OPAL: October Birthstone

[PinkDiamond]

I'm floored that AGTA's article on opals fails to include Africa as a source, nor does it mention that some opals are hydrophane, so I don't know why they would post this as an article on opals when it's incomplete. For crying out loud, Welos have been around and gaining popularity since 2008, so I have to wonder why they would feature an article on opals at this point in time, that's so far behind the times, but here it is.

OPAL: October Birthstone



" HISTORY

Revered as a symbol of hope, fidelity, and purity, the ancient Romans revered opal because it encompasses the colors of all other gems. Today, opal is still prized for its unique play-of-color, the ability to diffract light into flashes of rainbow color.

Opal occurs in different colors, ranging from semi-transparent to opaque. Along with tourmaline, opal is the birthstone for October and the suggested gift for the fourteenth anniversary.

Opal’s value is based foremost on of play-of-color. The finest opals possess broad patterns over the stone’s entire surface, in which all the colors of the spectrum are represented. While white opal is the most common variety, black opal is the most prized for its dark blue, gray, or black body color.



ORIGINS

Today’s opal comes primarily from Australia, Mexico and the United States. Most opals are not faceted but cut into rounded or free-form cabochons that evoke their natural play-of-color.



SELECTING A STONE

Although opal is rarely enhanced by methods other than cutting and polishing, they may be treated to enhance their play-of-color. One technique is ... "
https://agta.org/education/gemstones/opal/

[Artfldgr]

this opal on the page is not real opal


its plastic opal... i actually saw a video and the image may be from it

Ripped Off ...... Fake Opal !!

look familiar?

[SwordfishMining]

It's not as if there are no opals in America... Virgin Valley Black Opal rough from a old un-worked discovery. Personal issues matter more than money to many people besides the opal is not just dig and sell grade but has to have losses before it can be polished. You should see some of the stones waiting for "The Cure" where the big blacks can be cut and set whole.

[PinkDiamond]

Gorgeous, thanks for treating us to that black beauty John.

[rocks2dust]

Yeah, that's a beauty for sure. Reminds me of a similar big VV opal that I could barely put down. Belonged to a guy in town who dug it, though. In person, that stuff really does look like it is on fire, even in low light.

[OpalSpectrum]

just finished

[SwordfishMining]

Thats a nice looking handful.

[PinkDiamond]

Beautiful, OS. Thanks for showing us.

[OpalSpectrum]

'autumn leaf' in the last warm days before winter

[PinkDiamond]

Simply gorgeous, OS. You did an outstanding job on it and the pic as well. What size and dimensions did it turn out to be? I'm so glad you showed that one to us!