Australian White Opals show a stunning display of colors, which is a magnificent combination of fire and ice. Shop LC sources this gem from Australia, which produces nearly 95 percent of the world’s opal. Continue reading and discover what makes this gemstone so marvelous!
What is Australian White Opal?
Australian White Opal is a variety of precious opal characterized by a light body tone ranging from transparent to opaque. Unlike black opal, which has a dark body tone, white opal is known for its lighter hues and the play of color it exhibits, which is caused by the diffraction of light as it interacts with the microscopic silica spheres within the structure of the opal.
These colors can include shades of blue, green, purple, yellow, orange, pink, and red, with the latter hues being rarer. Australia is renowned for producing high-quality white opals, primarily sourced from sediment-hosted deposits in regions such as South Australia.
Formation
Australian White Opal forms through a natural process where water carries silica from sandstone into cracks and voids in the earth, created by natural faults or decaying fossils. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind silica deposits, and this process repeats over millennia, eventually forming opal. Ideal conditions allow silica spheres to settle in layers within these voids; when spheres reach a uniform size, precious opal begins to form, displaying its characteristic play of color due to light diffraction.
The geological conditions necessary for Australian White Opal formation include the presence of voids for deposition, alternating wet and dry climates affecting the water table, and, possibly, acidic conditions at some stage, potentially influenced by microbes. Most economic production of precious opal in Australia, including white opal, comes from sediment-hosted deposits in the Great Australian Basin.
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Mining
White Opals in Australia are mined predominantly in the following regions:
- White Cliffs, New South Wales: Known for producing white or crystal opal in the form of ‘seam opal,’ as well as the unique ‘opal pineapples’ which are opalized fossils.
- South Australia: This state has several active opal mining fields, such as Andamooka, Coober Pedy, Lambina, and Mintabie, with South Australia being the largest producer of opal by volume. The white opals from these regions are often referred to as ‘milky’ opals.
- Coober Pedy, South Australia: This is the main area where the bulk of the world’s white opal is produced. The opal fields here are situated in the Stuart Range, in the outback of South Australia.
These regions are known for their quality and quantity of white opals, with Coober Pedy being particularly notable for the bulk of the world’s supply of this gemstone.
Play-of-Color
The unique color play in Australian White Opal, also known as “opalescence,” is caused by the diffraction of light off the microscopic spheres of silica that make up the opal’s structure. When light hits these spheres, it bends and breaks up into spectral colors, creating a dazzling display of shifting colors as the angle of viewing changes.
This phenomenon differs from other types of opal in terms of the base color of the opal (the “body tone”) and the arrangement and uniformity of the silica spheres. For instance, black opals have a darker body tone, which can make the colors appear more vibrant, while boulder opals have the opal color interspersed with the host rock, giving them a unique appearance.
Fire opals, on the other hand, are characterized by warm body colors like yellow to red and may not always show color play. The specific conditions under which the opal forms, including the size and regularity of the silica spheres, contribute to the distinct visual effects of each opal type.
White Australian Opal Price
The value of Australian White Opal, like other opals, is influenced by several factors:
- Play-of-Color: The brightness and the spectral colors seen in the opal’s play-of-color significantly impact its value. Opals that show a red play-of-color are generally considered more valuable than those with green or blue color play.
- Color Saturation: The purity and vividness of an opal’s color increase its value, as does the size, shape, and regularity of the color patterns. If the colors are visible from all directions when the opal is moved, this also adds to its appeal.
- Inclusions: The presence of inclusions, such as potch patches or lines, will affect the value, depending on their type, quantity, and position within the stone.
- Carat Weight: As with other gemstones, the carat weight of the opal contributes to its overall value.
The diffraction and bending of light rays through the opal’s silica spheres create the stone’s color and contribute to the stone’s value. The uniformity of these spheres and the resulting color play are critical factors that distinguish precious opal from common opal.
White Opal vs. Other Opals
Australian White Opal, while beautiful, is more common and thus less valuable compared to other rare and exotic gemstones like black opal or boulder opal. The vibrancy of its color play is generally less intense due to its pale body tone, which lacks the dark background that can enhance the color play in other opals.
