Opals, distinctive among gemstones, are unique with no two opals appearing identical. Not only is each opal unique, when viewed from different angles the rainbow colors of an opal appear to dance around, changing the appearance of the gemstone. This play-of-color is caused by the amorphous structure of opals. Instead of the crystalline structure of many other gemstones where the elements align in a specific structure repeated throughout the stone, opals are made up of sub-microscopic spheres in various sizes stacked in a grid-like pattern—like layers of ping-pong balls in a box. The size of the sphere determines the color in the stone and the light waves that travel between the spheres diffract or bend causing the play-of-color limited to opals.

Opal has an abundance of varieties with some more familiar than others. Opals are often referred to by their “body color”, either black or white, which provides the background for the diverse display of colors that appear within the stone. Fire Opal, orange or red opals that may or may not show a play of color, and Boulder Opal, thin opal cut with the sandstone/ironstone matrix left on the back, are two of the most well-known opals.

Historically opals were considered lucky but now some believe that this gemstone is unlucky to wear unless the wearer was born in October. This superstition possibly comes from a novel written in the 1800s, Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott. In this gothic novel Hermione, the grandmother of the titular character, appeared to possess magical powers and at times seemed more an ignis fatuus or will-o’-the-wisp than human. She always wore in her hair a golden clasp with an opal that “… amid the changing lights peculiar to that gem, displayed internally a slight tinge of red like a spark of fire.” The opal seemed to reflect her moods, showing “A twinkling and flashing gleam which seemed to be emitted by the gem itself,” whenever she became animated or agitated, “as if it sympathized with the wearer’s emotions.” On the day of her daughter’s christening, drops of holy water struck her opal, which “Shot out a brilliant spark like a falling star, and became the instant afterwards lightless and colorless as a common pebble.” Hermione then collapsed and two hours later all that remained of her was a handful of gray ashes.

Since ancient times opals, with their spectral colors of the rainbow, have mesmerized us. In 75 AD, the Roman scholar Pliny observed, “Some opals carry such a play within them that they equal the deepest and richest colors of painters. Others simulate the flaming fire of burning sulphur and even the bright blaze of burning oil.” He marveled that this kaleidoscopic gem encompassed the red of ruby, the green of emerald, the yellow of topaz, the blue of sapphire, and the purple of amethyst. Many cultures have credited opal with supernatural origins and powers. Arabic legends say it falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.

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