The Science Behind Opals

Opals are a rare type of gemstone that differs from other gemstones like emeralds or diamonds. While those gems are crystalline, opals are a mineraloid with no crystal structure. They consist of small silica spheres that form a structured internal that gives rise to their unique and vibrant display of color.

 

Creation of Opals

 

Opals are the result of a natural process known as precipitation. During this process, silica-rich water seeps into cracks and gaps within rocks or sediment, leaving behind deposits of silica. As these deposits accumulate, they create layers of silica that can eventually form opals.

 

The color of an opal is determined by the size and arrangement of the silica spheres. When light enters an opal, it is diffracted and scattered by silica spheres which causes the different colors that opals are known for.

 

Properties of Opals

 

Opals have many different properties that come from the creation of silica spheres being formed inside an opal. Some of these properties are:

 

• Opacity: Opals are usually non transparent, meaning that they absorb light that tries to pass through them unlike diamonds that allow light to pass through them.

• Color: Opals are known for their unique range of colors, which is caused by the scattering of light by the silica spheres inside of them.

• Water content: Opals can contain up to 20% water weight, which can create cracking or crazing if exposed to sudden changes in temperature or humidity.

• Hardness: Opals have a hardness of about 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale, making them fairly soft leaving them vulnerable to breaking.

 

The intricate science behind the creation of an opal is complex but intriging. There are many gemstones that show off their unique given trait but not all gemstones have the colors and pattern that are given to an opal. Whether you collect opals or they just peak your interest, opals are bound to capture you with their breathtaking allure.