What Color is Opal?
An Overview of the Unique Gemstone
Opal is a precious gemstone known for its unique, iridescent colors. It's a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative pieces, and it's often associated with luck and good fortune. But what color is opal? The answer isn't as simple as it might seem.
The Unique Nature of Opal
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, which means it's composed of silicon dioxide and water. This unique composition gives opal its distinctive appearance and color. The water content of opal can range from 3 to 21 percent, which affects the way the gemstone refracts and reflects light.
Why Opal Appears to Change Color
The water content of opal affects how it refracts and reflects light. This is why opal appears to change color when viewed from different angles. It's not just the light that's changing; it's the way the opal is interacting with the light. Depending on the angle, the opal can appear to be any number of colors, including white, blue, green, yellow, red, and purple.
The Most Common Opal Colors
Despite its ability to appear in a variety of colors, opal is most commonly found in shades of white, blue, and green. It's also found in shades of yellow, red, and purple, but these colors are less common. The most sought-after opal colors are fiery red and deep blue.
The Value of Opal
Opal is a popular and valuable gemstone, and its color is one of the factors that affects its value. Opals with a deep and fiery color will typically be more expensive than opals with a lighter color. Opal is also valued for its clarity, and an opal with a good clarity rating will also be more expensive.