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There are two broad classes of opal: precious and common. Precious opal displays play-of-color (iridescence); common opal does not. [5] Play-of-color is defined as "a pseudo chromatic optical effect resulting in flashes of colored light from certain minerals, as they are turned in white light."
Opalescence or play of color is an optical phenomenon associated with the mineraloid gemstone opal, [1] a hydrated silicon dioxide. [2] This effect appears as a milky, translucent glow that changes with the angle of light, often creating a soft, pearly sheen that can display various colors or hues.
The Galaxy Opal is the world's largest polished opal, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1992. [1] It was found at the Boi Morto Mine in Brazil in 1976. [ 2 ] The finished opal weighs approximately 3,749 carats , or 0.75 kg.
Opalite is a trade name for synthetic opalescent glass and various opal and moonstone simulants. Other names for this glass product include argenon, sea opal, opal moonstone, and other similar names. [1] [2] It is also used to promote impure varieties of variously colored common opal. [1]
Biogenic silica (bSi), also referred to as opal, biogenic opal, or amorphous opaline silica, forms one of the most widespread biogenic minerals. For example, microscopic particles of silica called phytoliths can be found in grasses and other plants. Silica is an amorphous metalloid oxide formed by complex inorganic polymerization processes.
The Flame Queen Opal is perhaps the best-known example of "eye-of-opal", an eye-like effect created when opal in-fills a cavity. [ 1 ] The Flame Queen's flat central raised dome flashes red or gold depending on the angle of view, and is surrounded by a band of deep blue-green, giving the stone an appearance somewhat like that of a fried egg.
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Labradorite ((Ca, Na)(Al, Si) 4 O 8) is a calcium-enriched feldspar mineral first identified in Labrador, Canada, which can display an iridescent effect ().. Labradorite is an intermediate to calcic member of the plagioclase series.