Despite this, high-quality white opal can still be quite valuable and desirable, fetching significant prices in the market, with factors such as brightness and pattern playing a role in determining its overall value.
How to Care for Your Opal
To maintain the luster and prevent damage to Australian White Opal:
- Handle Gently: Opal is about as hard as glass, so avoid activities that may scratch or break it, like gardening or moving furniture.
- Water Exposure: Solid opals, including white opals, can get wet, but avoid exposing them to very dry conditions or rapid temperature changes which can cause cracking.
- Cleaning: Clean solid opal with mild dish soap and luke warm water using a soft tooth brush or cloth. Do not use bleach, chemicals, or ultrasonic cleaners.
- Polishing: If the opal becomes dull or scratched, professional polishing can restore its shine.
- Storage: Store opal in a padded cloth bag and, for long periods, in cotton wool with a few drops of water in a sealed plastic bag to maintain humidity.
White Opal Lore
The historical significance of white opal is rich and varied, and has been cherished by humanity for milenia. White opal use goes back as far as 4,000 BC, with the earliest opal artifacts found in a cave in Kenya, dating back to that era. These early opals were used for making tools.
Historically, opals have been used for divination, associated with good fortune, and were symbols of wealth and status, often reserved for royalty and the upper class. In ancient mythology and folklore, they were believed to possess protective and healing properties, promote emotional healing, reduce anxiety, and ward off negative energies.
In ancient Rome, white opal was considered the ultimate gemstone because it contained every gemstone color within it. The Greeks also prized opals, believing they bestowed mystical visions and protected their wearers from diseases. They thought opals could unlock one’s inner potential and open communication with the spiritual realm.
During the Middle Ages, white opal was believed to grant special powers, like invisibility, and held many positive associations.
A decline in the popularity of opals occurred in the early 1800s due to superstitions spurred by Sir Walter Scott’s novel, “Anne of Geuerstein,” where an opal loses its color and causes the wearer’s death. This led to a significant drop in demand.
Queen Victoria helped revive the opal’s popularity by giving white opals as wedding gifts and wearing opals herself. The discovery of opal deposits in Australia in the late 1800s also renewed interest, as Australian opals were superior in clarity and color play.
Indigenous Australian cultures view opals as sacred, deeply connected to the land and spiritual energy, marking sites of creation stories or dreamtime legends.
In ancient Greece, opals symbolized prophecy and foresight, while in Roman and Hindu mythology, they were associated with purity, hope, good fortune, and protection against evil spirits.
In the modern birthstone list, opal is a modern October birthstone.
Today, Australia leads the world in opal production, contributing up to 95% of the world’s supply, with white opal being a significant part of this output.
Conclusion
Australian White Opals stand as a beacon of beauty and fascination in the world of gemstones. With its milky base and mesmerizing play-of-color, it encapsulates the wonder of nature’s artistry. From the ancient civilizations that revered its mystical properties to the modern enthusiasts who cherish its unique appearance, the allure of the Australian White Opal remains timeless.
Despite its relative abundance compared to its darker counterparts, a high-quality white opal is a treasure to behold, offering a more subtle yet equally enchanting charm. As we have explored its formation, the nuances that contribute to its value, and the rich tapestry of history and lore surrounding it, it becomes clear why this gemstone continues to captivate.
Whether set in a simple pendant or an elaborate heirloom piece, Australian White Opal can hold its own amongst the rarest and most exotic of gemstones. Its care is straightforward, safeguarding its luster for generations, and its symbolism in various cultures adds layers of meaning to its physical beauty.
As Australia continues to dominate the opal market, the accessibility of white opal ensures that admirers from all walks of life can experience the joy of owning a piece of this natural wonder. Whether you are an October-born individual looking to connect with your birthstone, a collector of fine gems, or simply someone who appreciates the sublime beauty of the earth’s creations, the Australian White Opal is a gem that promises to enchant and intrigue for years to come.
Update November 9, 2023.
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