opal

¹

[ oh-puhl ]

noun

1. a mineral, an amorphous form of silica, SiO 2 with some water of hydration, found in many varieties and colors, including a form that is milky white.
2. an iridescent variety of this that is used as a gem.
3. a gem of this.

Opal

²

[ oh-puhl ]

noun

1. a female given name.

opal

/ ˈəʊpəl /

noun

1. an amorphous, usually iridescent, mineral that can be of almost any colour, found in igneous rocks and around hot springs. It is used as a gemstone. Composition: hydrated silica. Formula: SiO 2 . n H 2 O

opal

/ ō′pəl /

1. A usually transparent mineral consisting of hydrous silica. Opal can occur in almost any color, but it is often pinkish white with a milky or pearly appearance. It typically forms within cracks in igneous rocks, in limestones, and in mineral veins. It also occurs in the silica-rich shells of certain marine organisms. Chemical formula: SiO 2 ·nH 2 O.

Derived Forms

• ˈopal-ˌlike, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of opal¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin opalus < Greek opállios opal, gem; probably from a source akin to Sanskrit upala precious stone

Word History and Origins

Origin of opal¹

C16: from Latin opalus, from Greek opallios, from Sanskrit upala precious stone

Example Sentences

The fossils were found by Elizabeth Smith and her daughter Clytie of the Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge, who have spent decades working and searching over the opal fields.

From Science Daily

Fossilised pieces of the animal's jaw bone were found in opal fields in northern New South Wales, alongside evidence of several other ancient and now extinct monotreme species.

From BBC

S. dotyi’s microspheres, in contrast, remained uniform, arranging themselves in an orderly, crystalline lattice like that found in an opal—perfect for reflecting and amplifying certain colors.

From Science Magazine

“Limbo” also is built around a man looking for answers, in this case about the 20-year-old disappearance of an Indigenous schoolgirl in the titular town, a remote, depressed opal mining outpost.

From Los Angeles Times

Around him, teeth coverings sparkled on the shelves — diamond, gold, opal, some featuring designs including a pink fang-shaped outline.

From Los Angeles Times

More About Opal

What does opal mean?

An opal is a gemstone that’s best known for its iridescent, milky-white variety.

Other varieties are black and gray, but it can be almost any color. As a mineral, opal is a form of silica.

Unlike many of the other gemstones used in jewelry, opal is not crystalline, meaning it does not form in a crystal structure—it looks like a stone, as opposed to a faceted jewel like a diamond.

Opal gemstones are classified as common or precious. Precious is a label given to certain gemstones that are high in value. Opals labeled precious are typically those that display a high level of iridescence.

Opal is the traditional birthstone for the month of October. It is associated with the zodiac signs Libra and Scorpio.

Example: The opal pendant had flecks of green, pink, and blue.

Where does opal come from?

The first records of the word opal come from the 1300s. It comes from the Greek opállios, meaning “opal” or “gem.” The word may be related to the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone.”

Opal is an amorphous hydrated silica mineral. The word hydrated indicates that water is a large part of its makeup (up to 20%). Opal is found in igneous rocks, often around hot springs. It is also found in the shells of some marine organisms.

Some opal is synthetic, meaning it is manufactured.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to opal-like?

• opal-like (adjective)

What are some words that often get used in discussing opal?

• gem
• gemstone
• mineral
• iridescent
• stone
• precious
• common
• birthstone
• October

How is opal used in real life?

Opal is commonly used in jewelry and is known for its iridescent qualities.

Play-of-color occurs in precious #opal when lightwaves travel between spheres – the waves bend and break up into the colors of the rainbow. pic.twitter.com/Gj9sVqpZXd

— GIA (@GIAnews) October 27, 2017

This 14K rose gold ring has one 4.5mm lab created opal and four small diamonds to give it some sparkle. Add a textured halo, and voilà, You've got the perfect trendy little ring to wear with your favorite outfits! pic.twitter.com/X2p0Ammvyb

— Royal Diadem Jewelers (@royaldiadem) March 5, 2021

…Ah! An opal…! It's my birthstone! That reminds me that I really wanted a new bracelet~. A bracelet with my birth crystal sounds so cool…!

— taichi bot 🏳️‍🌈 (@taichiquotebot) March 2, 2021

 

 

Try using opal!

True or False?

Precious opal is considered a gemstone, but it does not have a crystalline structure.