Opal Gemstones
Opal has been called "The Queen of Gems". This page will explore the beauty, history, science and mystique of Opals. Opals have been one of the world's favorite gemstones for centuries. But it is unlike any other gemstone in its structure and complexity. Its beauty comes not from its clarity or sparkle but from the way that light bounces off of its unique microscopic structure creating a "play of light" that is called opalescence. This opalescence, often referred to as fire makes every opal unique. Not only is every opal unique, but it changes moment to moment. As a precious opal is moved in the light the colors change and shift, blink off and on, sparkle and dance within the stone.
What is an Opal Doublet?
An opal doublet is a gemstone made up of a layer of gem opal bonded to a layer of dark colored stone, usually Australian ironstone. The stone is then cut into a cabochon and polished. The benefits of the doublet are that a thinner piece of opal can be used and the backing stone gives it added depth and strength. Also, the black background makes the colors of the opal stand out more and look brighter, like a much more expensive opal. So you can own an opal that looks like a very expensive opal for much less money. Opal Doublets What is an Opal Triplet?
An Opal triplet, as the name would suggest, has three layers. It has the backing layer of dark colored stone, usually ironstone, then the opal layer and then a clear layer, which is usually quartz but sometimes acrylic. The dark colored backing stone gives the gem added depth and strength and also makes the colors of the opal stand out more and look brighter. Opal is a relatively soft stone. The quartz top is very hard and gives the stone added resistance to scratches and chips. The final result is a very vivid, very durable opal at an affordable price. Opal Triplets Great Stuff on CafePress
Australian Black Opal Detail Large Mug
Price: 15.95 
Australian Black Opal Detail Ornament (Oval)
Price: 6.95
Australian Black Opal Detail Women's Tank Top
Price: 18.95
Australian Black Opal Detail Dark T-Shirt
Price: 22.95
"I Love (Heart) Gems" Kids Dark T-Shirt
Price: 22.99
Opals on eBay
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What is Boulder Opal
Boulder opal is the term used to describe a non-opal stone that has veins or patches of opal in it. Usually it is a hard sandstone material referred to as Ironstone. It comes from many areas of Australia, most notably, Queensland, Koroit or Yowah. Some pieces display spectacular patterns of earth tone colored ironstone swirled with fiery gem opal. If properly cut and polished they make beautiful pendants. They are sometimes cut into cabochons or often baroque freeforms. You can see some more Boulder Opals Here Books About Opals
Opal Identification & Value (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones) by Paul B. Downing
The world standard is back by popular demand! This more...1 point
Opal Cutting Made Easy (Jewelry Crafts) by Paul B. Downing
Within these pages you will successfully learn to more...1 point
Opal & Gemstone Jewelry: Cutting*Designing*Setting by Paul B. Downing Ph.D.
The ultimate book for everyone who wants to cut a more...1 point
In Search of Opal
Well illustrated throughout with color photographs more...1 point
Opal Adventures (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones) by Paul B. Downing
How and where opal is mined, its history and its l more...1 point
The World of Opals by Allan W. Eckert
Centuries after it was first discovered, the opal more...0 points
Go to Australia and find your own opals!
Visit PalmBeachGems.com
If you are considering purchasing an opal or opal jewelry, please visit my website: PalmBeachGems.com We have a nice selection of very reasonably priced opals on the Opal Page, many of them for under $1.00. And on the Earring Page we usually have some beautiful Opal Earrings. We also have some fabulous Koroit Boulder Opal Pendants that are suitable for a man or a woman. Opal Link List
Here's some other websites with relevant information about opals or just some beautiful pictures!
- Opal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- A great source of information!
- PalmBeachGems
- Gemstones, Jewelry and Beads at discount prices.
- Opal: Opal mineral information and data.
- A terrific source if you are looking for the really technical stuff.
- US Geological Survey - Opal
- Where to find Opal in the United States!
- Nevada Black Opals - Dig Your Own Gems In the Desert
- Nevada produces some beautiful opals and several of the old opal mines are open to the public for folks to go and dig their own opal gems. Sometimes opals worth thousands of dollars are found. It's a fun and interesting adventure into the wilds of Nevada that you might enjoy.
- Beautiful Australian Opals
- This site has a wealth of information about opals
by palmbeachgems
I have had a lifelong interest in rocks, minerals and gemstones. I make wire wrap, beaded and other types of jewelry. I also have been selling gemston... (more)
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