![]() ![]() Small opal stones will be cool, emitting predominantly blue and green tones. ![]() Large opal stones in round and oval shapes will reveal warm red tones.That’s why it’s so difficult to define opal as a singular color. Just as the different angles you hold an opal will reveal different colors, the size of the stone will also dictate the color. While single color stones might pair well with a selection of colors, opals pull colors from every space in the rainbow, making them great statement pieces. This is why opals make such attractive jewelry stones. No matter which way you tilt or shift an opal stone, it’ll reflect different colors each time. In this way, opals appear to be constantly changing and shifting their coloring.ĭue to this factor, calling an opal one singular color is not necessarily easy as they contain multiple colors. The reason opal appears iridescent and multi-colored is because when the stone is moved, light will hit different spheres at different angles within the stone, radiating a variety of unique colors. The light passing through an opal stone is first deflected, or bent, then diffracted, or broken up, and finally colors are emitted from the light rays in the stone. The size of the spheres inside the structure of an opal stone will influence which colors are visible to us. How Deflection and Diffraction Influence the Color of Opals The terms opalescence and iridescence are used interchangeably, however the former is directly attributed to the opal stone. In short, opalescence relates to the optical effect garnered from the unique arrangement of features an opal has: gleam, color, sheen, glow and iridescence. Part of what makes opals so special is their opalescence. What is Opalescence?įew stones have a dedicated term to describe their unique appearance. Deflection influences the visible light spectrum, allowing our eyes to see the complex array of opalescent colors radiating from an opal stone. When light passes through an object and bends, it changes course from a direct or straight line. With opals, diffraction creates a broad spectrum of vivid colors ranging from pale grays to intense blues and fiery reds. When light breaks into a series of bands, they can either emit light, dark or colored bands. Below we’ll outline the science and terminology explaining why opal stones change colors so much. These stunning stones are famous for their “play of color,” because they can quickly shift from light, incandescent colors to intense and bright fiery colors.īy definition, the word “opal” means to see a change in color. Opals are the birthstone of October, and signify hope, purity and good fortune. When light directly passes through these spheres and comes into contact with the silica, the light bends and emits a variety of colors. The structure inside an opal stone contains tiny organized spheres, each lined in a consistent and organized arrangement. What is an Opal?Īn opal is an amorphous, or shapeless, stone made up of silica. However, to fully explain this natural wonder we first need to define some scientific terms.ĭon’t worry, we won’t get too technical, but we will include just enough information to help you fully grasp what processes cause opals to have such colorful diversity. There are several factors that contribute to the unique rainbow of colors that an opal stone emits. You might be wondering why opals are so colorful and exactly what color they are. ![]() What makes opals so special? Well, just one opal stone can encompass a spectrum of colors, all shining in an eye-catching, opalescent glow that’s entirely unique to opals. Or, you’ve developed an appreciation for the unique and colorful radiance of opals. Thus fine hair will process faster than coarse hair.If you love opal stones, chances are your birth month is October.
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