Shakespeare called opal the ‘Queen of Gems.’ This majestic gemstone is named for the Latin word opalus, meaning ‘precious stone.’ For centuries, this stone has been precious. It is a good luck charm and prized for its healing properties. The jewel comes in two broad categories; common opals and precious opals. Read on and learn the difference between both!
What is Common Opal?
Common opal is opaque, rarely translucent and does not display any play-of-color. This jewel occurs in a wide range of pastel colors.
Common opals were not very popular in jewelry for years, but why? Short supply was one factor. These rare colors have limited mining and exposure. However, minimalist jewelry lovers are turning to these beautiful gemstones for a unique look. Here, they have a home where their unique color offerings can truly shine.
Did you know that common opal exists across the globe? Peru, Oregon, and Mexico are just a few suppliers of this special jewel.
How Do Common Opals Form?
Opals, both common and precious, form geologically through a similar initial process. The formation begins with a solution of silicon dioxide and water. As water percolates through the earth, it picks up silica from sandstone and carries this silica-rich solution into cracks and voids created by natural faults or decomposing fossils. When the water eventually evaporates, it leaves behind a silica deposit. Over millions of years, these deposits harden and form opals.
The difference between common and precious opals lies in the structure of the silica that makes up the opal. In precious, opal, the play of color (known as opalescence) arises from silica spheres that are uniform in size and are closely packed in a regular pattern. This precise arrangement of silica spheres diffracts light, leading to the play of colors characteristic of precious opal.
Common opal, also known as “potch,” is composed of silica spheres as well, but these spheres vary widely in size and are jumbled together in an irregular pattern. This disordered structure does not allow for the diffraction of light in the same way, so common opals do not exhibit the play of color. Additionally, the density and pattern of the silica spheres in common opal are either too disordered or too compact to permit light refraction, which distinguishes its appearance from that of precious opal.
So, both common and precious opals form from silica deposits left behind by water. The key difference between them is the arrangement and size of the silica particles within the opal: precious opals have a regular pattern that allows for light diffraction and color play, while common opals lack this regularity, resulting in no play of color.
Value of Common Opals
The value of common opal is determined by several factors, which are similar to those that affect the value of precious opals, even though common opals do not display play-of-color. Just like diamonds, the 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat Weight can be used to evaluate these gems.
Color: As with all colored gemstones, color is the most important factor. Different colors may be more sought after than others. Body tone refers to the overall darkness or lightness of the opal’s body color, which can affect the gemstone’s appearance and value.
Although common opals do not have the colorful patterns seen in precious opals, the pattern and distribution of colors can impact the stone’s aesthetics. For common opals, a desirable pattern might be one that offers visual interest even without play-of-color.
Clarity: Brightness involves the intensity of light that is reflected from the opal’s surface. While it might not result in play-of-color for common opals, the gemstone’s brightness can still contribute to its appeal and value. External defects or impurities, known as blemishes, can impact the appearance and durability of the opal. The presence of blemishes is usually a detracting factor in the valuation of common opals.
Cut: The outline or form of the opal affects its aesthetics and setting in jewelry. Common shapes include ovals, rounds, and free forms, and the choice can influence the opal’s value.
The way an opal is cut can also affect its value. While precious opals might be cut to enhance play-of-color, common opals may be cut in calibrated sizes or shapes that complement their unique characteristics.
Carat Weight: The size and carat weight of the opal is another significant factor. Larger opals or those with unusual dimensions can be more rare and valuable.
Opals are available in a range of sizes and weights. Although common opals might not have the play-of-color, larger stones may still be valuable due to their size and impact when set in jewelry.
So, while common opals do not have the play-of-color of precious opals, their value is still based on a combination of factors that contribute to their overall appeal and rarity. Each common opal’s unique characteristics determine its desirability and market value.
Varieties of Common Opal
- Peruvian Pink Opal: The Andes Mountains of Peru is the home of this delightful pink opal. These opals display a soft pastel pink with a pearly sheen. The gem has a reputation for emotional healing and bringing inner peace.
- Oregon Peach Opal: Featuring a bright, peachy blush this peach opal is a rare stone, only found in the United States. Peach hues are known for their cheerful energy and positive reputation.
- Australian White Opal: With a rich, pearly finish, this white jewel stands with stones like mother-of-pearl or even cultured South Sea pearl! Its heavenly hues symbolize notions like purity, faith, and loyalty.
- Oregon Blue Opal: This powder blue stone gently captivates with its soft touch. Blue is the color of friendship.
Common Opal Lore
Common opal, like its precious counterpart, has a rich history and has been significant in various cultures throughout the ages.
