Opal
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica (SiO2·nH2O); its water content may range from 3 to 21% by weight, but is usually between 6 and 10%. Due to its amorphous property, it is classified as a mineraloid, unlike crystalline forms of silica, which are considered minerals. It is deposited at a relatively low temperature and may occur in the fissures of almost any kind of rock, being most commonly found with limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, marl, and basalt.
Opal Stone: Benefits, Price & Who Should Wear (2026 Guide)
The Opal is a mesmerizing gemstone, celebrated for its unique play-of-color—a dazzling display where spectral colors shift and flash as the stone is moved. Formed from hydrated silica gel that seeped into ancient rock crevices, each opal is a one-of-a-kind natural masterpiece. While not a traditional Vedic planetary stone, it is historically associated with luck, creativity, and amplified emotions in Western and modern crystal traditions. At Pearl Gems, we offer a stunning collection of natural opals, from the fiery flashes of precious opal to the serene beauty of common varieties, each promising a window into a miniature, colorful universe.
What is Opal Stone?
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica (SiO₂·nH₂O), containing up to 20% water trapped in its microscopic structure. This unique composition is what creates its famed play-of-color, caused by the diffraction of light through its internal silica spheres. The main types are:
Precious Opal: Displays play-of-color. This includes White Opal, Black Opal (dark body tone for vibrant contrast), Boulder Opal (formed on ironstone), and Crystal Opal (transparent with internal color play).
Common Opal (“Potch”): Does not exhibit play-of-color but is valued for its beautiful single-color body tones like pink, blue, or green.
Authentic opal is relatively soft and sensitive to dehydration. At Pearl Gems, we source our opals from premier locations like Australia (source of 95% of the world’s precious opal), Ethiopia, and Mexico, ensuring they are natural, untreated, and carefully stabilized for durability.
Spiritual & Astrological Benefits of Opal
Opal is a stone of dynamic energy, known for its ability to amplify traits, boost creativity, and reflect inner feelings.
Amplifier of Emotions & Traits: Opal is a powerful emotional amplifier. It intensifies feelings, brings hidden emotions to the surface for healing, and amplifies personal characteristics—both positive and negative. This makes it a stone for self-awareness.
Spark of Creativity & Imagination: Known as the stone of artists and innovators, it stimulates originality, imagination, and dynamic creativity. It helps break creative blocks and inspires new ideas.
Enhances Cosmic Consciousness & Intuition: Its play-of-color is likened to a glimpse into other realms. It is believed to enhance psychic abilities, intuition, and spiritual vision, making it a favorite for meditators and dream work.
Love, Passion, and Spontaneity: Historically a token of love and desire, opal is thought to attract love, increase passion, and encourage spontaneity and loyalty in relationships.
Who Can Wear Opal Stone?
Opal’s relationship with astrology is more nuanced than classic planetary gems. The question “who can wear opal stone” requires understanding its amplifying nature.
Astrological Suitability: In Western astrology, it is the traditional birthstone for October and is often associated with the zodiac sign Libra, enhancing balance, beauty, and harmony. In Vedic astrology, it is sometimes suggested as an alternative for Venus (alongside Diamond), but this is not a universal consensus. Caution is advised.
For The Creative & Emotionally Aware: Ideal for artists, writers, designers, and performers to unlock creativity. It is best suited for individuals who are emotionally stable, self-aware, and wish to work on personal growth.
Important Warning: Due to its amplifying nature, opal is not recommended for individuals prone to extreme mood swings, jealousy, or anxiety, as it may intensify these states. It should not be worn as a substitute for a primary planetary stone (like Diamond for Venus) without expert astrological guidance.
Universal Beauty: As a piece of natural art, anyone can wear opal for its beauty. However, for intentional spiritual or astrological use, careful consideration and perhaps a trial period are recommended.
Opal Stone Price & Value
Opal value in Pakistan (PKR) is highly subjective and artistic, driven by the visual impact of its play-of-color.
Type & Body Tone: Black Opal with a dark (N1-N4) body tone is the rarest and most valuable, as the colors “pop” dramatically. Crystal and White Opal follow, with Common Opal being most affordable.
Play-of-Color (The #1 Factor): Valuation depends on:
Brightness: Vivid, brilliant flashes command the highest premium.
Range of Colors: Red flashes are rarest, followed by orange, green, blue. A stone showing all spectral colors is most valuable.
Pattern: Desirable patterns include harlequin (broad, angular patches), flame (streaks of red), and pinfire (small, uniform dots).
Clarity & Transparency: For crystal opal, high transparency with clear color play is key. Any cracking or crazing significantly reduces value.
Cut & Carat: Opals are cut in freeform “cabochons” to best display the color play. Size matters, but a small stone with exceptional color can be worth more than a large, dull one.
At Pearl Gems, our pricing reflects this unique artistry, offering a spectrum from enchanting common opals to breathtaking, investment-quality Black and Crystal opals with phenomenal play-of-color.
How to Identify Real Opal
Common imitations include “opal doublets/triplets” (thin opal slices glued to backing), synthetic opal, and plastic/glass.
Play-of-Color Authenticity: In a real opal, the colors appear to emanate from within the stone and change with the viewing angle. In a doublet, the color appears to sit on top of a dark, plain backing.
The “Edge” Test: Examine the side of the stone. A solid opal will have color play reaching the edges. A doublet will have a obvious, straight glue line separating the opal layer from the black backing.
Temperature & Weight: Real opal feels cool to the touch and has a substantial, rock-like weight. Plastic imitations feel warm and light.
Natural Imperfections: Most natural opals have some minor inclusions, variations in body tone, or a slightly uneven surface. Synthetic opals often have a too-perfect “lizard skin” or “honeycomb” pattern under magnification.
We guarantee the natural, solid authenticity of our opals (unless clearly sold as a doublet for affordability). For high-value pieces, we recommend independent verification due to opal’s unique and valuable nature.
Explore Our Captivating Opal Collection
From the soft glow of White Opal to the fiery spectacle of Black and Boulder Opal, each piece in our collection is a unique natural wonder. Opal is not just a gem; it is an experience of light and color. We invite you to find the stone whose play-of-color mirrors your own inner spark of creativity and emotion.