Opals are fascinating semi-precious stones that have captured people's attention for centuries. It has established itself as a semi-precious stone that is associated with great value, unparalleled beauty and in this blog post we will try to enlighten you a little about this amazing stone.

1. Varying play of colors: Opals are known for their unique play of colors, which makes each stone unique. The colors can vary from blue, green, red, yellow and many other shades, depending on the quality and origin of the stone.

2. Water content: Opal consists of approx. 3-10% water, which contributes to its characteristic play of colors and patterns. However, the water content can also make the opal more fragile and sensitive to sudden temperature changes.

3. National stone of Australia: Opal is Australia's national stone, and the country is the world's largest producer of opal. About 95% of the world's opal comes from Australia, where there are many opal mines that extract different types of opal such as black opal, boulder opal and white opal.

Opal is a non-crystallized form of the mineral silica and is part of the same family as quartz and cristobalite. The incredible structure and colors have made opals a valuable and sought-after stone that varies in shape and color. Precious opals are known for their spectacular play of colors, while common opals are more muted in color and do not show the same play of colors.

There are several types of opal stone, which vary in color and pattern. Here is a list of five popular types:

White opal: This opal has a light, milky white background color with a play of colors in different shades.

Black opal: Black opal is one of the most valuable and rare types. It has a dark background color which enhances the vivid play of colors in the stone.

Boulder opal: This type of opal is considered to be the second most valuable opal stone, second only to black opal. The stone is characterized by the fact that it is embedded in ironstone or sandstone, which is also called a parent stone. This also means that the back of a boulder opal often consists of a layer of ironstone or sandstone, which contributes to the stone's unique color pattern.

Crystal opal: Crystal opal is a transparent or semi-transparent opal, where the play of colors can be seen clearly through the stone.

Ildopal: Ildopal is known for its warm orange, red or yellow colors and has a less widespread color play compared to other opal types. Fire opals are primarily found in Mexico.

Since opal is a delicate stone, it must be handled and cared for carefully. Opal is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can dry out and crack if it does not get enough moisture. To protect your opal from damage, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures and liquids, such as detergents and chemicals.
When cleaning your opal, use a soft cloth and warm water. Avoid using ultrasound or steam cleaning, as these methods can damage the stone. When storing your opal, make sure it does not come into contact with other jewelry that could scratch or damage it.

The opal stone's value and quality are based on a number of factors that together determine the stone's overall assessment. Here are some of the most important factors:

Color: The color of an opal significantly affects its value. In general, stronger and more vibrant colors are more desirable and valuable. Black opal, which has a dark background color, is often more valuable than other types due to its rarity and intense color play.

Play of color: Play of color refers to the pattern and colors that appear in an opal when it is moved or illuminated. A complex and vivid play of colors with many colors and patterns increases the value of the stone.

Pattern: The pattern of an opal is another important factor that affects its value. Some patterns are more rare and desirable than others, such as the "harlequin" pattern, which consists of large, well-defined areas of play of color.

Clarity: An opal's clarity is important, especially for crystal opals. A stone with high clarity has a more transparent and shiny appearance, which increases its value.

Carat weight: The size of the opal is measured in carats, and larger stones are often more valuable. However, the quality of the color play and pattern is more important than the size alone.

Rarity: Rare opal types such as black opal and high quality boulder opal are more valuable due to their rarity.

When choosing an opal, there are several factors to consider:

1. Color: Opal comes in a multitude of colors and your preference will likely be a matter of personal taste. Consider which color best suits your style and personality.

2. Quality: The quality of an opal depends on its clarity, play of colors and pattern. The better the play of colors and clarity, the more valuable the stone.

3. Size and shape: Opal comes in different sizes and shapes, so choose one that suits your jewelry and needs. For example, you can choose a drop-shaped opal for a necklace or an oval opal for a ring.

4. Price: Opal can vary in price depending on quality and rarity. Set a budget for yourself and choose an opal that fits within it.

When choosing an opal, it ultimately comes down to what is important to you. Some appreciate the look, the play of colors and the pattern. Others focus on the stone's meanings and properties. Therefore, it is also important that you follow your gut feeling and your own taste for jewellery.