| Opal is a very beautiful gemstone, used as a | | | | that of fire variety. The precious form of this |
| lucky charm in some countries, and is an | | | | stone shows an excellent display of brilliant colors |
| amorphous form of hydrous silica. It was | | | | when shown in light and is expensive. Wood opal |
| considered as unlucky because of its fragility and | | | | is the replacement of fossil wood by hydrous silica |
| tendency to break and scratch easily. Because of | | | | and is cut with remaining matrix for extra |
| the high percentage of water content, it may be | | | | strength. Black stones are the rarest and the |
| damaged by the heat and cold. These gemstones | | | | most expensive one and the color variations |
| are found in different hues and colors such as | | | | ranges from pitch black to gray. |
| black, red yellow and white, and are considered | | | | Because of its fragility, it should be cut thickly. |
| the queen of gemstones. Several varieties of this | | | | The stone will deteriorate in time, if the cut is |
| gemstone are available and each variety is | | | | finer. The stones should be washed every now |
| attractive in it own way. The different types | | | | and then to remove the traces of perspiration or |
| include harlequin, common, fire, water, wood and | | | | cosmetics. This stone is a good investment for |
| precious. Finest and the most expensive types | | | | those who are careful and does not suit to people |
| can be found in Australia where recently, several | | | | who are negligent. This gem can be worn with |
| new deposits have been discovered. Although | | | | any color outfit and it is generally cut in to a |
| most of the world's production comes from | | | | dome shape and set in rings, pins, bracelets, |
| Australia, the fire variety in particular, are found in | | | | pendants and earrings. It can be also used in |
| Mexico. Other countries such as Honduras, Mexico, | | | | combination with ruby, sapphire or emerald to |
| former Czechoslovakia and Brazil produce minor | | | | enhance the particular color flashes in the |
| amounts of this gemstone. Typically, the stones | | | | gemstone. A jewelry piece with this gem as the |
| are found in sandstone or clay stone units. | | | | focal bead is often found to be surrounded by |
| The harlequin variety provides rich prismatic colors | | | | small diamonds like other exceptionally colored |
| flashing from minute fissures. It is available in | | | | gems. |
| many shades such as blue, yellow and red specks | | | | It is believed that the possession of this |
| and is lucid. The common form of the stone is of | | | | gemstone is good for beauty, power and financial |
| dull white or milky blue in color which produces | | | | prosperity. It is good for those in business |
| same effect of harlequin type but to limited level | | | | especially for people who are connected with |
| because of its opacity. The color of fire opal | | | | travel and tourism and imports and exports. It |
| ranges from hyacinth-red to honey yellow, and | | | | should be discarded when it become dull and |
| shows reflections of intense orange and red fire. | | | | replace with a new one. Opal is the birthstone for |
| It is the only variety which can be faceted. Water | | | | those born in October. |
| opal is colorless and the properties are similar to | | | | |