Types of Opals

Opals are a one-of-a-kind gemstone, known for their remarkable patterns that are filled with colors from the whole spectrum. While all opals share certain characteristics, such as their composition of silica spheres that create their one-of-a-kind sensation and their ability to diffract light, there are several different types of opals, each with its own appearance and properties. Here below will be discussed the different types of opals and what makes each one just as unique as the other.

 

• White Opals: White opals are the most common type of opal and are usually recognized as white or milky. They tend to have flashes of color that are typically pastel or subdued. The milky base makes the color portraying on the opal more profound, making these opals a perfect choice for those looking for a more clean understated look. A wide source of white opals can be sourced from a town called Coober Pedy which is located in Australia.

 

• Black Opals: Black opals are the most valued type of opal there is. It’s praised for their dark background that helps intensify the color within the opal. The dark base color creates a contrast that helps play of color pop out which makes these opals highly desired by collectors and jewelers throughout the world. Black opals are rarer than white opals and are typically found in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia.

 

• Boulder Opals: Boulder opals are formed when thin layers of opal are deposited onto a matrix of ironstone or other minerals. This opal has a unique and distinctive appearance where opal veins run throughout the boulder giving it its color and pattern. Boulder opals are often cut in a way that preserves the natural shape of the stone which adds to the natural beauty of itself. Boulder opals are primarily found in Queensland, Australia.

 

• Matrix Opals: Matrix opals are similar to boulder opals as they still have a background base of sedimentary rock such as limestone, sandstone, or ironstone. Within the rock on top of that base there will be bright color scattered throughout the face of the opal giving it the color and meaning of this opal. Matrix opal is usually found in Honduras, Mexico, and Australia.

 

• Crystal Opals: Crystal opals are seen to have a transparent or translucent base, which allows the play of color to be seen from both sides of the opal. They have bright vivid colors that also makes them a popular choice for opal lovers. Crystal opals are primarily found in South Australia and are rarer than white opals.

 

• Fire Opals: Fire opals are unique among opals in that they are typically one full color seen in orange, red, or yellow rather than the traditional play of colors seen in other types of opals. Fire opals are very bold pieces and can definitely help you stand out from the crowd. These opals can be found primarily in Mexico. 

 

• Ethiopian Opals: Ethiopian opals are relatively new to the world of opals, having only been discovered in 1994. They are characterized by their bright and vivid play of color, which often includes a wide range of hues, from green and blue to orange and red. Ethiopian opals are found in the Wollo Province of Ethiopia and are highly prized for their unique appearance.

 

As you can see, opals come from many different regions that give it its own character name to the opal world. I’m sure whether you prefer the bold choice of a fire opal or the double sided beauty of a crystal opal, there’s one kind of opal that will take your breath away awing for more.