Opal

Opal is a unique and captivating gemstone known for its iridescent play of colors. It's composed of hydrated silica, and its internal structure diffracts light to create a mesmerizing display of shifting colors known as "play-of-color." Opals are treasured for their beauty and have a long history of fascination and lore. Here are some key aspects of opals:

1. Play-of-Color: The most distinctive feature of opals is their play-of-color, which can encompass a wide spectrum of colors including red, blue, green, yellow, and more. This phenomenon arises due to the arrangement of silica spheres in the gemstone, which causes the diffraction of light into various colors as the stone is moved.
2. Types of Opals: Opals come in various types based on their play-of-color characteristics and their background color. Some well-known types include white opal (light-colored body with play-of-color), black opal (dark-colored body with play-of-color), fire opal (bright orange to red body without play-of-color), and boulder opal (play-of-color in combination with its host rock matrix).