The opal is one of the most beautiful of gemstones, flashing ever-changing colors from all ranges of the spectrum at our eyes. They shine like diamonds with a much larger variety of color and pattern. Opal stones range in color from clear to white, yellow, orange, red, blue, green, rose, pink, slate, brown, olive, magenta and black. Of these, the most rare are the black opals and those with red hues. The most common are the white and the green opals. Enjoy these stunning photos of rare and vibrant opals! |
There are two variety: precious opal, which shows flashes of color or iridescence, depending on the angle of viewing and light; then there is common opal which is often opaque and displays no iridescence. The iridescence of precious opal is caused by the way the structure, or regular arrangement of tiny silica spheres, diffracts light. |
It was only 50 years ago, during the 60's, that a team of Australian scientists, analyzing the various opal stones with an electron microscope discovered the cause of the beautiful stone's unique visuals. It was discovered that small spheres from silica gel caused interference and refraction of light, and these in turn created the amazing hues and color play of the opal.
|
Some opal stones flash in myriad colors when exposed to light, such as this amazing Ethiopian opal who was only recently discovered, and looks for all the world like a scene from some underwater world when held against the light. It is called the 'Welo Opal' for that area of Ethiopia, and is priced per carat highly enough to compete with the most expensive rubies, emeralds and diamonds. |
|
The opal is a unique stone in that it is not crystalline in nature, but made of hardened silica gel, and containing about 5-10% water. It's name comes from the ancient and now extinct language of Sanskrit, from the word "upala" which means "precious stone". 90% of all opal stones are mined in Australia, while the other 10% can be found in Brazil and Mexico.
|
The opal is also known, historically, as a very lucky stone, especially the black opal. It was thought to ward off the evil eye and grant travelers protection on their voyages. It guards your dreams from nightmares and focuses your mental abilities and energies.
|
It was also thought to have psychological benefits, such as increase your inner confidence and aid in the 'casting away' of emotions and behaviors you wish to rid yourself of.
|
This National Geographic Contest Winners are Spectacular
National Geographic is synonymous with outstanding photography, and its awards are no exception. Take a look at the best National Geographic photos of 2018.
The Amazing Big Blue Captured by Photo Contest Winners
These stunning photos will leave you in awe of the stunning beauty of the deep big blue.
INTERACTIVE: 26 of the Cutest & Prettiest Animal Posts!
From pandas to bunnies, from tigers to hedgehogs, this interactive collection promises animal lovers a terrific time!
11 Amazing Woodworking Projects For You to Admire
Take a look at some deftly crafted wooden masterpieces that will surely blow your mind.
A Little Bit of Love and Care Can Make a Positive Impact
These pictures show that just a little bit of love and care can go a long way in making a positive impact.
These Photos Capture the Weirdness and Beauty of Japan
Japan has an abundance of beauty and weirdness all at the same time, and photographer Shin Noguchi is dedicated to capturing it. Take a look.
2024 is Here! And This is Why You Should Be Excited for It
2024 is here! And this is why you should be excited for it.
Buried by Time: 10 Little-Known Moments in History
These historical events might not be well-known, but they sure are super interesting.
The True Scale of These Things Will Really Surprise You!
Did you know that there are actually a lot of things in our world that are far bigger in reality than most people would expect. Here of 20 of them.
10 Underrated Movies That Should be Seen by More People
Imploring all cinema buffs to check out these criminally underrated movies!
These Bizarre Weapons Were Invented During World War II
The Second World War saw the use of many jaw-dropping weapons. Many others, however, were considered flops.
15 Latin Phrases We Use to This Day Without Even Realizing
As an English, speaker you likely know more Latin than you ever thought you did. Just look at these 15 Latin phrases and see if you know what they mean...
8 Creative Musical Instruments Made from Natural Materials
Here are some wonderful musical instruments that are made of natural materials.
7 Ancient Buildings That Have Survived the Test of Time
Here is a look at some wonderful ancient structures that have survived the test of time.
6 Creepy Mysteries the World Never Solved
There are some mysteries that, despite scientists’ best attempts, still remain unsolved to this day. Here are 6 such mysteries.
Incredible: 100 Days Building an Underground Hut
Watch the incredible structure these men build in the video and how it was made in this fascinating video.
