Why Natural Opals Show Multiple Colors

Opal is a beautiful gemstone that is famous throughout the world for its multiple rainbow-like colors and exceptional healing benefits. This gemstone shows a unique optical effect called “Play of Color.” This optical phenomenon is the main reason behind the beauty and popularity of this gem. According to Vedic astrology, this gem is linked with the planet Venus (Shukra), the planet of beauty, luxury, love, and creativity. In this blog, we will explain why natural Opals show multiple colors and what makes these gemstones so rare and valuable.

What is Opal Stone?

Opal is a semi-precious gemstone that belongs to the silica mineral family. It is mainly made up of hydrated silica. This gem is different from other gemstones, such as ruby and sapphire, because it does not have a regular crystal structure. On the contrary, it is made from the combination of several tiny silica particles arranged naturally. This gemstone is commonly used for making:

• Opal rings
• Opal pendants
• Luxury ornaments
• Fashionable accessories
• Astrological ornaments

Due to its extraordinary appearance and rarity, these gems have remained highly desirable among gemstone collectors, astrologers, and jewellery lovers alike.

Where are Opal Stones Found?

Opal stones are found in several parts of the world, but some of the main producers of this gem are listed below:

• Australia 
• Ethiopia 
• Mexico
• Brazil

 All of these gemstones have their distinct colors and features. However, Australian Opal is the finest variety because it has an exceptional brightness, strong color play, and superior quality.

What is the “Play of Color” in Opal?

The term "play of color" refers to a unique optical phenomenon in which natural opal stones display different fiery shades of color when the gem is moved or viewed from different angles. 

This shifting and changing display of colors in these particular gemstones is not present in regular gemstones. This effect is also called a "rainbow" effect. The greater the amount of color-play within the opal, the more expensive that opal will be.

Why Natural Opals Show Multiple Colors

Natural Opals show multiple colors because of the presence of millions of microscopic silica spheres inside them. When a ray of light passes through these spheres, it bends into different rainbow colors, creating the famous “Play of Color” effect.

How Different Colors Appear in Opal:

• Larger silica spheres are responsible for creating red and orange flashes
• Smaller silica spheres lead to the creation of blue and green shades
• In addition to this, unique sphere arrangements make every Opal different

This rare internal structure is what gives natural Opals their colorful and mesmerizing appearance. It must be noted that even a slight difference in the arrangement of silica particles can change the appearance of the gem.

Types of Opals Based on Color

Opal stones are found in various color shades. Some of their main types are listed below:

Black Opal

Black Opal is the rarest variety of opal stone. It is known to show bright, fiery flashes across the surface of the gemstone. This gemstone normally has dark black to grey shades. These opals are found in many parts of the world, but the Australian Black Opals are famous for their exceptional quality and rarity.

White Opal

White Opal is one of the most famous and easily available varieties of this gem. It shows a light or milky color shade with soft rainbow flashes. This gemstone variety is used extensively for making astrological and fashionable jewellery. It not only looks elegant but also has great astrological significance. This gem is associated with the planet Venus(shukra) and is believed to attract wealth, luxury, and prosperity in the life of the wearer. 

Fire Opal

Fire Opal is famous for showing various color shades such as orange, red, and yellow. In addition to this, some Fire Opals also display beautiful play-of-color effects. Mexican Fire Opals are the best variety of this gem, famous for their fiery appearance and great transparency.

Boulder Opal

It is a unique type of opal that forms naturally inside ironstone rocks. These gems possess unique silica patterns that give them vibrant color combinations. The natural rock attached to Boulder Opals gives them highly artistic designs.

How to Identify a Genuine Natural Opal

Nowadays, various gemstone dealers provide fake or low-quality gemstones to their clients. Therefore, it is necessary to check the authenticity and quality of gems before buying. Before buying an opal stone, you must keep the following facts in mind

• A genuine opal's stone shows natural color flashes
• Original opal stones have unique internal patterns
• They might look uneven but shows an even color distribution
• Some of the gemstones also contain natural inclusions
• Synthetic Opals show overly uniform patterns and unnatural brightness.

However, the best way to verify the genuineness of the gem is by asking for a certification from reputed gemstone laboratories, such as:

• IGI
• GIA
• GJEPC
• ITLGJ

It must be noted that certified Opal stones provide better astrological effect and long- term value to the customers.

Conclusion

It must be noted that opals are revered throughout the world for their unique colors and fiery shades. The internal structure of Natural Opals gives them an array of colours when light interacts with them due to light diffraction, which results in a spectacular” Play of Colours. In Vedic astrology, Natural Opals are thought to promote love, luxury, creativity, and positivity. You can buy all kinds of gems and rudraksha from RashiRatanBhagya at affordable prices.