Are Opals Lucky and Where Do They Come From?

Gorgeous colorations have turned opals into miniature works of art. Colors commonly seen include white, dark blue, turquoise and various color mixes. In some rare cases, the color scheme changes with the onlooker’s perspective. Scientists have traced back the inimitable color displays to silica gel spheres that refract the light at differing intervals. The resulting displays of color mimic a rainbow in a small setting. This look was so unique that Roman writer Pliny commented on it with wonder in 75 CE.

Origins of the stones also influence the coloration. The copper that is present in Peru’s mines has lead to a pink and turquoise variety, which differentiates the stones from those found in Nigeria. That said, Australia is traditionally associated with the mining of these gems and to this day supplies about 95 percent of the market’s opals. Not surprisingly, most of the famous gemstones of this variety come from Australia.

The clarity of the gems ranges from translucent to opaque. Jewelers have learned to manipulate the colors to suit the tastes of the buying consumer. For example, adding oils to the stones will heighten the color display while treating the gems with certain dyes makes them look considerably darker. Foil backing also darkens the appearance of the gem but also increases the display of the colors. Since the gems are extremely susceptible to breakage when faceted, jewelry makers prefer the cabochon cut.

Like other gemstones, opals have their respected place in folklore. The ancient Greeks believed that owning and wearing an opal would increase a person’s odds of good health. Some believed that the gods used the opal to allow wearers to prophesy. Europeans believed that opals would give their wearer a spirit of truth and a pure mind. Some folklore made opals desirable for those with blond hair. The gem was said to preserve these tresses.

Unlike many other gems, opals were not as plentiful in circulation, and owning one of the stones was a rare treat. In the 19th century, the gems became more readily available on the open market. As a result, jewelry buyers were in a frenzy to own these pieces and the gems were at the center of buyers’ attention for a while. It is no accident that the Art Deco era placed the opal front and center in its most celebrated pieces.

There are a number of famous opals that have made headlines throughout the decades. The largest opal ever found is the Olympic Australis, which was mined in 1956 in South Australia. Weighing in at 17,000 carats, its current market value is $2,311,750. The Flame Queen opal was discovered in 1914 in New South Wales. It weighs in at 263.18 carats and changes coloration depending on the onlooker’s point of view.

Located in Stamford Connecticut on 1137 High Ridge Road is Peter Suchy Jewelers where one can find a wide variety of opal jewelry—we hope you’ll visit our showroom.

If you love buying jewelry online, we offer many vintage and estate opals in our eBay store.

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