The name Opal was probably derived from Sanskrit “upala”, meaning “valuable stone”. This was probably the root for the Greek term “Opallios”, or a “stone from several elements”. So, the ancient Romans may already have had an inkling why Opals show such a striking play of colours. Unlike most gems, Australian Opals are infinitely varied and are most valued for their “play of colour” … the shifting patterns of highlights that can range across the entire spectrum.
Opal is a rare type of hydrated silica… its chemical formula is SiO2.nH2O. The minute particles of silica form into closely packed spherical aggregates. It is the varied arrangement of these minute particles and the gaps between them that causes light to be scattered and diffracted.
Where to buy opals in Sydney?
You can find the beautiful Australian Opals in our Sydney store, we are Australia’s largest Black Opal, Boulder Opal and Crystal Opal jewellery shop. We have the finest quality Opals at the most competitive price. Our have unset Opal stones, Sterling Silver Opal jewellery, as well as 18k gold and platinum Opal jewellery. We have the largest collection of Opal earrings, Opal rings, Opal pendants, Opal bangles and Opal bracelets in Sydney. When you consider to buy Opal Jewellery in Sydney, go to someone who specialises in Opals. At Cosmopolitan Jewellers, we only carry solid Opals and do not sell doublets or triplets. We are also licensed Duty Free.
How valuable is an Opal?
Today in the gem centers of the world, Opals are recognized as precious gemstones on a par with Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires. Opals, like any commodity, are subject to market forces and the increasing rarity of quality solid stones continues to drive the price of Opals up. Black Opal is the rarest Opal and most prized Opal, Black Opal with a dark grey body shows the most brilliant play of colours imaginable. The Queensland Boulder Opals are relatively rare and beautiful, which many experts declare to be the brightest and most attractive of all the Opals found in Australia.
