Black opal
Description
An opal with vivid iridescent colors on a dark background. Black opals were first discovered in 1902 at Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, Australia. Black opals display different color patterns depending on the viewing angle. The colors depend on the crystal size within the stone. When the particles are small, some purple can be seen. Medium sized particles diffract green and larger particles show red.
Synonyms and Related Terms
palo negro (Esp.); opala negra (Port.)
Other Properties
Massive with no crystalline structure. Cleavage=none Luster = vitreous to pearly. Fracture = conchoidal. Streak = white
Iridescent. Fluoresce=usually white or pale green, some samples phosphoresce
| Mohs Hardness | 5.5 - 6.5 |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.98-2.25 |
| Refractive Index | 1.42-1.47 |
Hazards and Safety
Chronic inhalation may cause lung damage
Dehydration may cause surface cracking
Additional Information
Mineralogy Database: Opal
Authority
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opal (accessed Oct. 12, 2005)
- Yasukazu Suwa, Yasukazu Suwa, Gemstones: Quality and Value, Volume 1, Sekai Bunka Publishing Inc., Tokyo, 1999
- Michael O'Donoghue and Louise Joyner, Michael O'Donoghue and Louise Joyner, Identification of Gemstones, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 2003