Opal

In ancient times, precious opal was included among the noble gems. it was believed that the gem possessed magical properties. In the days when Rome spread her legions across Europe and Africa, a Roman Senator by the name of Nonius opted for exile rather than sell his valuable opal to Marc Antony who wanted to give it to hes famous lover Cleopatra.

Opal is amorphous, but really opal does have a sturctural element. A mineraloid is a substance that does not yeild definite chemical formula and shows no sign of crystalline. The mineraloid opal is hydrated silicon dioxide, the water content sometimes being as high as 20% but usually between 3%–10%. The play of colour is the distinct feature of opal and its vibrant colours is the result of the diffraction of light bounced off the tiny, closely packed silica spheres inside the stone.

Treatments

Opal is usually captured in an air-tight sandwich, using a very fine jeweller's epoxy and a piece of clear glass or quartz cap protect it from scratches and it can easily be re-polished by a jeweller or stone cutter.

Caring

Humidity from the air is important to opal.

Do not exposed to intense light over long periods.

Opals are very sensitive to sudden temperature changes.

Avoid strong chemical solutions.

It loves to be worn a lot, since this enables it to maintain its water balance (moisture from the air).