Crystal Opals and white opals: understanding their difference

What is a Crystal Opal Or white?

L Crystal Opal, also known as White Opal according to its appearance, is a variety of opal appreciated for its Transparency and its remarkable play of colour (play-of-colour). The light penetrates through the stone and reveals iridescent reflections with blue, green, red, orange or violet nuances, which evolve according to the angle of observation.

Like all Natural Opals, it is composed of hydrated silica (SiO2·nH2O). Unlike quartz, it has no crystal structure. It is therefore classified as mineraloids and not among minerals. This amorphous structure is the source of its spectacular play of colour, which makes the fame of the most beautiful opals.

The Crystal Opals are formed by the accumulation of silica-rich solutions in the cracks and cavities of the rocks. They are mainly found in Australia, including Coober PedyBrazil, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Peru, Japan and the United States.

Here are some Rough Opals from Coober Pedy Australia.

Why choose a White Opal ?

L White Opal seduced by its natural elegance, Brightness And the fineness of his colors. Its clear background highlights a unique light game that makes each stone totally different from the others. Very popular in jewellery, it is suitable for collectors as well as lovers of jewellery. Gemstones.

In lithotherapy, some attribute to him properties related to creativity, emotional calming and inner balance. These beliefs, however, are traditional practices and are not scientifically demonstrated.

Why Crystal Opals Are they so wanted?

L Crystal Opal is particularly appreciated for its Transparency and its luminous intensity. In contrast to White Opal classic, its background Translucent allows more light to penetrate, which reinforces the effect of set of colors (play-of-colour). Each stone is unique and has a combination of colours that is not found on any other opal.

The most beautiful Crystal Opals from the Australian Coober Pedy, Mintabay and Lightning RidgeIt is also found in Ethiopia. Specimens with bright colours on their entire surface are most sought after by collectors and jewellers.

How to recognize a true Crystal Opal ?

One Crystal Opal natural has several characteristics that allow to identify it.

• One Transparency natural, ranging from Translucent to almost transparent.
• A True play of colour, visible when the stone is inclined under the light.
• A natural surface, without layers glued as on doubles or triplettes.
• A known originpreferably accompanied by information on its deposit or a certificate for high-value stones.

Before any purchase, it is advisable to observe the opal from different angles in order to appreciate the richness of its colors and the quality of its light play.

What are the criteria that determine the Crystal Opal ?

The price of Crystal Opal depends on several criteria.

• Intensity of play of colour.
• The dominant colour (red is usually the most sought after).
• The Transparency Stone.
• Size and weight in carats.
• The quality of size and polishing.
• The absence of visible cracks or defects.
• The origin of opal.

The Crystal Opals with bright colours spread over the entire surface of the stone are usually the most sought after.

How to maintain a Crystal Opal ?

Bien qu’elle soit relativement résistante, l’opale cristal demande quelques précautions.

• Évitez les chocs et les rayures.
• Nettoyez-la avec un chiffon doux légèrement humide.
• N’utilisez jamais de produits chimiques agressifs.
• Rangez-la séparément des autres bijoux afin d’éviter les rayures.
• Évitez les variations brutales de température.

Un entretien adapté permet de préserver durablement son éclat et son jeu de couleurs.

Conclusion

L’opale cristal est l’une des pierres les plus fascinantes du monde de la gemmologie. Sa transparence, son jeu de couleurs et son caractère unique séduisent aussi bien les collectionneurs que les amateurs de bijoux. Que vous recherchiez une pierre de collection ou une opale destinée à la joaillerie, comprendre ses caractéristiques vous permettra de faire un choix éclairé.

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Discover the International Gem Society (IGS), an international reference in gemology. Its online encyclopedia offers reliable information on the Gemstones their identification, evaluation and history.

En tant que membre professionnel de l’International Gem Society (IGS), Opales & Gems recommande cette ressource de référence pour approfondir vos connaissances sur les opales, les pierres précieuses et les gemmes naturelles.