Opals are among the world’s most mesmerizing gemstones, renowned for their play-of-colour, iridescence, and unique patterns. These precious stones hold an otherworldly charm that has captivated humans for centuries. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the enchanting world of opal patterns, shedding light on the types and formations of these remarkable gemstones.
Formation of Opal Patterns
Opals are formed deep within the Earth’s crust, typically in regions with a history of volcanic activity. They originate from the interaction of water and silica-rich solutions, which can seep into cracks and voids in rock formations. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a silica-rich gel. Over time, this silica gel becomes a part of the sedimentary layers. As more sediment accumulates, the pressure and temperature increase. This transformation process can take millions of years.
The key to opal’s play-of colours lies in the arrangement of microscopic silica spheres within the gel. These spheres are typically uniform and range from hundreds of nanometers to micrometres in diameter. When light enters the opal and encounters these spheres, something magical happens. The spheres act like prisms, refracting and diffracting the light into its individual spectral colours. This phenomenon creates the unique and vibrant colours that opals are famous for.
The specific patterns that form within opals are influenced by the structural arrangement of the silica spheres. The size of the silica spheres affects the size and intensity of the colour flashes. Smaller spheres tend to produce finer and more intricate patterns, while larger spheres create broader and bolder colour patches.
The geometric arrangement of the spheres is key to creating specific patterns. For instance, when the spheres are closely packed and form a well-ordered structure, it can result in the sought-after harlequin or honeycomb patterns. Internal stress within the opal can cause disruptions in the regularity of the colour patterns. These imperfections can lead to unique, irregular patterns and contribute to the opal’s individuality.
The base colour of the opal, often referred to as its “body colour,” influences the overall appearance of the gem. Opals with a black or dark body colour tend to display more vivid and intense patterns because the dark background enhances the contrast with the play-of-colours.
Types of Opal Patterns
Pattern refers to the way in which an opal’s play-of-colour is organized. Similar to the varied shapes one might see in the clouds, play-of-colour in opals manifests in a multitude of configurations. Each of the opal patterns has its unique charm and appeal, making opals a truly captivating and diverse gemstone. The choice of an opal pattern often depends on personal taste, cultural significance, and the desired aesthetic in jewellery and collectables.
Typical terminology used to describe play-of-colour patterns includes:
- Asteria: Asteria opals exhibit a star-like optical phenomenon, with rays of light extending from a central point when viewed under direct light.
- Bamboo Leaf: As the name suggests, bamboo leaf opals display a pattern resembling the delicate, structured veins of bamboo leaves.
- Block: Block pattern opals exhibit a straightforward and geometric arrangement of colour patches that appear as blocks or rectangles.
- Broad Flash: Broad flash opals feature wide, intense flashes of colour that extend across the gem’s surface, creating a bold and captivating appearance.
- Cathedral: The cathedral pattern features a structured arrangement of colour patches resembling the arches and windows of a cathedral.
- Chaff: Chaff pattern opals exhibit a fine and scattered pattern of colour flecks that resemble the chaff or husks of grains.
- Chinese Writing or Calligraphy: The Chinese writing pattern, also known as calligraphy, features patterns that resemble Chinese characters or calligraphy strokes.
- Cloverleaf: Cloverleaf pattern opals feature a pattern that resembles the leaves of a clover, often with rounded or heart-shaped colour patches.
- Dragon Skin: Dragon skin opals display a pattern reminiscent of the textured scales of a dragon, creating a unique and exotic appearance.
- Fern: Fern pattern opals feature a delicate pattern resembling the fronds of a fern.
- Feather: Feather pattern opals exhibit a pattern that resembles the delicate and graceful patterns found on bird feathers.
- Flagstone: Flagstone opals exhibit a pattern that resembles the natural and irregular patterns found in flagstone surfaces.
- Flame: Flame opals feature a pattern resembling the flickering flames of fire, with elongated and dynamic colour flashes.
- Galaxy: Galaxy pattern opals feature a mesmerizing and intricate pattern that evokes the vastness of a cosmic galaxy, often with a mix of colours.
- Harlequin or Mosaic: Harlequin or mosaic opals are characterized by a precise and repeating pattern of diamond or square-shaped colour patches on the surface.
- Mackerel: Mackerel pattern opals exhibit a pattern that resembles the distinctive, fine lines found on the skin of mackerel fish.
- Moss: Moss opals showcase a pattern resembling the delicate and intricate growth of moss, often with fine and branching lines.
- Neon Flash: Neon flash opals exhibit bright and vivid flashes of colour that appear almost neon in their intensity.
- Pinfire or Pinpoint: Pinfire opals display a series of very small, closely spaced flashes of colour, resembling pinpricks of light.
- Puzzle or Jigsaw: Puzzle pattern opals feature a pattern resembling the interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating an intriguing and artistic appearance.
- Sheen: Sheen pattern opals exhibit a play-of-colour that resembles a soft, radiant sheen, creating an ethereal and delicate appearance.
- Spider Web: Spider web opals feature a pattern resembling the intricate and delicate web spun by a spider.
- Straw: Straw pattern opals feature a pattern that resembles fine, linear, and straw-like streaks of colour.
- Striated: Striated opals exhibit a pattern with fine, parallel lines that resemble striations, often resulting in a layered appearance.
Describing Opal Patterns
When describing opal patterns, a specific protocol is typically followed to convey the primary patterns observed within the gemstone. It is customary to first identify the most dominant pattern and then mention any secondary patterns. In most descriptions, only the two most prevalent patterns are highlighted, despite the potential presence of numerous intricate patterns upon close examination.
For instance, when evaluating an opal and discerning a notable flagstone pattern along with a chaff pattern, the more dominant pattern is stated first. In this case, the opal’s description would read as a “flagstone/chaff pattern,” aligning with the convention of placing the dominant pattern ahead of the secondary one.
However, it’s important to note that an exception applies to the harlequin pattern. To be officially categorized as a harlequin pattern, the play-of-colour must form a checkerboard pattern of squares that covers over 80% of the gem’s surface. Moreover, these squares should exhibit an 80% or greater uniformity. If these criteria are not met, the pattern is classified as a flagstone pattern, highlighting the stringent standards associated with this highly prized opal pattern.
Featured image: muzmi / Canva
