Opal

Opal (noun): A non crystalline form of the mineral silica which, despite its amorphous structure, displays an amazing degree of internal organization.

Opal is undoubtedly the most prized gemstone in the world at present and is perfect for all types of opal jewelry including opal rings and opal pendants.

Interestingly, all Australian opal is of sedimentary formation and occurred when the inland sea that covered a large area of mainland Australia receded and then began to dry, over 150 million years ago.

Silica rich waters found their way into faults and cracks and traveled deep within the earth, where they slowly set about evolving into the most beautiful gemstone in the world, opal.

Most of the world's opal is mined in Australia in Andamooka, Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, Mintabie with some smaller finds in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.

Geological Definition: [Alternative term:Opaline silica]

Includes all hydrates of silica, SiO2 nH2O, including synthetic, natural precious and common opal but not imitation material.

TIP: Opal that does not exhibit a play of colors is referred to as opal potch.

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