In our humble opinion, when it comes to gemstones, it doesn’t get more spectacular than a white opal. After all, between its jaw-dropping play-of-colour and unique history, this stone is enough to leave anyone mesmerised.
Want to know more about this gorgeous gem? Read on…
What Is White Opal Stone?
The white opal gemstone, with its ethereal play of colours, is a gem that almost defies description – it’s like trying to capture a rainbow in a jar, but instead of a pot of gold at the end, you get a kaleidoscope of colours.
It’s formed through a peculiar partnership between silicon dioxide and water.
What’s the formation process, you ask?
Well, during seasonal rains, dry grounds such as those present in countries like Mexico, Madagascar, Peru, Turkey, Honduras and Australia’s semi-desert ‘outback’ get drenched. Luckily for us, these water droplets aren’t satisfied with just staying on the surface – Instead, they dig their way into ancient underground rock and generally carry with them dissolved silica – a fancy compound of silicon and oxygen.
Later, when the water pulls a Houdini and evaporates, it leaves behind solid deposits of silica hidden in the nooks and crannies of underground sedimentary rock. That, our dear friend, is none other than opals!
Also Read: Is Opal a Rare Gem?
Did You Know?
Approximately 97% of the world’s opal supply hails from the land down under Australia. You heard that right – if opals were a country, they’d be waving the Australian flag. So, the next time you admire the lustrous hues of a gorgeous opal bracelet, remember that you’re essentially holding a piece of the Aussie outback in your hand. Pretty cool, huh?
Now, before you rush off to buy an opal necklace for your next fashion statement, there’s something you should know. Opal gemstones may be dazzling, but they do require a little extra TLC. You see, on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness (which rates the durability of gemstones) white opals earn a 5.5 to 6.5 score. Translation: They’re like the divas of the gemstone world, easily scratched and prone to breakage. So, if you plan on wearing one, you might want to avoid arm-wrestling contests or sword fights. Better to stick to less perilous pursuits, like looking fabulous and impressing your friends with opal facts!
The Story Behind White Opal’s Colour
Fun fact: Natural white opals are the most common opals found in the world. They feature a translucent to opaque background with a base tone that’s anything from colourless to grey.
If you ask us, the true marvel of raw white opals lies in their ability to put on a show – a display aptly named the ‘play-of-colour.’
Now, we know what you’re gonna say, “How does this occur?”
Well, white opals are essentially made of sub-microscopic spheres, stacked in a grid-like pattern. Think of it as layers of ping-pong balls in a cosmic box. When light waves wander between these spheres, they start to behave like mischievous kids on a playground – they diffract or bend. And as they bend, they break into a riot of colours, just like a rainbow on a sunny day. These are the spectral colours that make opals so beguiling.
Want to know the best part? The colours you see in these opals depend on the size of their spheres. Spheres that are about 0.1 micron in diameter produce the cool and soothing vibes of violet. Move up to spheres of approximately 0.2 microns, and you’ll be treated to the fiery passion of red. For those spheres that fall somewhere in between, well, they’re responsible for all the other colours of the rainbow. Talk about a colour palette as varied as a painter’s dreams!
White Opal History: Everything You Need to Know
NGL, when it comes to its history, no stone can quite compare to a white opal. For starters, did you know that it went by several names like the Pandora, Light of the World and Empress, for instance?
The Ancient Romans, who, in our opinion, always had a penchant for the flair, saw opals as symbols of love and hope. In fact, they were so smitten with these radiant rocks that they gave them the name ‘opalus,’ which essentially meant ‘precious stone.’
Fast forward to 75 AD and we find Pliny, the Roman scholar, waxing lyrical about opals. He gushed, “Some opali carry such a play within them that they equal the deepest and richest colours of painters.” Imagine carrying a stone that’s basically the entire art supply store rolled into one! Pliny was astounded by opals’ chameleon-like qualities, where they could embody the red of ruby, the green of emerald, the yellow of topaz, the blue of sapphire and the purple of amethyst all in one captivating package.
Of course, opals didn’t stop at being the gems of artists’ dreams – They also ventured into the realm of legends and supernatural tales. According to Arabic folklore, for example, these gems were said to have fallen from the heavens in flashes of lightning. Meanwhile, the ancient Greeks believed that owning an opal came with a side of prophetic abilities and a lifetime warranty against diseases.
Needless to say, as with any good tale, there’s always a twist. In this case, it was the Middle Ages who didn’t quite get the memo on white opals’ awesomeness. Enter: Sir Walter Scott and his novel ‘Anne of Geierstein.’ This book gave opals a bad rap by painting them as demonic and harbingers of ill luck. But luckily, the story doesn’t end there!
Queen Victoria of England was having none of this opal-bashing nonsense. She put her royal foot down by flaunting the stone and in a stunning display of rebellion against literary superstition, even gifted her daughter opal jewellery for her wedding. That gesture alone was like a beacon of light in the darkness of opal’s tarnished reputation. It instantly made opals popular again, proving that when a queen rocks opals, it’s hard for anyone else not to follow suit.
Also Read: How Can You Tell if an Opal Is Real?
White Opal Symbolism: What Does the Stone Stand for Today?
Currently, this type of opal symbolises purity, hope and truth. This makes it a great gift for yourself or someone you love.
In conclusion, white opal is a fascinating gem with a history as intricate as a telenovela plot. With its spectacular play-of-colour, this stone demands attention, admiration and perhaps a little extra TLC. So, the next time you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy and wonder to your life, consider inviting an opal ring or a pair of opal earrings to your gemstone collection.
We also recommend popping the question with an opal engagement ring or saying your ‘I Do’ with an opal promise ring. After all, there’s no better way to stand out in a world obsessed with the mundane and predictable than to be a little quirky and enchanting, just like white opal itself.
