am Opal. I have ignited man's
imagination for more than 2,000 years with the flashes of fire that magically
burn within my depths. My multicolored flame makes me unique in the world of
gemstones - giving me more variety of color and versatility of wear than
perhaps any other gemstone.
Opals symbolized hope, innocence and purity to the Greeks and Romans and were mined in what is now Czechoslovakia and Hungary. Today's supplies of Opal come primarily from Australia, Mexico and the United States. Most Opals are not faceted but cut into rounded or free-form cabochons that enhance their play of color.
Opal is found in several different colors including black Opal, whose blue, gray or black body color enhances the play of fire; white Opal with a lightish or white body color flashes. Boulder Opal has color flashes intertwined with rock matrix. Different in appearance is Fire Opal, a transparent gemstone of brilliant yellow, orange or red, often cut wish facets.
Opal, along with Tourmaline, is the birthstone for October and the suggested gift for the fourteenth anniversary.
Visit our Enhancements Section for Opal Enhancement Information