Amber Laine

• Features opal and white cubic zirconia
• Pendant measures 3/4" x 3/8"
• .925 sterling silver
• Chain not included
• Typically ships next business day

Opal

What is Opal?

Opal is a beautiful gem famous for its dazzling flashes of colors, unsurpassed by any other gem. Its color and iridescence – called its "play of color" – are so unusual, a whole new word had to be made to describe it: opalescence. Opalescence refers to the way the play of color changes with the angle and the light as well as the iridescent rainbow that makes people immediately think "that's an opal!" Opals can occur in almost any color. The intensity and density of the flashes of color is a big part of valuing an opal. Even the luster of an opal is difficult to describe. That's part of what makes it such a fascinating and unique gemstone! While opal has been valued as a gem in its own right for thousands of years, today it is commonly used as an inlay to bring shimmering color to other precious stones and add sparkle to your wardrobe.

What Makes an Opal Shimmer Like That?

Opals are different from any other gemstone, and a big reason for that is what it's made of. Instead of having a crystal structure like most gemstones, opals are made of microscopic spheres of silica gel with water and silica solution trapped in between the spheres. Opals form when water and silica solution gets trapped in the earth and the water starts to evaporate, leaving the silica to form little spheres and the leftover solution to fill in the gaps. This unusual and moist composition is responsible for the major difference between opal and other precious stones. Today, opals are sometimes permeated with oil, wax, or resin to improve its durability.

Opal's Name

Opal's name may come from the Greek word "opallios," which means "to see a change of color." The Greek word actually comes from an ancient Sanskrit word that means "precious gem." That the word has its roots in a word that refers to sight may have something to do with the legends surrounding it that refer to opal's ability to improve eyesight or enhance the ability to see limitless possibilities. In ancient India, opal was believed to enhance memory. The Greeks believed opal was a stone of prophecy. This seems hardly surprising, since the appearance of opal changes based on your perspective, a mystical ability that seems linked to all the different ways that we are able to "see."

Facts and History about Opal

Opal has been a valued gemstone for thousands of years. The earliest known opals date back to about 4,000 BC. Opal was a pretty rare gemstone until the 19th century. Since the discovery of Opal deposits in Australia in the late 1800s, it has been more abundant and more affordable. In the first half of the 20th century, opal experienced a revival in popularity through the Art Deco movement, and continued to be valued for its unusual beauty today. Opal is the national gemstone of Australia, which makes most of the world's opal today. Much of the opal in the jewelry sold on Amber Laine comes from nearby Arizona mines, crafted by Native American artisans. Opal is the October birthstone, making it the perfect gift for the Libra in your life.

Cleaning and Caring for your Opal

Opal is a soft gemstone, reaching only up to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale (and some is even softer at around 5.5), so it's a good idea to store your jewelry separately or in individual cloth or plastic bags to prevent them from getting scratched. Opal is also sensitive to chemicals, oils, heat, light, and sudden changes in humidity. Because of opal's unusual silica gel composition, there is a risk it could crack if it becomes very suddenly dry, so be sure to store it in a place that has relatively constant humidity. If you can't make sure the humidity will be constant and need to store your opal for a significant amount of time, seal it in a plastic bag with a cotton ball with just a few drops of water. Avoid immersing your opal in water. To clean your opal jewelry, simple wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, using a soft cosmetics applicator to clean the hard-to-reach spots. Do not clean with commercial cleaners, and never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner on your opal jewelry. Be sure to remove your opal jewelry before doing rough work or cleaning with chemicals, and be sure to put your opal jewelry on after you've finished applying hairspray and makeup. With proper care, opals will stay a perfectly beautiful gemstone for years to come.