No matter how many insta-worthy fashion jewellery trends the world goes through, the opal is one gemstone that will always remain in style. Having said that, did you know that this jewel can be found in not just one but multiple hues? Read on to find out what the different coloursof opals are as well as the most coveted hue of the October birthstone.
But First, let’s discuss the ABCs of this gem
Sourced mainly from Australia, the opal is a gorgeous semi-precious jewel that never fails to shock and awe. It is primarily known for its distinct play-of-colour (an optical illusion that allows the jewel to showcase various patterns and hues in reaction to the light). Coming to opal’s symbolism, this stone has been used to represent several things over the years such as hope, fidelity and purity. Apart from this, certain varieties, like the fire opal, for example, are commonly associated with love and passion due to their distinct hue.
What are the different opal colours currently available?
As of today, the quintessential opal can be found in a variety of hues. In fact, each jewel can showcase either a single colour, two to three separate tones or all the shades of the rainbow depending on its impurities and method of creation. Having said that, the most widely-known colours are as follows:
Of these, white, blue and green-toned opals are considered to be the most common whereas black and red hues are extremely scarce.
What colour is the opal birthstone?
Generally speaking, people tend to opt for white opals when shopping for their birthstone jewellery. However, black and fire varieties are also considered to be October birthstones.
That makes an enticing opal ring the perfect gift for woman in your life.
Now that you know what the different colours of the opal gemstone are, let’s move on to some fun facts about the jewel.
Did you know?
- That fire opals were found in the Martian meteorite Nakhla. Many scientists believe that this finding is proof that the planet contains the water required to support life.
- People in the Middle Ages believed that the opal was a lucky gemstone that possessed the powers of all the jewels whose colours were featured along the stone’s surface.
What Are the Different Colors of Opals? FAQ
- Who should wear an opal?Anyone who wants to! Because of its extreme color variety, there’s an opal out there for everyone – regardless of your style or the event you’re attending.
- Is the opal an unlucky gemstone to wear?Absolutely not. As of today, there is no scientific evidence that proves the opal’s ability to affect one’s luck.
- How can you tell if your opal is fake?While there are several ways to test the authenticity of your gem, the best way is to pay attention to its play-of-color. If you notice symmetrical patterns on your gemstone, it probably is a fake.
- How durable is the opal?Opals are delicate gemstones that feature a 5.5-6.5 rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
