Opal

Opal is a unique gem on its own because of the phenomena it shows. This phenomenon is called Play of Color. It is rainbow colors of flashes that can be seen in different patterns inside the stone. However, some opals lack the Play of Color but most of them do have it. Opals are widely known and used because of their appearance and the modest value that it adds to a piece of jewelry. Though it is quite abundant, good quality black opal is quite rare and can fetch very high prices in the market. It is only mined in the New South Wales area of Australia. Opals generally come from Ethiopia, Australia, Mexico, and Brazil.

It is of various types- White, Black, Boulder, Fire Opal, Crystal Opal, Water Opal, and Assembled Opal. Jaipur is the biggest cutting center for Ethiopian Opal in the world. Opals are treated to improve their appearance by Smoke and Sugar Treatment.

Opals are usually imitated by Plastic, Glass, and Synthetic opals.