What Are the Different Types of Opals?

Opal is a magnificent gemstone that’s prized for its distinct ‘play-of-colour.’ This ethereal jewel is often associated with galaxies, fireworks, and rainbows because of its ability to display various specs of hues. Opal is also the official birthstone of October but makes a gorgeous gift for just about anyone. While white opals are the most popular variety, did you know this jewel comes in other colours too? Some of the most popular types of opals are boulder opal, black opal, white opal, matrix opal, crystal opal, and fire opal. Scroll down to learn more about each of these in detail.

Did You Know?

• No two opals are the same. Each stone displays different hues and patterns when held against the light, making each opal unique!
• The term opal comes from the Sanskrit word Upala which means jewel.
• Unlike most gemstones, opal doesn’t have a crystalline structure; therefore, it is considered a mineraloid.

1. White Opal

White or light opals are the most common type found in nature. They have translucent to opaque background or body colour with a base tone that ranges from colourless to grey. Only some opals have a milky body colour, yet most transparent to opaque varieties also fall under the white or light opal category. While black and crystal opals tend to exhibit saturated hues, the white variety displays pastel colours.

White opals being highly affordable are great pick for surprising your loved one with a piece of jewellery.

A simple opal ring can be brought in a price as low as $300 without any comprising its quality.

2. Fire Opal

The body colour of a fire opal ranges from yellow and orange to red with transparent to translucent base tone. Unlike white opals, the fire variety does not exhibit any play-of-colour but, it may sometimes have flashes of green. They are widely found in Querétaro, Mexico, and are therefore also known as ‘Mexican Opals.’ True to its name, fire opals are formed in the depths of volcanoes and are rarer than regular opals.

3. Black Opal

Black opal is one of the most desirable types. Since the background or body colour is black, the play-of-colour in this variety tends to pop because of the colour contrast. It is mined in Lightning Ridge, Australia, and is considered the most valuable type of opal. It is far rarer than fire and white opals and, therefore, is more expensive. Black opals that display flashes of bright red colour are extremely rare.

4. Boulder Opal

What sets the boulder opals apart from the rest is that the host rock is a part of the gemstone. This type of opal forms in the cracks and voids of ironstone boulders. Boulder opals too are translucent to opaque and exhibit the play-of-colour against a light to dark background. They are majorly found in some locations of Western Queensland.

5. Matrix Opal

Another popular variety of opal is the matrix. It is quite similar to boulder opals because the host rock is a part of the gemstone; however, the veins are much finer.

6. Crystal and Water Opal

The term crystal signifies the gemstone’s clear and transparent colour. This type of opal will allow light to pass through and display a stunning depth of colour. On the other hand, water opal may or may not display play-of-colour. However, if it does display any play-of-colour, it is usually quite faint and only on certain parts of the gemstone.

Also Read: Is Opal an Expensive Gem?