Cupid stone

The Opal is a jewel which is popular for its brilliant colours as the name of the stone would indicate. It originated from the word "Opalus" which means "Changing colours" in Latin. Shakespeare called the opal "the Queen of jewels" and the ancient Romans called it "the Cupid stone". And now, the opal is famous as the birthday stone for October. It represents hope.



Opals in Australia

It is said that it takes 5 million years for a 1cm opal to form. From a geological point of view, Australia has the best environment to produce Opals. Ninety-five percent of the world's production of "Precious Opals"(Opals having sufficient value to be classified as jewels) are form Australia.


How to find good opals

Usually an Opal is categorised under two main types of body colour, light and dark and its transparency. The fire (the colour of reflection, red, orange yellow, green, blue and purple) is also important.

The grade and value of opals depend on types, the brilliancy, patterns, body colours, transparency, fire (the most valuable colour is red), size of colour bar, shape, size, imperfections. For example, the most valuable opal is called "Red on Black" which has a thick, round-shaped beautiful pattern through it. However, a brilliant blue-light crystal opal is more valuable than a low brilliant "Red on Black" opal.

There is a type of precious opal called "Bolder opal" which contains iron ore. The Boulder Opal has its own distinct colour and brilliance and should not be overlooked when purchasing opals. The Boulder opal is gaining popularity due to a recent surge in the price of black opals.




OPAL GALLERY
1st Floor, 81 Barrack Street, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Phone: 61-8-9221 2992 (61= country code, 8 =area code)
business hour : Mon-Sat 10:00 - 6:00, Sun 12:00 - 6:00
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