: Transparent or semi-transparent stones where the play-of-colour appears to dance within the body of the gem.
: Famous for its warm, fiery orange-red base colour. Unlike others, these are often faceted and may or may not show play-of-colour. 2. Essential Quality Factors buy opal stone
: Graded from N1 (black) to N9 (white). Generally, the darker the base, the more valuable the stone. Buying an opal is like purchasing a piece of a rainbow
Buying an opal is like purchasing a piece of a rainbow. Unlike traditional faceted gems, opals are valued for their —a shimmering, multi-coloured fire caused by light diffracting off microscopic silica spheres. 1. Know the Primary Types such as Harlequin (broad
: The most common and affordable. It has a pale or white body tone with softer, pastel-coloured flashes.
: The rarest and most expensive. Its dark body tone makes the vibrant colour flashes "pop" more intensely.
: Some patterns are highly prized by collectors, such as Harlequin (broad, square patches) or Pinfire (tiny, dense specks).