Opal - Colors, quality and care

Opal is the stone that almost never looks the same twice. Some opals are milky white with a subtle play of color, others are dark with intense flashes of green, blue, red and orange. In jewelry, opal can feel both classic and completely modern - precisely because the stone's expression is so vibrant and personal.

What is opal?

Opal is a mineral-like stone that consists of silica gel with water content. It is the water and the special internal structure that gives many opals their characteristic color play (often called play-of-color). Opal is therefore not "just" a colored stone - it can change expression depending on light, angle and background.

Opal is often seen in:

rings and pendants (typically with protective bezels)
earrings (good choice because they take less impact than rings)
cabochon grind (smooth, rounded surface) that highlights the play of colors

Types of opal and their expressions

Opal is a broad category and the type means a lot for both look and durability.

White opal

Light base (milky/creamy) with color play that can be both subtle and obvious. Classic and easy to style.

Black opal

Dark base, which makes the colors more intense and "deep". Often the most sought-after type due to the contrast.

Boulder opal

Opal in natural matrix (host stone). Often has a raw, artistic look with patterns and color fields.

Fire opal

Opal with warm base in orange/red/yellow - some with play of color, others with more pure color and glow.

Ethiopian opal

Known for strong color play, but some may be more sensitive to water/moisture depending on the structure of the stone.

How to assess the quality of opal

With opal, it's all about the look and feel - but there are still some clear signs of quality.

Color play (play-of-color)

More color play and more colors can make the stone more attractive.
Colors that "light up" clearly when you move the stone often seem more exclusive.
Red/orange in the color scheme is often rated highly, but the most important thing is that it looks vibrant.

Base color

Dark bases (like black opal) often add drama and contrast.
Light base can be more delicate and Nordic in expression.
Uniform base can appear more "clean", while natural patterns can add character.

Pattern

Opal can have anything from tiny dots to broad patches of color. Some patterns feel more "wild", others more calm - it's often a matter of style and taste.

Clarity and "body"

Some opals are more transparent, others more milky white. Both can be beautiful - but a stone that looks "alive" in multiple lighting conditions is typically a good sign.

Grinding and polishing

Opal is often cut as a cabochon. A nice cut is symmetrical and well polished to bring out the play of colors without dull zones.

Opal vs. opalite and other "opal-like" materials

It's common to see materials that look like opal but are not natural opal.

Typical confusions:

Opalite (often glass): has an even, "glowing" effect, but not the same natural color play
Moonstone: often has a soft glow but not the many color flashes
Mother of Pearl: also plays in color, but with a different type of surface game

If you want to be sure, look for the description of the stone type (e.g. "natural opal", "Ethiopian opal", "boulder opal") and whether it is a solid opal or a composite solution.

Solid opal, doublet and triplet

Opal can also be sold in different builds:

Solid opal: one piece of opal (typically the most coveted)
Doublet: a thin layer of opal set on a dark base to bring out the colors
Triplet: as doublet, but with a protective top layer (often clear material) for durability

Doublet/triplet can give a great look for the price, but often requires extra care (especially with water and heat).

Caring for opal in jewelry

Opal is beautiful, but it needs to be treated more gently than quartz, sapphire and diamond - especially because it contains water and can be sensitive to drying, heat and chemistry.

For everyday use

Take off opal jewelry when: cleaning, exercising, gardening, bathing, sauna and swimming
Avoid direct contact with: perfume, hairspray, hand sanitizer, creams and detergents
Use opal rings wisely (rings get the most shocks)

Cleaning and maintenance

Wipe with a soft, damp cloth
If necessary: rinse briefly in lukewarm water with mild soap (especially for solid opal - be extra careful with doublet/triplet)
Dry completely and do not soak opal for a longer period of time

What you should avoid

Ultrasonic and steam cleaning
High heat, strong sunlight for long periods and rapid temperature changes
Abrasives and strong chemistry

Storage

Store opal separately in a soft bag/box
Avoid very dry storage close to heat (radiator, sunny windowsill)

Styling: how opal is allowed to play

Opal often works best when it has "air" in the design, allowing light to hit the stone.

Good match:

silver/white gold: highlights cool blue/green flashes
gold/gold plated: makes opal more warm and "glowing"
paired with simple, clear stones: an elegant mix without stealing the focus
neutral clothing (black, white, beige): makes the play of colors clearer