It is no secret that Australia opal is considered one of the finest varieties of the concerned gemstone in the mines. The products are well-known for their finest quality, rich body tone, a long-lasting and intense play of the colour effects. It was regarded as one of the noble gems in ancient times – the Romans ranked it second to emerald. While in the Middle Ages, it was considered lucky, it is presently thought to be very unlucky.
A General Overview Regarding Opal
The concerned stone, along with another stone, South Sea pearls, are rarely found and is principally considered colourless. The former varies from translucent to transparent while distinguishing it with a combination of pearly opalescence to milky hue. One of its most impressive features is its exhibition, an attractive play of colours. The hues flash and alter as the observer views the stone from different angles.
The multiple hues occur due to interference of light along minute cracks and other internal inhomogeneities. The product is often found in circulating waters in various forms such as stalactitic masses, nodules, encrustations, and veinlets. The stone is popularly distributed amongst all types of rocks but most abundantly found in volcanic rocks, particularly in hot-spring activity. The opals commonly found in mines are ordinarily used as insulation media, ceramic ingredients, fillers, and abrasives.
In conclusion, opals are well-known for absorbing liquids readily. Hydrophane, an immensely porous variety, is capable of absorbing water in surprising amounts. The stone appears transparent when saturated but opaque when dry. Trust only established businesses for genuine products.
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