Opals are very different from many of the other gemstones. The classic opal you see in a jewelry store is not clear, nor should it be.
Most people expect to see a white stone with flashes of various colors when they see opals. If you have never been to a high quality jeweler, you may be amazed at just how much color opals can have. Some have so much color flash you barely see the background white. Others have a grey or black background color. The darker black opals are the most valuable, followed by crystal opals, which are relatively clear but still have incredible flashes of color. Broad, bright color flashes are generally more valuable than pinpoint color flashes, and a broad range the color increases the value as well.
You may also see boulder opal, which is formed in ironstone, which gives the opal a natural dark background.
Then there are fire opals, which are shades of yellow, orange or red. Fire opal has a volcanic origen, and is different from other opals in that you do not look for the play of colors. Its color is very bold.
All opals are relatively soft, so extra care should be taken of them. They also have a high water content and may dry out over time. Some will tell you to put mineral oil on an opal, but over time this will clog its pores and is not good for the opal. It is better to use pure water on your opals. Hard water is not good for opals either. Many jewelry cleaners should not be used on opals, nor should they be cleaned in most ultrasonic machines. Always check the manuafacturer's guidelines before using a cleaning product on an opal.
On occasion, you will see a stone labeled as an opal doublet or triplet.
An opal doublet is a piece of opal which is bonded to a matrix. This may be used to make its color appear darker, and because it uses less opal, is less valuable.
Similarly, a triplet is an even thinner piece of opal bonded to a matrix, then covered with clear quartz. This is the least valuable form for real opal.
Opals are considered by some to be unlucky. This dates back to the nineteenth century, when in a book by Sir Walter Scott an opal was associated with an unfortunate heroine. This belief has persisted, but takes many forms. Some say it is unlucky unless it is your birthstone, while other say it is unlucky only if you buy it for yourself.
Traditionally, however, opals were worn by blondes to protect the color of their hair and are said to help with eyesight or render the wearer invisible.
Opal is the anniversary stone for the 14th and 18th anniversaries and the birthstone of October.
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