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Opal
Opal’s play of color, flash and sparkle cannot be matched by any other stone, which is why it has been treasured throughout history. Made of silica and sedimentary in nature, opal has a grid alignment of silica spheres. The size of the spheres determines the wavelength and therefore the different colors. The regularity of the grid enhances the brilliance of the color. Opal contains 6 to 10 percent water; therefore direct exposure to sunlight or heat can crack or deform opal.
Opal was treasured in the Middle Ages and was called "ophthalmios" or eye stone, due to a widespread belief that it was beneficial to eyesight. Ancient opal came from the mines near Cervenica, Hungry, in what is now Eastern Slovakia. Mexico and the state of Oregon in the United States produce volcanic opal called fire opal. Fire opal is transparent opal ranging in color from colorless to yellow, orange and red. Sometimes it also shows play of color in addition to its bright orange body color.
BIRTHSTONE: Opal is the modern birthstone for the month of October and an alternate birthstone for June.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Opal is the accepted gem for the 14th wedding anniversary.
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