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Opals
Opals are a truly unique gemstone. They form differently than most minerals and have no crystal structure. They are formed when silica rich rain water collects in cracks and fissures in rock and then can crystallize as opal. It is this amorphous structure that gives opal its unique play of color. At the microscopic level it is built of silica spheres irregularly arranged, so that absorbed and reflected light can be altered as the stone is viewed from different angles and in different light sources. This is what causes the changing colors of an opal.
Australian Opal
Australia has long been the most famous producer of fine opal. Opal can form with different body colors ranging colorless to yellow to gray but is commonly translucent or opaque white in body color. dark body color is known as black opal. the Lightning Ridge deposit produces some of the finest black opal. Boulder opal is another common type os Australian opal.
Ethiopian Opal
Ethiopia is a strong source for opal. The opal found here differs from Australian opal. It is a hydrophane opal. It has a higher water content and tends to be more transparent. The play of color has a less defined flash pattern. The overall appearance is different and is easily distinguished by the experienced eye. This opal is often called Welo opal. This type of opal can be treated to improve its body color.
Black Opal
In the northen edge of New South Wales Australia lies the Lightning Ridge mine. This are is famous for producing stunning black opals. These are usually a dark gray or blue in body color and can have beautiful play of color.  Some black opals show only green play of color, or green, blue and purple color. The black opals with strong red, orange and yellows, are more treasured. Some opals can even show all of the colors. The size, brightness of color, colors present, and the degree to which the play of color changes as the stone is turned a nd viewed form different angles, all have an effect on the opal's value.
Black opal
Black opal ring
Beautiful black opal
Black opal
Boulder opals
Boulder opal pendant
Boudler Opal
Boulder opals
Boulder Opal
Boulder Opal is where the opal is found in smaller cracks and fissures in the host rock. These veins run thin and some of this opal is left as a thin layer on a backing of the host stone to give it stability. In some cases it is given a new base. This type of opal is known as a doublet. When they add a third protective layer of clear crystal on top for extra protection it is known as a triplet.  Boulder opal is also sold as host rock with veins of opal too slim to harvest and the host rock is cut and polished. These can be quite beautiful and are valued by the amount of opal present in the rock.