Facts of Opal Gemstones
by Trent — February 23, 2015
Opal gemstone is an amazing stone that is popular for its flashes of rainbow colors. The spectrum of colors is created due to silica spheres within the opal stones. Due to the popularity of gemstone jewelry, opals are quite in limelight and many stores offer opals for sale. Opals from Australia are widely admired and used in jewelry. The stone has been in use for centuries and there are many myths that are associated with the stones that make people hesitant about the stone. Here are certain facts that you need to know about opal gemstone to take its maximum benefits.
People often think that they need to soak opals in water to prevent cracking; however, the fact is that it is non-porous and does not soak any liquid. The water content in the opal stone is determined when it is formed. Another important fact that you need to know about opal gemstone is that it is as hard as glass, so one needs to take care while wearing gemstone jewelry. You should avoid doing heavy manual work such as gardening, moving furniture, and other activities that may harm the opal stones.
People often think that they can prevent their opal gemstone by rubbing it with baby oil or glycerin. The fact is that rubbing oil does not solve any purpose and affects the life of the stone. The opals from Australia contain 5-6% of water and these stones are not damaged by water. The doublet and triplet opal stones are damaged when exposed to water for long as the glue deteriorates and the layers separate.
It is important that you protect your opal from heat and hot light, as it can expand and crack. It is a misconception that oils and detergents will discolor the opal gemstone jewelry. The fact is that oil, household items, detergents do not cause any damage, but bleach, chlorine, and strong chemicals can be harsh to the opal gemstone. One needs to treat their opal with respect and care. Often stores that offer opals for sale offer instructions to take care of the stone. Some people resist wearing opal stones because they think that it brings bad luck.
The fact is that opal is a precious stone that has been cherished by the civilizations for ages. The stone is a good luck talisman, which brings luck, happiness, prosperity, and solidarity to relations. The colors of opal do not come out from within the stone; in fact, the colors are caused because of the diffraction and reflection of white light that enters the stone. There are microscopic silica spheres within the stones that make the light bounce inside and create a prism effect. Opal stones have nothing to do with lightening and show no improvement in color because of leaving it in a lightening storm.
Opals are valuable gemstones that are used to create magnificent gemstone jewelry worn by men and women all over the world. It is important to know about the facts to avoid any superstitions. Opals by Anderson and Beattie have exclusive opals for sale that you can buy for yourself or gift your loved one.
Tags: gemstone jewelry / Opal Gemstone / opal stones / opals for sale