Scott's Tips
To care for opal, clean with a soft dry or damp cloth. Rub periodically with an olive oil moistened cloth. Do not soak opal, use mechanical cleaners or allow them to come in contact with harsh chemicals.
Opal
Described by the ancient Romans as the “queen of all gems”, opal is a chameleon encompassing the essence of every gem in one. Its name means “to see a change in color”, which this phenomenal gem shows in unusual optical effects of shifting spectral hues described as play of color.
An October birthstone, opal is favored as the gift for the 14th wedding anniversary.
Opal occurs in several types; the most common in white opal with vibrant pastel flashes. Black opal has a blue, grey or black body with more dramatic color play. Boulder opal is black opal with some of the ironstone in which it occurs. Crystal opal is clear with glints of swimming color. Fire opal has a yellow, orange or red body- with or without color play.
Value is typically based on the brilliance and pattern of the color play, as well as size, with larger gemstones being more valuable.
