Opal stones with their moving pictures of colors are also called ‘the Kaleidoscope of nature. ’ But what makes them different from such other gems with the play of colors as moonstone, labradorite, and fire opal? Now it is high time to investigate some features of opals in more detail.
Opal Gemstone is a unique gemstone because of its play of color, depth, banding, and patterns on a stone. I have always felt that other families of iridescent gems are beautiful in their own way, but none excite my imagination as opal does.
If you are a collector, or a jeweler, or if gemstones interest you in any way, then you have to look at opal as an interesting gemstone.
The Play of Color
- An interesting aspect of opals is that they all reflect light in a manner that has come to be referred to as opalescence. This phenomenon results from the diffraction of light by silica MICROSPHERES present within the opal layer.
- This means that the size as well as the arrangement of these spheres fixes the particular colors that are used. Some iridescence is characteristic of various gemstones but in the case of opals, one can observe a rather large spectrum of colors ranging from blue and green to red and yellow and even within one opal stone.
- Look at like this opal crystals are a vessel, complete with a lid, and as a chamber filled with droplets of water. In the opal stone, there are water droplets and when light is applied on the opal the water droplets reflect the light in diverse directions.
This scattering makes the opal look as if it were in the process of sifting through all of the rainbow’s colors up in the sky. Or imagine a puddle of water you are seeing live. Seems to be beautiful as in summer when the sun shines the water probably has different colors.
It is simply a beautiful sight as it is like a mini rainbow in the water. Opals in a way are similar but instead of this ‘water’ being external it is internal to the stone.
Moonstone
- The color of moonstone is a milky blue and it can range from pink to yellow and green. Moonstone’s adularescence, which is a milky-blue color, is produced by the naked eye’s interference and within the structure of the gemstone.
- Moonstone is made of a mineral called feldspar that makes the moonstone surface glowy and This glow is a result of a process called adularescence.
- It is almost like gazing into a smooth shining surface of water in a pond. You can see the reflection of the sky onto the building but it is dynamic and consequently, changes with the movement. That’s why the adularescence of the moonstone also changes depending on its position or position of the viewer.
A Rare Gem
The precious opal crystals are classified into two main types: gems and stones which may be considered valuable as well as ordinary. The glittery precious opals which are a bit opalescent are regarded as being more valuable.
Precious opal is one that in addition to showing patterns or colors will also have the ‘play of fire,’ while common opal has no play of color and is usually either clear or translucent.
A Fiery Gem
Fire opal is not a true opal but this gemstone is usually classified together with opals because of its similarity. Red fire opal is named so because it has red, orange, and yellow shades of colors which are due to the presence of iron. Contrary to what is observed in precious opal crystals, fire opals do not possess the opalescent property.
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Labradorite
- Opal stone has a more vivid play of color and is said to be a “gem within a gem” while labradorescence in labradorite is known to be dull and usually comprises only blue, green, yellow, and orange colors. Even though it may not be as different from opals as one might have thought, labradorite deserves to be called an enchanting gemstone
- Labradorite Stone has what is called “labradorescence”, that is, it possesses varying colors when they are tilted because of the interference of light within the stone. The color normally ranges from blue, green, yellow, and orange among other shades.
- Due to the labradorescence it can produce a variety of effects that can shine from subtle flashes to brightness and powerful vibrating iridescence. Metaphysical properties of labradorite are linked with the meaning of intuition, wisdom, and transformation and that is the main reason why it is treasured for jewelry and other related uses.
If it is the play of color in opals that attracts you, or the labradorescence, both the stones provide a fascinating one. If you want to know more read this , Exploring Labradorite gemstone: facts, symbolism, and benefits
Conclusion
Opal with its beautiful play of color , stands out among other iridescent gemstones.
Its unique characteristics, including the depth of its colors, the banding and patterns on the stone, and the phenomenon of opalescence, make it a truly exceptional gem.
As for the rest of the iridescent gems such as moonstone, labradorite, fire opal none of them come anywhere close to creating the magical, mythical, feeling that opal does.