Opal

What is Opal?

Opal is a beautiful, special kind of rock that looks like a shiny jewel. It is made mostly of tiny bits of silica and water. Even though it looks like a gem, it is not a true mineral. Instead, it is called a mineraloid.

Where Does Opal Come From?

Opal forms when water carries tiny pieces of silica and drops them into cracks and spaces inside other rocks, like sandstone and basalt. You can find opal in many places around the world, such as Australia, Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States of America.

Types of Opal

There are two main types of opal: precious and common. Precious opal shows lovely colors that change when you move it in the light. This happens because of tiny balls of silica inside the stone that bend the light. Common opal does not show these colorful patterns and can look milky, cloudy, or even dark.

Fun Facts About Opal

• The word “opal” comes from an old Sanskrit word meaning “jewel.”
• Opal is the national gemstone of Australia.
• Some opals are cut and polished to make beautiful jewelry pieces called cabochons.