Ancient Rome: In ancient Rome, opal was highly prized and symbolized love and hope. It was considered a precious stone, synonymous with ‘opalus.’ Roman scholars, including Pliny the Elder, marveled at the opal’s beauty and its ability to display a kaleidoscope of colors, likening it to volcanoes, galaxies, and fireworks. Opal was revered for encompassing the colors of other valuable gemstones such as ruby, emerald, topaz, sapphire, and amethyst. This admiration led to opals being given poetic names like Pandora, Light of the World, and Empress.
Ancient Greece and Arabian Legends: The Greeks believed opals granted the gift of prophecy and protected their owners from disease. Arabic legends held that opals fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning. In these cultures, opal was often associated with supernatural origins and powers.
European Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, opal was thought to be beneficial for eyesight and was often referred to as the “eye stone.” Blond women wore opal necklaces to protect the color of their hair, and some believed that opals could render the wearer invisible. Opals were even set into the Crown Jewels of France. However, by the late 18th and early 19th centuries, opal’s reputation in Europe suffered due to superstitions that it brought bad luck and was associated with misfortune. This negative image persisted until Queen Victoria’s endorsement of the gemstone reversed its fortunes, and she, along with her royal court, popularized opal once again.
Worldwide Significance: The history of common opal is intertwined with its precious counterpart and has been discovered in various regions throughout history. Notably, in the Old World, Hungary was a significant source of opal for Europe and the Middle East. Later, the New World also became a source of opals, with conquistadors bringing these gemstones from Mexico, Peru, and Honduras back to Spain. Over time, opal became a symbol of wealth and was believed to aid its wearer in seeing limitless possibilities, amplify and mirror feelings, and promote spontaneity.
Modern Times: Today, opal continues to be valued and is considered an October birthstone. Despite the superstition that it may be unlucky for those not born in October to wear it, opal remains a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.
Common opal’s significance is deeply rooted in history, with its lore and esteem varying across different cultures and eras. The gemstone’s role in folklore and its impact on fashion and royal trends demonstrate its timeless allure and the human fascination with its beauty and supposed mystical properties.
Opal Healing Properties
Different varieties of common opal are believed to have specific healing properties.
Andean or Peruvian Opal: Found in the Andes Mountains of Peru, this type of common opal comes in translucent to opaque forms with soft pastel blue, blue-green, or pink hues and a pearly sheen. Andean opals are generally associated with calming and soothing emotions, and are thought to facilitate the free flow of emotions, providing a sense of tranquility.
Black Opal/Boulder Opals: Though not necessarily ‘common opal’, black opal and boulder opals are associated with the root chakra. They are believed to ground an individual’s energy and provide a connection to the earth’s energies, offering stability and physical well-being.
Agate Opal and Moss or Dendritic Opal: These feature moss-like inclusions formed by different iron minerals. The specific healing properties are not detailed in the source, but dendritic opals are often associated with growth and stability, mirroring the branching inclusions that resemble plant life.
Fireless Opal: This type of common opal varies in color from white, green, black, purple, brown, and colorless. It is believed to increase wealth, encourage self-worth, and balance yin/yang energies. It is associated with general emotional and spiritual balance.
Common Opal: Typically white, gray, or pale yellow, common opal is known as a stone of emotional healing. It is believed to assist those working through difficult emotions, fostering emotional recovery, and providing comfort.
These healing properties are part of the metaphysical beliefs surrounding gemstones and are not backed by scientific evidence but are deeply rooted in various cultural and spiritual practices. Each type of common opal carries with it a set of attributes that many people find beneficial for their emotional and spiritual well-being.
Common Opal vs. Precious Opal
Opals are categorized based on their appearance and the ability to show play-of-color. That’s the unique rainbow of color some gems display.
Common opals are opaque and do not show play-of-color. Instead, these jewels can also be found in attractive hues like pink, peach, white, or blue, depending on their origin. Distinctive trace elements, unique to their location, create these captivating pastel colors. An appealing pearly luster completes the look of this stone.
Precious opals are the ones which show spectacular play-of-color. These stones have a black or white bodycolor.
Why Choose Common Opal?
There are three reasons why you need one of these pastel jewels in your life!
Common opals are a great source of happiness, enthusiasm, and creativity. Did you know this gemstone has roots in ancient civilizations? Romans associated opals with purity and hope. Greeks believed the gem grants the gift of perception. People in ancient times associated this stone with heaven. Many think that it can ward off negative energies.
We treasure opal in fashion. When it comes to style, few stones can offer beautiful color, soothing appeal, and a subtle attraction. The gorgeous pastel color range of common opal is a must-have for those who love minimalist styling and understated fashion.
Opal is the birthstone for October, which makes it a perfect gift for October babies. The fascinating gem is the traditional anniversary gift for the 14th wedding anniversary.
Updated November 8, 2023.
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