The Different Types of Opals
Opal is the best example of how artistic the nature can be. A beautiful gemstone, with the display of all colors of the rainbow, mesmerizing charm and cosmological properties, the Opal has it all, making it one of the kind. There are numerous types in which the Natural Opal gems are found. These are:
White Opal : These are the most common types of Opal, which are mainly mined from the mines situated in Australia. Due to their light white tone, these gemstones are also known by the name of Milky Coral. Prized for their sensuous charm, White Opals’ value depends upon their quality. Due to the white tone of the Milky Opals, usually the fire or the display of iridescent colors (Opalescence) is not properly visible.
Black Opal : As soon people read ‘Black’ in the name of these Opals; they assume that these Opals would be having black color. But, this is completely incorrect. The word ‘Black’ in the name of these Opals means that these gemstones’ body has a dark color, when compared to White Opals. The Black Opals are the most beautiful type of Opals, due to their dark color, the display of iridescent colors is very clear and perfectly visible.
Boulder Opal : Can be termed as the best Opal gems, the Boulder Opals are the ones which are at times found with their one side polished naturally. These gems form over Ironstone boulders and are cut along with Ironstone left on their back. It is due to the reason that these gems are usually quite thin, hence a part of Ironstone is left on their rears for strength. In addition to it, the Ironstone enhances their looks astonishingly and makes them very dark in color. These gems have a tendency to split into cleaves. When they split, one of the faces of the cleaved Opals is usually polished naturally.
Fire Opal : The Fire Opals are the ones, which are derived from the mines of Mexico. What makes them different from any other type of Opals is their distinct color. The Fire Opals have a color ranging from orange to red. Though known for their alluring beauty and charm, the Fire Opals do not have the play of colors. As the red colored loose Opal gems are the rarest among all the types, these are quite costly and treasured.
Crystal Opal : Usually all the Opals we find in the market are opaque, but there are some cases when the mined Opals are having transparent to translucent tones. Such gems are known by the name of Crystal Opals. These Crystal Opals can have color tone ranging from light to dark, hence termed as ‘White Crystal Opals’ and ‘Black Crystal Opals’.
Matrix Opal : When an Opal is found in a unique condition, where the piece of gemstone is intimately fused with the host rock, in which the Opal was formed, such a gemstone is known by the name of Matrix Opal. In the case of Matrix Opals, the stone is filled in pores/holes or in grains of the host rock.
Author : He is an expert gemologist and work with GemPundit.He advises about gemstones related queries from user and has successful track record of servicing customers for more than 20 years
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