Collection: Noble opal

Noble opal is a fascinating gemstone, prized for its unique beauty and spectacular play of color.

🟣 Definition of noble opal

Noble opal (sometimes called precious opal ) is a variety of opal distinguished by its shimmering play of color , that is, multicolored flashes of light that change depending on the viewing angle. This phenomenon is due to the microscopic internal structure of the stone, composed of regularly arranged silica spheres.

🟢 Origin and training

• Opal forms in the surface layers of the Earth's crust, usually in volcanic areas.

• It consists of hydrated silica (SiO₂·nH₂O), with a water content varying between 3 and 21%.

• Noble opal forms when conditions are ideal for a regular arrangement of silica spheres, creating this famous play of colors.

🔴 Play of colors (opalescence)

• Colors can include red, blue, green, orange, purple, etc.

• The more red is present (and visible from different angles), the rarer and more precious the stone.

• This phenomenon is due to the diffraction of light through the silica spheres.

🟡 Origin of noble opals

• Australia : the world's largest producer (opals from Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy).

• Ethiopia : more recent discovery, very luminous stones.

• Mexico : produces fire opal in particular, sometimes noble.

• Brazil , United States , Honduras : other notable sources.

🔷 Types of noble opal

• Black opal : highly prized, dark background that brings out the colors (often from Australia).

• White opal : light background, softer play of colors.

• Crystal Opal : translucent to transparent, very luminous.

• Noble fire opal : sometimes with a play of colors on an orange to red background (Mexico).

💎 Use in jewelry

• Mounted in rings, pendants, earrings.

• Moderate hardness (5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale): requires special care.

• It is often cut into a cabochon to better reveal its play of light.

🧘♂️ Symbolism and beliefs

• Stone associated with creativity , intuition , emotional protection .

• In some traditions, it symbolizes hope , purity and true love .

• In lithotherapy, it is supposed to amplify emotions and stimulate the imagination .