opals
Stones with rainbows
Opals are gemstones prized for their iridescent play of color—flashes of red, blue, green, and orange that shift as the stone moves.
Unlike diamonds or rubies, opals display this internal shimmer rather than brilliance from faceting.
Her grandmother's opal ring caught the light.
Australia produces most of the world's gem-quality opals.
Superstition once held opals unlucky, though this belief has faded.
Silicon dioxide compound
- play-of-colorInternal spectral shifting
- cabochonDomed, unfaceted gemstone
- opalescenceMilky, shifting luster
- amorphousWithout distinct shape
siliceous · doublet · triplet · Mohs hardness · gemology · lapidary · polishing
Internal spectral shifting
- shimmerTremulous, wavering light
- color shiftChange in hue
- diffractionWaves spreading past obstacles
- pinfireCartridge with protruding pin
harlequin pattern · rainbow effect · scintillation · color bar · electric blue · green fire
Suspended jewelry ornament
- ringClosed curve shape
- earringsJewelry worn on lobes
- broochDecorative fastening ornament
- necklaceNeck-worn ornament
bezel setting · birthstone · heirloom · jeweler · carat weight · matching set · statement piece · engagement ring
Fine surface fracture pattern
- crackingBreaking without separating completely
- dehydrationExcessive fluid loss
- sensitivityResponsiveness to stimuli
- brittlenessProne to snapping
Australia's northeastern state
- New South WalesAustralian state containing Sydney
- South AustraliaAustralian state, central-southern
silica
Silicon dioxide compound
- play-of-colorInternal spectral shifting
- cabochonDomed, unfaceted gemstone
- opalescenceMilky, shifting luster
amorphous · siliceous · doublet · triplet · Mohs hardness · gemology · lapidary · polishing
play-of-color
Internal spectral shifting
- shimmerTremulous, wavering light
- color shiftChange in hue
- diffractionWaves spreading past obstacles
pinfire · harlequin pattern · rainbow effect · scintillation · color bar · electric blue · green fire
pendant
Suspended jewelry ornament
necklace · bezel setting · birthstone · heirloom · jeweler · carat weight · matching set · statement piece · engagement ring
crazing
Fine surface fracture pattern
- crackingBreaking without separating completely
- dehydrationExcessive fluid loss
- sensitivityResponsiveness to stimuli
Queensland
Australia's northeastern state
- New South WalesAustralian state containing Sydney
- South AustraliaAustralian state, central-southern
- Australian Miningbauxite, iron ore, gold deposits, nickel, copper mines
- jewelryearrings, bracelet, necklaces, necklace, rings
- gemstonesdiamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, pearl
- natural treasuresgold, diamonds, pearls, gemstones, emeralds
- jewelry makingwire, charms, chains, pendants, earrings
- geologybedrock, fault lines, faults, rock, basalt
- fire opalIridescent orange-red gemstone
- black opalGem with dark body tone
- opal ringFinger band with milky gem
- white opalPale gem with color flashes
- opal glassTranslucent white glassware