Throughout most of history, opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because it can show all colors.
Once, it was thought to have the power to preserve the life and color of blond hair.
White opal
The five main categories of opal gemstones according the Gemological Institute of America are:
White or light opal: Translucent to semitranslucent, with play-of-color against a white or light gray background color, called bodycolor.
Black opal: Translucent to opaque, with play-of-color against a black or other dark background.
Fire opal: Transparent to translucent, with brown, yellow, orange, or red bodycolor. This material—which often doesn’t show play-of-color—is also known as “Mexican opal.”
Boulder opal: Translucent to opaque, with play-of-color against a light to dark background. Fragments of the surrounding rock, called matrix, become part of the finished gem.
Crystal or water opal: Transparent to semitransparent, with a clear background. This type shows exceptional play-of-color.
Please stop in our showroom and let our experts help you select a beautiful opal piece to celebrate an October Birthday!
*Source: GIA