Opal
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A hydrated amorphous silica, opal is celebrated for play-of-color, a shifting spectral display of red, green, blue, and gold produced as light diffracts through ordered arrays of microscopic silica spheres. Australia yields roughly ninety percent of the world's precious opal, including white opal from Coober Pedy, black opal from Lightning Ridge, and boulder opal from Queensland, with further sources in Ethiopia and Mexico. Lacking crystalline structure, it measures 5.0 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Revered since antiquity and the birthstone for October, opal is classed as semi-precious in the budget tier, yet fine black opal with red fire ranks among the most valuable colored stones per carat.
Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
5.0 – 6.5
Specific Gravity
1.98 – 2.25
Refractive Index
1.37 – 1.52
Crystal System
Amorphous
Cleavage
None
Fracture
Conchoidal,Splintery
Color
white
Pleochroism
Absent
Mohs Hardness
| Mohs | Reference mineral | Opal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talc | |
| 2 | Gypsum | |
| 3 | Calcite | |
| 4 | Fluorite | |
| 5 | Apatite | ● |
| 6 | Orthoclase | ● |
| 7 | Quartz | |
| 8 | Topaz | |
| 9 | Corundum | |
| 10 | Diamond |
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Budget (< $50/ct)
Where to Buy Opal
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cultural Significance
Birthstone Month
10 (modern)
About Opal
欧泊是非晶质含水二氧化硅（SiO2·nH2O），以其独特的游彩效应（play-of-color）著称，由内部规则排列的二氧化硅微球阵列对可见光产生衍射和干涉，呈现出随观察角度变化而变幻的彩虹色光晕，是宝石界最为神奇的光学现象之一。欧泊分为贵欧泊（具游彩效应，含黑欧泊、白欧泊、火欧泊等）和普通欧泊（无游彩效应）。澳大利亚是全球最重要的欧泊产地，占全球产量约95%；其中南澳大利亚的库伯佩迪（Coober Pedy）和闪电岭（Lightning Ridge，黑欧泊）最为著名。欧泊是十月诞生石。
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Opal?
欧泊是非晶质含水二氧化硅（SiO2·nH2O），以其独特的游彩效应（play-of-color）著称，由内部规则排列的二氧化硅微球阵列对可见光产生衍射和干涉，呈现出随观察角度变化而变幻的彩虹色光晕，是宝石界最为神奇的光学现象之一。欧泊分为贵欧泊（具游彩效应，含黑欧泊、白欧泊、火欧泊等）和普通欧泊（无游彩效应）。澳大利亚是全球最重要的欧泊产地，占全球产量约95%；其中南澳大利亚的库伯佩迪（Coober Pedy）和闪电岭（Lightning Ridge，黑欧泊）最为著名。欧泊是十月诞生石。
What is the hardness of Opal?
Opal has a Mohs hardness of 5.0 to 6.5, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Opal?
Opal is primarily White.
Where is Opal found?
Opal is found in Lightning Ridge (Australia).
How much does Opal cost?
Opal falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.