they are common opal. Opals are a mineraloid, an amorphous material without a crystalline structure. Opals are composed of tiny spheres of amorphous silica. These spheres are all the exact same size and arranged in a perfect, repeating pattern. In this perfect environment, they will diffract the passing light into its component colors. As the light exits the opal, it displays this incredibly beautiful rainbow-effect that opals are known for. Opal usually forms from low temperature deposition from groundwaters in cavities in sedimentary and igneous rocks.

Opals are the traditional October birthstone. There has become somewhat of a superstition of it being bad luck for someone who was born in another month to wear an Opal but this is actually originating from a novel written in the 1800s. Historically, many ancient cultures all over the world believed Opals to hold magical powers and was believed to be the most lucky of all stones! Anicent Grecians believed Opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and protection from disease. Precious Opals are one of the most magical gems!

Hardness: 5.5

Color: White or black with iridescent flashes of yellow, orange, red, green, blue, and purple

Structure: Amorphous

Care: Avoid prolonged exposure to heat (or extreme heat), direct sunlight and contact with abrasive surfaces or chemicals. Remove before contact sports, weight lifting or activities where it may come into contact with force. As always, it should be stored away from minerals higher on the MOHs scale.

Cleaning: Wash briefly with a soft cloth, wet with lukewarm soapy water (no chemicals or jewelry cleaner). Do not submerge under water.

Feng Shui Placement: Precious Opals should be placed in any room you want to promote more joy and positivity. I highly recommend wearing Opal jewelry for good luck.