Opal is also known as the Birthstone of October and the 14th and the 18th anniversary of the stone, it is one of the greatest splendor of nature. Colors can vary in different colors of the rainbow. The most striking quality of opal is its ability to refract and reflect the specific wavelengths of light. The interaction between the different wavelengths of light gives Opal its unique appearance and makes it one of the most popular gems in the world. The word opal comes from different languages: Sanskrit up all, which means “precious stone.”
The earliest known opal artifacts were discovered 4000 BC ago. In Ethiopia. These artifacts were discovered later in a cave in Kenya by the famous archaeologist Luis Leakey. Opal said to have magical qualities, and also to help the wearer see unlimited possibilities. It was also believed to weaken the prohibitions and encourage impulsiveness. Opal is defined as a remedy for blood diseases, depression, apathy, useful in the reproductive organs, a filter of red and white blood cells and brain diseases.
Opal is formed from silica bearings water and can be found in any type of rock. Opal is formed from a solution of silicon dioxide and water (SiO 2 + nH 2 O). As water flows down through the earth, it takes silica sand and transfers this rich silicon dioxide into cracks and voids caused by damage or natural disintegrating fossils. As the water evaporates, it leaves a precipitate of silicon dioxide. This cycle is repeated for very long periods of time and eventually formed opal. Although the water evaporates, the opal gem still contains 13% water.
Opal can come in a variety of colors. In its final form opal is colorless, but it is rare. The difference in color comes from the formation of water and form tiny spheres, each of which is usually the same size and order of diffracted light inside the stone, thus creating different colors of the rainbow. The more uniform the size of the spheres, the more intense, shiny, and defined the color will be.
Download Opal PNG images transparent gallery.
