Then we have the play-of-color effect which is created by the chemical structure of the Opal.īoulder Opals are basically Opals found in the Australian state of Queensland where precious Opal material is still connected to the rock in which it formed – most often ironstone and sometimes sandstone.
Opals can look as though they have been painted by an abstract artist who is trying out every color in his studio but where do these colors come from?įirst we have the base color of the silicate mineral which is usually white but can be colored yellow, brown or red by the presence of impurities. The shimmering and glowing color of the Opal is perfectly set on this dark rocky background. The Opal material can be a thin layer covering a solid dark base or thin veins and patches highlighting the surface of the rock. Every color of the rainbow can appear, in every possible combination, and as we look into the gemstone the colors can change and move in a phenomenon called play-of-color.īoulder Opals are still attached to the hard rock they formed in and this gives them an additional color quality. It is very difficult to give a simple description of the colors of Boulder Opals because every single one is different.
BOULDER OPAL FULL
The dark-colored host rock serves as a perfect backdrop to the vibrant play-of-color by the full color spectrum of the rainbow with patterns and a brilliant fire on show. The thin slivers of precious opal would be too delicate on their own or easily broken if one attempted to remove it from the host rock. This article is going to concentrate on the Boulder Opal, the unique native of Queensland, an Australian state famous for its tropical beaches, thick rainforests, red deserts and terrifying animals.īoulder Opals are cut from solid rock, usually ironstone or sandstone, but the precious opal gemstone is left connected to the rock and not cut away. The Opal family includes such a mixed assortment of looks, textures, colors and backgrounds that it is sometimes hard to believe that they are all part of the same group. Opals are a fascinating and varied type of gemstone with a celebrated history full of legends and superstitions to match their stunning beauty and captivating color display.