About Opals
Forming Opals: How Does It Happen?
Opals, gemstones renowned for their mesmerizing play of colors, have a captivating origin story. They are formed through a remarkable process involving silicon dioxide and water. As water trickles down through the earth, it accumulates silica from sandstone, carrying this silica-rich solution into natural crevices and voids caused by geological activity or decomposing fossils. Over vast periods, as the water evaporates, it leaves behind silica deposits, gradually shaping opal. This intricate cycle unfolds over millions of years, giving birth to the enchanting beauty of opal. Approximately 30 million years ago, a significant release of silica occurred, filling cracks in rocks, clay layers, and even some fossils, ultimately giving rise to precious opal. The maturation process for opals is lengthy, taking about 5 to 6 million years for a 1 cm opal to fully develop..
Where do most Opals come from?
Australia produces over 90% of the world’s precious opal, with the remainder found in Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, Ethiopia, and the USA.
How much are Opals Worth?
Opal values can fluctuate based on factors like body tone and color vibrancy. Opals with a black or dark body tone generally fetch higher values owing to their vibrant color display. Prices vary widely, with black opals being the most prized and fetching prices exceeding USD 15,000 per carat.
Why Opals are a wise choice for Jewellers
– Australian Opal make unique and interesting jewellery
– They give your display color and character
– Every single opal is unique, special, one and only
– Jewellery with character and colour is in very high demand
– Very good margins for profit in finished pieces
– Opal appreciate with time
Fun facts about Opals!
Opal is the birthstone of October.
Opal has been found on Mars!
In their mythology, the ancient Greeks believed that opals originated from Zeus’s tears of joy upon his victory over the Titans.
Queen Victoria’s favorite gemstone was Opal!