# Opal

Opal is a colorful stone that sparkles with many colors, just like a rainbow! Each opal is unique.

- **Category:** [Mineral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mineral)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Also known as:** Common Opal, Fire Opal, Precious Opal

![Opal](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425922/objects/5391.jpg)

## Appearance

The Opal is famous for its stunning 'play-of-color,' a rainbow flash of iridescent hues that shifts with light and angle. It often appears milky white, blue, or black, but can be found in almost any color, resembling a solidified rainbow. This unique visual effect makes it stand out from other gems.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- Did you know NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter found opal deposits on the surface of Mars?
- Opal is the national gemstone of Australia, which produces over 90% of the world's precious opals.
- Some ancient cultures believed opals were formed when lightning bolts struck the Earth!
- Unlike most gems, some opals can dry out and crack over time if not properly cared for!

## Special abilities

- **Rainbow Weaver:** Opal has microscopic silica spheres that diffract light, creating a dazzling 'play-of-color' that shifts like a living rainbow.
- **Water Holder:** Opal is hydrated silica, meaning it contains water. This makes it surprisingly lighter than other gemstones of its size.

## Measurements & details

- **Color Range:** white, black, blue, green, red, orange, yellow, pink, brown, colorless, play-of-color
- **Hardness:** 5.5
- **Luster:** vitreous to waxy
- **Specific Gravity:** 2.1

## Traits

- [Fluorescent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fluorescent): Fluorescent minerals emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet light or other non-visible radiation, a phenomenon called fluorescence.
- [Gemstone](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/gemstone): A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut and polished, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.
- [Crystalline](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/crystalline): Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.
- [Natural](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/natural): Natural refers to organisms, materials, or phenomena existing or produced by nature, not artificially created.

## Collections

- [Minerals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals)
- [Minerals & Rocks](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals-and-rocks)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Handle gently and avoid sharp edges. Ask an adult before picking anything up.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Opal?

Compare crystal habit, luster, transparency, cleavage and surface texture. Minerals with different compositions can share almost the same color. Mineral Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What colors can Opal be?

white, black, blue, green, red, orange, yellow, pink, brown, colorless, play-of-color

### How hard is Opal?

5.5

### What kind of luster does Opal have?

vitreous to waxy

### What is Opal's specific gravity?

2.1

## More Mineral

- [Quartz Crystal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/quartz-crystal)
- [Amethyst](https://www.snappit.app/explore/amethyst)
- [Rose Quartz](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rose-quartz)
- [Citrine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/citrine)

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Source: [Opal: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/opal)