More than any other gem, each
opal is distinctly an individual. No other stone has as rich and varied a folklore. Opals are also the most delicate gems commonly worn. They require special care to ensure their health and longevity.
Opal's fire was long thought to be the result of iridescence. However, with the advent of scanning electron microscopes, we now know that it is a result of diffraction.
Opal is relatively soft, with a rating of 5.5-6.5 on the
Mohs scale. Despite its frequent use in rings, opal is a poor choice for a ring stone; it is much better suited to earrings, pins, and pendants.
Major suppliers include Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and the US. Values are normally determined by the presence and nature of color flashes.
Round opal gemstones are available in singles, matched pairs and gem lots. Round opal gems fit various jewelry designs, whether they are used as center stones or accent stones. Choose from various round opal stones in calibrated sizes, including black opal, boulder opal, chocolate opal and opal doublets. Use the search filters at the top of the page to find the perfect round opal gems by size, carat weight, price or origin. The tick boxes will direct you to singles, pairs, lots, faceted gems or cabs.