What you Need to Know:

The basic knowledge and guidelines

for choosing your Opal Jewelry 

​

Australian Opal is one of the finest in the world, but before you race out

and buy one, learn a little about them. You need to know what form they

come in and what’s available.

​

Correct information is needed to make wise choices, so you will not

regret your purchase! You will need to educate yourself about opals.You

will find lots of information, education materials and true secrets about

Australian Opals on our web site, free of charge.

​

We are happy to be able to provide you with education so that you can

choose wisely. Lets get started!

​

What is Opal?

​

The word Opal comes from the Greek "Opallos" meaning to "see a change of color". Opal is composed of silica spheres which are packed together. In precious opal the arrangement of the spheres is an orderly three dimensional grid, because of the special pattern of spheres it is the only gemstone that has the unique natural ability to diffract light.

​

Light passing through the transparent spheres is scattered by the array of voids. White light is diffracted and split into its various colors at different angles. The color visible from the opal is dependent on the size of the sphere. Blue and violet colors are created by spheres that are smaller compared to the larger spheres and voids which create red and orange colors.

​

Each Australian opal is unique and a different variety of spectacular choice of color, shape and size. When rotated the opal displays a constantly changing interplay of fiery colors. The finest quality stones can command prices similar to the finest emeralds, rubies and diamonds.

​

Because opal is the only gem on earth that diffracts light splitting white light or sunlight into different colors, it is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. This unique phenomenon and the exquisite beauty of an opal make it an unforgettable gem. Opal displays living colors, it's like a glimpse into paradise. It is not only one of the world's most beautiful precious gemstones but also one of the world's rarest!

​

Opal generally has 4 categories:

​

1. Solid opal

2. Doublets opal

3. Triplets opal

4. Synthetic opal

​

The Solid opal has 6 basic form:

​

1. Black opal and semi-black opal

2. Boulder opal

3. Light opal or white base opal

4. Crystal opal

5. Matrix opal - This kind of opal has two basic forms: Yowah & Koroit.
6. Andamooka Boulder Matrix   

​

Now you have the very basic information about opals. If you want to learn more in-depth about this magnificent stone click on the "What is an Opal?" tab in the index at the top of this page. This page will go into details about these opal categories, explain how opals are formed, show interesting and rare opal patterns, explain pricing, and teach you how to take care of your opals. If you continue on through the topics in the index you will be on your way to becoming a novice opal expert. Dive into these pages and enjoy the journey of learning about opals! If you are diligent in learning you will become not just a consumer but a wise purchaser of opal jewelry.

 

​

Best wishes,

Peter Karpaty

President of Queen Stone Opal

​

​