White Opal Black Opal Opal Triplet Opal Doublet


Opal is a unique combination of quartz (SiO2) and water (H2O) with a formula written SIO2.nH2O where n represents any number. This signifies that Opal can have a water or moisture component that can vary from almost nil to as high as 12% (or even higher). This unique composition creates all the beautiful properties of Opal and all of its potential problems.

The brilliant fire and flash that we search for in a precious Opal gemstone is very rare, and is probably less than 1% of all Opal.

If the Opal retains a high moisture content (above 6% or 7% ) it has a potential to dry out, shrink, craze or crack. The buyer should be confident that the Opal they purchase has stability.

 

White Opal refers to any Fire Opal with a light body color which can range from white through to cream, tan and gray. The material can vary from almost opaque through transluscent to a transparent gel which allows more of the fire to show. Go to White Opals.

Black Opal contains inclusions that create a black, transluscent background which enhances the fire. Black Opals are very rare and as the quantity and intensity of the fire increases the value can escalate to thousands of dollars per carat. Go to Black Opals.
Opal Doublets are created by attaching thinner transluscent seam material to a slice of black onyx. This provides the necessary thickness and strength to form a cabochon gemstone. The black background intensifies the fire. Natural doublets occur when seam Opal is formed attached to a black rock. Go to Opal Doublets.
Opal Triplets are usually made by sandwitching fine, thin, transparent opal (with lots of fire) between a black onyx backing and a quartz cap. The black onyx intensifies the fire and the quartz cap produces a more wear resistant Gem. Go to Opal Triplets.


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