The name opal was probably derived from Sanskrit "upala," meaning "valuable stone." Moss Opal belongs to the group of common opals. In contrast to precious opal that displays all the colors of the rainbow, common opal is opaque, rarely translucent and shows no play of color. Moss opal owns its attraction to dark greenish inclusions in its milky white body that resemble moss. Opal by definition is hydrated silicon dioxide, always containing three to thirty percent water. That characteristic and its relative softness with a rating of 5.5 – 6.5, require some care. Moss opals are best suited for earrings, brooches, and pendants. The most important deposits are located in Australia. Ever since people have believed in the healing power of Opal. It is reported to be able to solve depressions and to help its wearer find the true and real love. Opal is a birthstone for those who are born in October. Moss Opal colors
Buying Moss Opal
Where is Opal found?
Common Moss Opal treatments
World-famous Moss Opal
Opal gemology
Moss Opal legends & lore Moss Opal colors
Moss opal, like all common opal, shows no play of color. But moss opal has some unique characteristics -- the milky white body carries dark green dendrites in moss-like patterns.
Buying Moss Opal
Moss Opals are delicate gemstones. Their most significant vulnerability has to do with their water content. If an opal is allowed to dry, it will crack and fade. If you live in a very dry climate, or keep them in a dehumidified room, some precautions are necessary. Keeping them in a tight plastic bag, with a damp piece of cotton or fabric will prevent dehydration. Because of their water content, opals are also highly sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Being somewhat soft, they scratch easily. A large component of dust is quartz at 7 (Mohs scale) in hardness. At 5.5 to 6 in hardness, simply wiping the dust off an opal will gradually reduce its polish. The solution is to clean opals using a soft cloth. Moss opals are best suited for earrings, brooches, and pendants.
Color
Moss opal is milky white opaque with dark greenish inclusions in contrast. Clarity
Moss opal is opaque and very rarely translucent Cut
Mostly round or cabochon cut. Opal location and deposits
The most important deposits are located in Australia. Around 95 percent of the world’s supply of white precious opals is mined "down under." Famous deposits in New South Wales are at Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs, and in South Australia at Coober Peddy and Andamooka. Various deposits are also found in Queensland. Other deposits are found in Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Russia and the United States (Idaho and Nevada). Common Moss Opal treatments
Moss opal is often impregnated with oil, wax, or plastic. World-famous Moss Opal
Common opals like moss opal have gained no particular fame. The noble members of the opal family have. "Big Ben," a white precious opal of over 800 grams, more than 4000 carats, was found at Lightning Ridge. "The light of the world," a white precious opal of 40 grams, 2,250 carats, found in Australia as well, is considered to be the most colorful white precious opal of all times. "Andamooka Desert Flame," with a weight of 6,843 kilograms is the largest opal ever brought to the light of day. Opal gemology
Species: Opal
Color: All colors, partially play of color
Chemical composition: SiO2 .nH2O hydrous silicon dioxide
Crystal system: Amorphous; kidney- or grape-shaped aggregates
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale)
Specific gravity: 1.98 – 2.50
Refractive index: 1.37 – 1.52
Birefringence: None
Color of streak: White,
Absorption spectrum: Fire opal: 700 – 640, 590 - 400
Fluorescence: White opal: white, bluish, brownish, greenish; Fire opal: greenish to brown The Moss Opal zodiac, myth & legend
The name opal was probably derived from Sanskrit "upala," meaning "valuable stone." This was most likely the root for the Greek term "opallios," which translates as "color change." In the days of Roman antiquity there existed a so-called "opalus," or a "stone from several elements." For ages people have believed in the healing power of Opal. It is reported to be able to relieve depression and to help its wearer find true love. Opal is a birthstone for those who born in October. |
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