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Australian White Opal:
- Colour and Appearance: White opal is characterized by a light or white body colour with flashes of spectral colours, known as play-of-colour. The play-of-colour is what makes opals unique, and it can include a range of colours like red, blue, green, and violet.
- Origin: White opals are found in various locations across Australia, with significant deposits in places like Coober Pedy, Andamooka, and Mintabie.
- Characteristics: White opals often have a milky or translucent appearance, and their play-of-colour can be quite vibrant. The body tone can range from nearly colourless to a light grey or beige.
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Australian Blue Opal:
- Colour and Appearance: Blue opal is known for its predominant blue colouration. The body colour can range from light blue to a more intense and vivid blue, often with play-of-colour similar to other opals.
- Origin: Australian blue opal is primarily found in Queensland, Australia, particularly in areas like Quilpie and Opalton.
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Characteristics: Blue opals can exhibit a variety of blue tones, and the play-of-colour adds to their visual appeal. The overall appearance may vary from a delicate pastel blue to a more saturated and striking blue hue.
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Australian Black Opal:
- Colour and Appearance: Black opal is highly valued for its dark body colour, which provides a striking backdrop for intense and vibrant play-of-colour. The term "black" refers to the dark body colour, not the play-of-colour.
- Origin: The most famous deposits of black opal come from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, Australia. Lightning Ridge is known for producing some of the most valuable and stunning black opals in the world.
- Characteristics: Black opals can range from dark grey to jet black, and the play-of-colour can include a spectrum of vivid colours, red holding the highest value. The contrast between the dark background and the vibrant flashes of colour makes black opals highly prized.
These Australian opals are treasured for their unique beauty and the captivating play-of-colour that sets them apart from other gemstones. The specific characteristics, including body colour, play-of-colour, and origin, contribute to the overall value and desirability of each type of opal.
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Opal is one of the birthstones for the month of October. In addition to opal, the other birthstone associated with October is tourmaline. Birthstones are gemstones that are traditionally associated with each month of the year and are often used in jewellery as a personal and meaningful adornment. People born in October often have the option of choosing between opal and tourmaline as their birthstone, each with its unique characteristics and colours.
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Metaphysical & Holistic Healing, benefits of wearing opal jewellery