We can see from the formula that opal has water in its composition. Opal is a mineraloid, with the next chemical formula SiO 2*nH 2O. A cloudy or milky background color negatively influences the value of an opal.
It is also important which colors of flashes are located together. Red is often considered the most desirable play-of-color hue. The rarest play-of-color contains hues that range across the entire spectrum. Dark background colors like black or dark blue are the most desirable as they create a contrast to the play-of-color phenomenon. It is subdivided into the background color and play-of-color. The color factor is probably the main one. Even though, there are the main factors similar for the traders and apprisers from all over the world. They are slightly different in Australia and The United States. There is a list of factors that are used to determine opal value. Valuable opal is that with black background color play-of-color contains hues that range across the entire spectrum fashes are big enough and evenly distributed in the whole gemstone without any inclusions or fractures. Color, pattern, and clarity are the main ones. Further, we will try to abstract from the enchanting opal’s brilliance and deduce opal’s value factors. Opal is so mesmerizing that it’s hard to evaluate it from the first and even from the second glance. Opals can occur in pink, blue, and other colors, with high to low saturation and varying patterns. Some of them are non-phenomenal, which means do not have play-of-color.
There are a lot of other gem-quality opals. It either can or cannot show play-of-color. An opal where background color ranges from transparent to translucent reds and oranges to yellows. A very different type of opal, as it includes host-rock fragments, or matrix, as part of the finished gem. The background is similar to crystal opal however, it shows faint play-of-color or no play-of-color at all. Where the background ranges from transparent to semitransparent. Opal with distinct play-of-color, where background color ranges from translucent white to medium gray. Opal with black background color, which perfectly contrasts colorful play-of-color. Here are the main opal categories commonly used in the trade: Precise chemistry and structure don’t work here. The approach differs from the classical approach to mineral gemstones. The top-quality black opals reach $6,000 per carat value, being more expensive than gold and diamonds.Īt first, we need to start with the opal categories. That is why it is highly prized and often used as a central stone in high-end jewelry. It has a unique property of play-of-color, which any other gemstone doesn’t have. There is something valuable in an opal for sure. The Roman word opalus was synonymous with the precious stone. If you are interested in checking out the best books about rock and minerals identification you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
What are the factors of opal value? Which color or type of flashes are preferable? Maybe the country of origin plays the first role? We are delighted to tell you about opal. It’s complicated to evaluate opal because every stone is unique. Opals are more expensive than diamonds and gold! Australian black opal price can sometimes reach even $10,000 per carat (0,2 grams only!).
#Opal color free#
Best opals are of black background color with colorful, bright, and evenly distributed play-of-color, free of any treatment, and of Australian origin. Color, play-of-color, pattern, clarity, brightness, country origin, and the absence of treatment are the main ones. Why is it so valuable? What properties of opal make the price reach thousands of dollars per carat? Let’s dive into the magnificent opals’ flashes and find this out.Ĩ factors determine opal’s value. Opal rightfully occupies the central place in high-end jewelry. Its intriguing play-of-color bewitches a human. Saying just “highly praised” and “extremely valuable” is not enough to describe how beautiful opal is. Opal is a one-of-a-kind, highly valuable gemstone. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no additional costs for you.
0 kommentar(er)
