Opal is unlike any other gemstone. With its shifting hues and ethereal lightplay, each opal is a living kaleidoscope—a one-of-a-kind artwork born from the earth. At Prins & Prins, we celebrate the opal not just as a gem, but as an experience—an embodiment of colour, light, and emotion captured in stone.
What Is Opal?
Opal is a mineraloid formed from silica and water, with no crystalline structure. What sets precious opal apart is its play-of-color—the ability to diffract light into a dazzling spectrum of colours. This phenomenon is caused by microscopic silica spheres arranged in a grid-like pattern that acts like a prism.
There are two primary types of opal:
Precious opal, which displays play-of-color
Common opal, which does not
Precious opals are further categorised based on their background colour, clarity, and the pattern and intensity of their play-of-color.
A Gem of Legends and Royalty
Throughout history, opal has carried powerful symbolism. The Romans considered it a stone of hope and purity. In Arabic lore, it was believed that opals fell from the sky during thunderstorms. In Australia, Aboriginal cultures revere opal as a spiritual gemstone tied to creation stories.
During the Middle Ages, opal was thought to possess all the virtues of the gemstones whose colours it contained. Royals across Europe collected opals as symbols of wealth and protection.
The Many Faces of Opal
Opals come in several striking varieties:
Black Opal: The rarest and most valuable, with vibrant colour flashes on a dark body tone.
White or Light Opal: A softer, pastel play-of-color set against a pale background.
Crystal Opal: Transparent or semi-transparent opal with intense internal colour play.
Boulder Opal: Found in ironstone rock, often with dramatic patterns and deep hues.
Fire Opal: Usually transparent to translucent with fiery orange, red, or yellow tones—sometimes with play-of-color, sometimes not.
Each variety offers its own distinct character, making opal jewellery a true expression of individuality.
What to Look for When Choosing an Opal
When selecting an opal, consider the following factors:
Play-of-Color: The range, brightness, and pattern of colours.
Body Tone: The background colour of the opal, which affects how vibrant the play-of-color appears.
Clarity: While inclusions are common, clarity contributes to the overall appeal.
Pattern: Desirable patterns include harlequin, pinfire, and broad flash.
Cut and Shape: Most opals are cut into cabochons (domed shapes) to best showcase their colour play.
Size: Larger stones can be impressive, but quality always outweighs size.
Opal in Jewellery
Because no two opals are alike, opal jewellery is inherently bespoke. Whether set into an engagement ring, pendant, or pair of earrings, an opal creates an immediate visual impact.
Opals are the birthstone for October and are often associated with creativity, emotional expression, and transformation. They make deeply meaningful gifts and are often chosen to mark special milestones.
Caring for Your Opal
Opals are relatively soft gemstones, ranking 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. To preserve their beauty:
Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth.
Store separately from harder stones to prevent scratching.
Protect from sudden temperature changes and prolonged dryness, as opals contain water and can crack if they dry out.
Be aware of treated or composite opals like doublets and triplets, which require extra care.
Celebrate Colour and Uniqueness
At Prins & Prins, we offer hand-selected opals that have been ethically sourced and expertly cut to highlight their natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to their rainbow colours, their symbolic meaning, or their regal history, an opal is more than just a gemstone—it’s a conversation piece, a story, and a celebration of individuality.
Visit our Cape Town showroom to explore our opal collection, or schedule a custom design consultation to create something truly unique.
Sources:
Gemological Institute of America (GIA): Opal Gemstone
Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britain): “Play of Colour in Opals”
National Geographic: “Birthstones and their History”
Smithsonian Institution: “Mineralogy of Opal”
