Whether you are geologically or artistically inclined, the opal is a fascinating gemstone. For centuries it has been sought after for its beauty and because it symbolizes hope, purity and love. The opal is a shimmering masterpiece with a play of color that enchants the viewer.
How much is an opal worth?
The value of an opal can vary greatly and reflects its rarity, play of color and quality. Exceptional opals with vivid color patterns and special play of light are often highly sought after on the market.
Factors such as origin, size, brilliance and overall condition help set the value. Some opals are comparable to diamonds in terms of price.
What does an opal look like?
The opal is known for its display of colors in a spectrum of different hues – which together seem to shift depending on how the light hits it.
From the fiery red and orange so-called fire opals to the soothing blues, greens and purples found in special opals, this gemstone reflects basically all the colors of the rainbow.
Each opal can therefore be considered as unique as a fingerprint.
What is typical of an opal?
Opals have a special ability to reflect a variety of colors, are more fragile and fragile than other gemstones, and are not as hard as some others.
This makes opal more prone to scratching, cracking or damage if not handled carefully or cared for properly.
But as we mentioned above – an opal's ability to reflect colors creates a shimmering effect that changes as you move the stone.
How do you know it's a real opal?
Genuine opals exhibit a distinct play of color and the stone often has a particular depth. It is relatively soft compared to other gemstones.
If you are very keen to check the authenticity, you can go to a professional gemmologist, who will then look at its color consistency, patterns and other bits to ensure if it is genuine.
Did you know that…
The largest and most famous opal is the "Aurora Australis", which was discovered in Lightning Ridge in Australia. It is valued at around 7 million Swedish kronor.
The opal is the birthstone for October and is therefore ideal for those who have a birthday in October.
