They were used as jewelry, medicine, and even currency. Today they continue to hold their value as beautiful stones. This article will help you understand what makes blue opals valuable, and how to identify quality ones.
An opal is an opaque gemstone formed deep within Earth’s mantle. The color of an opal depends upon what minerals were present at the time of its formation. Most commonly, blue opals form around iron-rich deposits. These opals tend to be more rare than yellow or green opals because they require higher temperatures for their formation. They are typically found in Australia, Brazil, India, Namibia, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, and Zimbabwe.
Opals are formed deep within Earth’s mantle. As magma rises through the crust, it cools and crystallizes into different types of rocks. Magma may rise up through cracks in the earth’s surface, but most often it comes from volcanic eruptions. Volcanic activity creates hot spots where molten rock is forced upward toward the surface. This causes the surrounding rock to melt and mix with the lava. If this mixture contains enough water, it will solidify and become a type of glass called obsidian.
Blue opals are one of the most beautiful stones around. They're known for being extremely rare, but they're also incredibly valuable. Not only do they look amazing, they're also very powerful. Many believe that blue opals hold special powers. Some say that they bring luck, while others think that they protect against bad luck. But whatever your beliefs, there's no denying that these gems are stunningly beautiful.
But how exactly did this stone become so famous? Why does it seem to attract attention wherever it goes? What makes it so unique? These questions have puzzled scientists for centuries. Now, researchers are finally starting to figure things out. We know that blue opals contain trace amounts of beryllium oxide. Beryllium oxide has been found in other gemstones before, including emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and diamonds. However, blue opals are the only stones that contain significant levels of beryllium oxide.
The reason for this difference is still unknown. Scientists theorize that beryllium oxide gives blue opals their distinctive color. Others suggest that it's simply a coincidence. Whatever the case may be, blue opals are truly fascinating. They're sure to add beauty to any jewelry collection. Whether you wear them as earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, or pendants, they'll never fail to impress.
There are two main types of blue opals. Both varieties are equally rare. Most blue opals are classified as "fancy" because they're usually larger than 1 carat. Fancy blue opals are particularly attractive because they're harder to find. They're also worth more money because they're smaller and therefore more expensive.
Another interesting thing about blue opals is that they're actually greenish-blue. This isn't unusual. Greenish-blue colors occur naturally in certain minerals. When light hits these minerals, it reflects off of them in a particular way. This creates a shimmering effect that we call iridescence. Iridescent colors are common in nature. They're seen in peacock feathers, butterfly wings, and mother-of-pearl shells. In fact, iridescent colors were once thought to be signs of divine power. Today, however, scientists aren't convinced that iridescent colors are magical. Instead, they think that they're caused by physical processes.
Regardless of whether you believe that blue opals possess supernatural properties, they certainly deserve our respect. Their rarity alone makes them worthy of admiration. And their beauty is undeniable.
Blue Opals have been used by many cultures for centuries. They were even mentioned in ancient Egyptian writings. Today, they continue to hold their place among the most valuable gemstones. There are several different types of blue opal, including blue kundalini, blue fire opal, and blue ice opal. Each type of opal offers unique properties that make them special. For example, blue kundalini opal is known for its healing powers. Blue fire opal is believed to bring peace and harmony. And blue ice opal is said to increase psychic abilities. When it comes to buying a blue opal, here are some things to keep in mind:
Look for a reputable dealer. You want to buy a quality product from a reputable company. A reputable dealer should offer free appraisals and warranties. Ask if the dealer provides customer service. Reputable dealers usually provide excellent customer service.
Know how to care for your blue opal. Opals are very delicate stones. Make sure you treat them properly. Store them in a cool dry location away from direct sunlight. Do not wear your opal jewelry unless you first clean it thoroughly. Use a soft cloth to remove dirt and dust. Never use harsh cleaning products such as ammonia or bleach. Instead, use mild soap and warm water. Rinse your jewelry under running water after washing. Dry your jewelry gently so that it doesn't damage the stone.
If you're looking for a beautiful gift for someone who loves blue opal, then you've found the perfect gift! Check out our wide selection of blue opal necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and more. We carry everything from classic designs to trendy styles. Whether you're searching for something traditional or modern, we guarantee you'll find exactly what you're looking for!
Colors. The color of an opal determines its quality. Some opals are blue, others are green, while still others are red or yellow. Each type has unique characteristics, including how they respond to heat and how they reflect light.
Quality. Opals are made of quartz, which means they're naturally occurring minerals. That makes them more durable than synthetic gemstones, such as cubic zirconia. However, natural stones tend to weigh less than their synthetics counterparts.
Size. Most opals range between 1/2 carat and 3/4 carat. This means they're usually smaller than most other gemstone options. But this doesn't mean they're necessarily inexpensive. In fact, larger opals tend to cost more than smaller ones.
Cutting. There are two ways to cut an opal. One way is to remove the entire stone, leaving only the nugget behind. Both methods create beautiful results.
Fluorescence. Fluorescent colors are created through exposure to ultraviolet rays. These colors are found in nature, but they're rarer than other types of opals. They're often used in jewelry designs, especially those featuring diamonds.
History. Opals were first discovered in Australia in 1869. Since then, scientists have been able to identify over 100 different types of opals.
Most opals are mined in Brazil, Colombia, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela.
Blue Opals are known for their beautiful blue color. They are formed deep underground by volcanic activity. When the lava cools down, minerals remain behind creating the stunning gemstone.
The most famous variety of Blue Opal is called the Australian Blue Opal. It is named after its place of origin. Other varieties include the Canadian Blue Opal, the Indian Blue Opal, the Mexican Blue Opal, the Russian Blue Opal, the South African Blue Opal, the Thai Blue Opal, the Turkish Blue Opal, the Venezuelan Blue Opal, and the Zimbabwean Blue Opal. Each of these varieties differ slightly in appearance. For example, the Australian Blue Opal is larger than the other varieties. Also, the colors vary depending on how the stone was formed.
There are two main ways to identify the various varieties of Blue Opal. One way is through the shape of the stone. Another way is through the quality of the stone. Here are some examples of each.
Round Opal. Round Opals are round stones that look almost identical to a ball. Their surface is smooth and shiny. Blue Opals are often mistaken for diamonds. Round Opals are the most abundant variety of Blue Opal. Blue Opals are found throughout the world.
Cylindrical Opal. Cylindrical Opals are cylindrical stones. They are sometimes referred to as "cups" or "mugs". Blue Opals are often mistaken for pearls.