0.78 Carat Faceted Opal

Known as the Queen of gems, Opal has been prized for millennia. Opal is one of the few gems that does not form as a crystal, but as a result of microscopic silica spheres stacking together and becoming cemented. With many varieties and many different body colors being found, only Precious Opal displays the true play of color that we all know. Dazzling patterns of reds, greens, blues, and violets are common within this gem, with green being the most common. Bodycolors also range from white, black, blue, and even transparent "crystal" opal. With a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.5, care must be taken with opal as to not scratch or chip them. Although it may be set in rings, the best mounts for opal are in pendants and earrings. Care must also be taken to not overheat or submerge opal into water for prolonged periods as it could cause the opal to crack or "craze". Common treatments for opal include dyeing to improve body color, exposure to smoke to darken the body color, and treatment with oils and resins to improve appearance and durability. Again, all of these treatments should be disclosed. There are also lab grown or "created" opals, but all can be distinguished from natural opals readily.