precious opal
noun
any opal having a play of colors, used as a gemstone.
- Also called noble opal.
Words Nearby precious opal
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use precious opal in a sentence
The phenomena of the play of colours in precious opal has not been satisfactorily explained.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines | Andrew Ureprecious opal was found by Klaproth to consist of silica, 90; water, 10; which is a very curious combination.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines | Andrew UreMost gem-stones are harder than quartz, though precious opal, turquoise, moonstone and sphene are inferior to it in hardness.
This distinction is reserved almost wholly for the variety known as noble or precious opal.
precious opal, translucent with beautiful play of colors, used as a gem.
Geology | William J. Miller
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