Opal is the transparent to translucent body colour. This can be clear as water or can have a hint of very pale blue to a very light hue of yellow-orange. Similar to Fire Opals, Water Opals can show a wonderful play-of-colour, consisting of all the colours of the rainbow. This play-of-colour is known as opalescence, and is created by the silica gel and 3-10% water that make up the opal. Embedded in the silica gel are tiny spheres of christobalite, which refract light and separate it into different colour beams. The less silica gel is between the spheres, the more transparent the opal.
Water Opals are usually cut into cabochons. Only completely clear and transparent stones may be faceted.
With its gently shimmering pastel colours, Water Opal is said to be the stone of true artists and creative people. It inspires and encourages imagination and the creative spirit.
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