Product Description
Opal White Tumbled Stone .5"-1.25"
Mineral Information:
White opal is a variety of opal that is characterized by its light or white body color. Unlike precious opals, which exhibit a play of color, white opals have a milky or translucent appearance without the vibrant iridescence. Instead of displaying the spectral colors seen in precious opals, white opals often exhibit subtle flashes of pale colors or a soft, opalescent sheen.
White opal gets its color from the scattering and diffraction of light within its internal structure. It is composed of hydrated silica, similar to other opals, but its structure does not exhibit the same arrangement of silica spheres that create the play of color. The absence of a strong play of color in white opal is due to the larger size and more random arrangement of the silica spheres, which do not produce the intense color reflections.
White opals are found in various locations around the world, including Australia, Mexico, Ethiopia, Brazil, and the United States. Australia, particularly the regions of Coober Pedy and Mintabie, is known for producing high-quality white opals.
Metaphysical Meaning:
White opal is associated with purity, clarity, and spiritual awakening. It is believed to enhance spiritual and psychic abilities, promote clarity of thought, and facilitate spiritual growth and transformation. White opal is often used in meditation and energy work to connect with higher realms, stimulate intuition, and bring a sense of calm and harmony.
Mineral Care:
White opal, like other varieties of opal, is considered a relatively fragile gemstone compared to many other minerals and gemstones. Its fragility can be attributed to several factors:
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Water Content: Opal contains a significant amount of water, usually ranging from 3% to 21% by weight. This high water content makes opal more susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Rapid temperature fluctuations or exposure to extreme heat can cause opal to crack or fracture due to the expansion and contraction of the water within the stone.
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Internal Structure: Opal has a unique internal structure composed of stacked silica spheres, which create voids and air pockets within the gemstone. These voids weaken the overall structure of opal and make it more prone to damage. Opals can be fragile due to the presence of natural fractures, called "crazing," which can develop over time or from exposure to certain conditions.
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Hardness: Opal has a relatively low hardness compared to other gemstones. On the Mohs scale, which measures a mineral's scratch resistance, opal typically ranges from 5.5 to 6.5. This means that opal can be scratched or abraded more easily compared to gemstones with higher hardness, such as sapphires or diamonds. Care should be taken to protect opal from contact with harder materials.
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Sensitivity to Chemicals: Opal is sensitive to chemicals and acids. Exposure to household chemicals, detergents, cosmetics, and acidic substances can damage the surface or alter the appearance of opal. It is important to avoid contact with such substances and to remove opal jewelry before engaging in activities that involve exposure to chemicals.
To preserve the beauty and integrity of white opal and minimize the risk of damage, it is important to handle it with care. Here are some general tips:
- Avoid subjecting white opal to rough treatment, impact, or pressure.
- Store white opal jewelry separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching.
- Protect white opal from extreme temperature changes and avoid exposing it to direct heat or prolonged sunlight.
- Remove white opal jewelry before engaging in activities that may pose a higher risk of damage, such as sports, gardening, or household chores.
- Clean white opal gently using mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning, as they can potentially damage opal.
Disclaimer:
No information here is intended to diagnose, treat or cure ailments or afflictions of any kind. One should always consult a medical professional if a serious issue presents itself.
