|
 Opals symbolized hope, innocence and
purity to the Greeks and Romans and were mined in what is now Czechoslovakia
and Hungary. Today's supplies of Opal come primarily from Australia, Mexico and
the United States. Most Opals are not faceted but cut into rounded or free-form
cabochons that enhance their play of color.
Opal is found in several different colors
including black Opal, whose blue, gray or black body color enhances the play of
fire; white Opal with a lightish or white body color flashes. Boulder Opal has
color flashes intertwined with rock matrix. Different in appearence is Fire
Opal, a transparent gemstone of brillant yellow, orange or red, often cut wish
facets.
Opal, along with Tourmaline, is the birthstone
for October and the suggested gift for the fourteenth anniversary. |
