|
|
 |
Gemologists have an explanation of opal’s play of color that, at first glance, seems less intriguing than those
explanations posited by many of the cultural stories involving opal, gods and goddesses.
|
|
Hydrated silicon dioxide usually is composed of between 5% and 10% water, remnants of ancient bodies of water. Today,
most of this hydrated silicon dioxide looks like ordinary rock and is called “common opal”. There is no play of
color in this utilitarian stone!
|
|
However, we who love gemstones are so lucky to have not only “common
opal” but also “precious opal”, such a lovely gemstone with all those fascinating dances of color.
So then, why do all those colors of the rainbow flash and play in precious opal?
The answer can be found in precious opal’s unique structure of many organized pockets of spheres of equal size and concentration.
Each pocket of silicon and oxygen produces a different color with a different intensity, depending on the angle from which
one views it.
|
|
These random chains of organized pockets of spheres give us the shining union of colors which so fascinated Pliney and
that put Mitsuko in such a playful mood as she designs jewelry featuring opal gemstones.
I
am sure that both the Eternal of the Mythical World and the Gemologist of the Practical World would be delighted with the
dance that is opal. As well, both would certainly agree with Shakespeare who, in TWELFTH NIGHT, characterized the opal as
the "queen of gems."
Back to the Main Opal Page.
|
|
|
|
|
|
LINK - Portal to Jewelry Galleries
Methods of Payment:
Internet - Major Credit Cards through PayPal
Studio - Check, Cash
"Jewelry Created Especially for You."
© 2004 - 2012 by Shinjyu Jewelry Company. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
