There are two classes of opals-precious and common. When this happens, the lightwaves break up into the various colors of the rainbow. As light passes between the spheres, the lightwaves diffract or bend. The play-of-color in opals occurs due to microscopic spheres stacked together in a grid-like pattern. The presence of certain chemicals is what creates the gem’s background color.īut the opal is more well-known for its kaleidoscope-like appearance with flashes of blue, green, orange, and red that give the opal its play-of-color identity.

The most well-known opals are traditionally classified as black or white, but other base hues include red, purple, and orange. Learn more about the history, meaning, and symbolism of the opal and the tourmaline Opal Opal’s Color The opal, a symbol of love and hope, has long been associated with luck-both good and bad. The array of colors contained within a single precious opal was once thought to possess the powers and benefits of all colored stones.

October birthstone james avery