Opal

Thought to be drived from the word "opthalmos," meaning the eye. Opal was once believed to cure diseases of the eye, and have the power to render its wearer invisible.

                                      VARIETIES, QUALITIES & ORIGINS

                                     Opal comes in a wide array of types, colors, and appearances. In most varieties, the key value factor is the phenomenal "play-of-color" or iridescent rainbow colors caused by the intricate structure within the opal. The most valuable opals feature intense "play-of-color" patterns with flashes of red, orange, and yellow, in addition to green, blue and violet. White opals are plentiful, and fine quality black opals are rare and valuable. Some opals, such as fire opal, are actually faceted to display their beauty. There are also boulder and cyrstal opals. Early opals were mined in Czechoslovakia and Hungary. Opals today are principally mined in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Honduras, Indonesia, Poland, and Tanzania.

                                      GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENTS

                                      The "play-of-color" in opal can be intensified through the use of dyes, oil, wax, plastic, and carbonized sugar solution.

                                       HARDNESS  (Scratch Resistance)  5 - 6/12 on the Moh's Scale.

                                      STABILITY  (To Heat, Light, Chemicals)  Avoid abrupt temperature change, intense heat, hydrofluoric acid, and       

                                      strong alkalis.

                                      REPAIR  Remove from setting for repairs involving heat.

                                      TOUGHNESS  (Chip & Crack Resistance)  Very poor to fair.  Avoid sharp blows.

                                      CLEANING  Never ultrasonic or steam clean. Warm, soapy water is safe.

                                      OCCASIONS  October Birthstone with Tourmaline, 14th Wedding Anniversary

Swalstead Jewelers