Take a Look At the Many Secrets of Life in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt always fascinates us. But do we really know how daily life in that civilization was like? Watch his video to learn more.
History Lesson: How Japan Met Europe for the First Time
This video delves into the fascinating story of how the Portuguese and Japanese of the 16th century met, two distinct worlds, exploring the initial contact.
I've Never Heard This Amazing Tale From the 2nd World War
This is going to be one of the most amazing stories you've ever heard. I guarantee it.
Rare Photos Showing What Flying on the Zeppelin Was Like
Rare photos showing why flights on the Zeppelin and Hindenburg were expensive.
8 Books That Predicted the Future With Strange Accuracy
It always feels eerie when the future is predicted correctly and it turns out literature is full of such accurate forecasts. These 8 novels were particularly spot on.
I Just Wanted to Say: Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Choose from our lovely selection of greeting cards and share your deepest wishes with your friends and family, to celebrate this blessed time of the year!
The Epic Battle of Stalingrad Comes to Life
One of the most epic battles in history, and the biggest of WWII comes to life and explored in this in-depth video.
16 Helpful Charts and Guides Worth Saving
We’ll never get enough of useful charts, maps, and guides like these!
You Will Not Look At These 6 Historical Figures The Same
The rumors and myths of these historical figures are already considered facts. The truth, however, is completely different.
Incredible History: Looking Through 21 Fascinating Photos
Enjoy this collection of historical pictures.
14 Photos That Prove Just How Tough Winter Can Be!
Winter, as these photos undoubtedly show, is one of the toughest times of the year!
Who Said You Can't Train Cats?
Suki the cat is getting some agility training. If you thought cats cannot be trained, this is documented proof that notion is false. You just need to give them the right motivation, or in other words - use food...
Here Are 18 Rare Photos You Won't Find In History Books
These are the RAREST vintage photos ever...
Dancing With Dogs is So Much Better Than Regular Dancing...
These top contestants will wiggle, jump and roll their way into your hearts!
Pivotal Historical Scenes Frozen in the Frame of a Moment
A collection of rare historical moments you probably won't find in textbooks.
Why Do I Suddenly Need Subtitles for Every Show I Watch?
Have our ears gone bad, or is it simply bad acting? Neither. It's the tech - it's just TOO advanced.
How 10 Ordinary English Idioms and Phrases Began...
Many English phrases and idioms have fascinating histories behind them, here is a selection of 10 astounding examples.
Believe These Myths to Be True? The Facts Are Surprising
Read through 11 common misconceptions, you've likely thought were facts.
Don’t Throw Away Your Used Teabags Just Yet
Teabags aren’t only for making delicious cups of teas. Find out what other uses they hold in this helpful video.
These Photos Prove How Strange of a Country South Korea Is
The following images illustrate how strange of a place Korea is.
All Coffee Drinkers Should Know These 17 Facts
A lot of adults drink at least one cup of coffee each day, but very few actually know these facts about coffee.
Hilarious: The Best Comebacks in History!
We often think that the art of insulting is mostly born of modern times. But we'd be mistaken...
Learn Something New Today with These 10 Intriguing Tidbits...
These random facts will make you think twice about a couple of things - and some will certainly be hard to believe.
14 Creepy Facts That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
These 14 surprising facts about the world may definitely send shivers down your spine, but they are still important to know and recognize!
51 of the Tastiest Cheeses From All Over the World!
In this article you’ll find 51 of the tastiest cheeses from around the world. Some you have probably heard of, while others will be totally new to you!
18 of the Most Incredibly-Timed Photos You'll Ever See
These photos will leave you in awe of their timing. The visual impact they have is staggering. Take a look at these 18 images.
The Best of Andrea Bocelli – 5 Memorable Live Performances
It’s time to fall in love with Andrea Bocelli all over again.
See How the Egyptians Actually Built the Pyramids
While we marvel at the great pyramids, we know little about how they were actually constructed. This video sheds some light into that.
SPECIAL: Just Wanted to Say, Have a Great Day!!!
Help someone have a great day today, by sending them one of our wonderful greeting cards.
8 Incredible Historical Predictions that Actually Came True
Here, we present some truly remarkable fictional predictions made in history that actually turned out to be true.