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| Opal :The Queen Of Gems |
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Sometimes called "the queen of gems" as it can flash patterns of colors
representing every hue of the rainbow, opal has this "play of color"
as one of its signature characteristics. |
The gem is found ins a range of hues Including:
(a)White opal (The most common)
(b) Black opal
(c) Boulde opal (Black opal with iron oxide)
(d)Crystal opal (Transparent)
(e) Fire opal (Yellow ,Orange, Red)
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Brilliance of color and color
pattern are critical in determining the value of opal which, if with
strong flashes of red fire, are generally the most prized.
Stones with blue or green flashes, more commonly found, are of less value.
And since the gem is very rare in large sizes, stone size is also
a factor in determine its value.
This Birthstone for October, recommended as gift for couples celebrating
their 14th wedding anniversary, is usually cut into rounded
cabochons to enhance its color play.
Perfect natural opals are extremely rare and are, therefore, expensive.
Many have to be treated to have their appearance enhanced.
With a hardness of approximately 5.5 on the Mohs scale, it can easily
get scratched, chipped or cracked.
Use of a soft cloth moistened with olive oil is just enough to clean it, having to avoid chemical of
mechanical cleaners, and also heat and dry conditions.
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