Opal (multicolor)

Item Description

Opals are found in many different styles which can range from a single hue to multi-colored gems. Here we have a lovely example of what is referred to as "White Opal" or "Crystal Opal". These names are almost universally used to describe any non-transparent light or white colored Opal that shows a multicolor flash when rotated in the light. Chemically speaking, Opal is essentially Quartz with water content, which is what creates the beautiful multicolor appearance, just like water in the air creates rainbows. Some of the most well-known examples of Opal are found in Australia, but the rarely seen Brazilian Crystal Opal gems are just as beautiful and sometimes impossible to distinguish from their Australian counterparts. This "Oval Cabochon" cut gem features a light colored background hosting flashes of yellow, green and blue, but when the stone is backlit, it shows a golden hue internally. When this stone is strongly lit, it shows good color and the stone is a solid Opal, not a doublet or a triplet, which makes a difference when it comes to the value of an Opal, as solid gems are typically more desirable and often priced higher.