PRODUCT INFORMATION
OPAL – Play of Colour
OPAL – Play of Colour
Opal is the product of seasonal rains that drenched dry ground in regions such as Australia’s semi-desert “outback”. The showers soaked deep into ancient underground rock, carrying dissolved silica downward. (Silica is a compound of silicon and oxygen)
Even though its formation process includes evaporation, opal still contains a significant amount of water, usually about 3 to 10 percent. Water content is even higher as much as 20 percent in some opals types. Australia is the major opal source.
Maiko is fascinated by opal’s unique display of flashing rainbow hues, known as play – of – colour.
Play – of – colour is produced by the interaction of light with opal’s internal structure of stacked silica spheres.
Black opal commands the highest prices of all opal types because of its unique qualities.
