|
Home > Silver
Flake News Center > Opal : Birthstone for the Month of October
Silver Flake News
Opal : Birthstone for the Month of October
http://www.jewelry-paideia.com/
The name opal was derived from the Sanskrit "Upala"
and later the Greek derivative "Opallios," meaning
to see a change of color. Opal is a gemstone that ranges from
semi-transparent to opaque. Its body color covers a broad
spectrum of colors, but is mostly prized for what is known
as "play of color," the ability to reflect and refract
light into flashes of multiple colors.
Historically, opal was considered a lucky charm that brought
beauty, success and happiness to its wearer. Scandinavian
women wore opals as hair ornaments to prevent their blonde
locks from going gray. The Arabs thought that opal would ward
off lighting and give a cloak of invisibility to its wearer
when desired. It was supposed to grant vigor, aid the heart
and kidneys and protect against fainting and infection.
Opal is a non-crystalline gem that is formed in the ground
when silica is liquefied and washed into fissures in the surrounding
rock where it solidifies into a hardened gel. Tiny silica
spheres create a pattern in opal that causes a prism-like
effect that produces flashes of color.
Today, 95% of the world's opal is mined in Australia, known
for producing the most spectacular material on the planet.
White opal is also being produced in Brazil. Fire and crystal
opal is found in Mexico and the United States (Nevada).
Buying
In determining value, the brilliance and pattern of the play
of color on an opal are very important. Generally speaking,
opal with an abundance of red fire is the most highly prized.
Those strong in blue and green are equally beautiful but not
as rare, so they're priced less.
Opal is not a common gem, although non-precious varieties
abound. White opal, the most prevalent, may sell for a few
dollars to several hundred per carat. On the other hand, fine
black opal, which is the loveliest and rarest, therefore most
expensive of the opal varieties, can command more than $1,000
per carat. The value of opal also lies in the size of the
gem. Opal is very rare in large sizes, especially in black
opal. Most opal is not faceted (except fire opal). It is usually
cut into rounded or freeform cabochons that enhance color
play.
Perfect natural gems—in color and appearance—are
very rare and expensive. Many types of opal are treated to
enhance their appearance. A common technique is to immerse
white of gray opal in sugar solution and then in strong sulfuric
acid. The acid carbonizes the sugar and leaves microscopic
carbon specks in the opal that effectively blacken the body
color and make the spots of fire stand out more.
Some opals are also impregnated with colorless oil, wax
and resin; colorless plastic and/or other hardened agents;
or colorless synthetic resins and hardeners to hide crazing
and/or improve durability.
Jewelry Care
Use a soft dry or damp cloth to clean your opal. In fact,
rub the gem periodically with cloth moistened with olive oil
to help preserve it. Do not soak your opal in place in chemicals
or use mechanical cleaners. Avoid heat and dry conditions
that could dehydrate and crack your opal. Treat it with care
to prevent sharp blows and scratches. Avoid impacts. It is
important to buy fine opal from a reputable retailer who will
provide, in writing, all pertinent information regarding the
gem including enhancements and special care notes.
In addition to its place as October's birthstone, opal is
also a recommended gift for couples celebrating their 14th
wedding anniversary.
|
