Opal

Opal, often called the “Gem of Light,” is a mesmerizing gemstone renowned for its vibrant play-of-color, an optical phenomenon that creates a kaleidoscope of shifting hues within the stone. Revered across cultures and centuries, Opal embodies creativity, inspiration, and emotional healing. Its captivating flashes of reds, blues, greens, and purples make it one of the most unique and cherished gems in the world.
At ShivRaj Ratna, we offer only natural, untreated, and certified Opal gemstones, handpicked for their intense play-of-color, clarity, and brilliance. Our collection features exquisite specimens from the most famous opal-producing regions, crafted to highlight their fiery beauty and metaphysical properties.

  • Alleviates Misfortune
  • Supports Mental Health
  • Increases Wisdom
  • Success in business

About Opal – The Play-of-Color Gemstone

Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, belonging to the mineraloid family, and differs significantly from crystalline gemstones due to its unique internal structure. This structure diffracts light, causing the signature play-of-color — a dazzling display that can shift and shimmer as the stone moves.

Opals range in appearance from transparent to opaque and exhibit a spectrum of base colors including white, black, blue, and fire opal’s warm orange-red hues. Their mystical allure has made them symbols of hope, purity, and truth throughout history.

With a Mohs hardness of approximately 5.5 to 6.5, Opal requires careful handling but rewards with unmatched visual appeal and energy.

Origin of Opal – Where Does It Come From?

Opal is primarily mined in a few key locations around the globe, each offering distinct varieties:

  • Australia: The world’s leading source, especially famed for black opal (Lightning Ridge), white opal (Coober Pedy), and boulder opal (Queensland). Australia produces about 95% of the world’s precious opal.
  • Ethiopia: Known for vibrant Welo opals with remarkable clarity and intense color flashes.
  • Mexico: Renowned for fiery Mexican opals with bright orange to red hues.
  • Brazil: Produces both white and fire opals.
  • United States: Nevada and Idaho have notable opal deposits with unique characteristics.

At ShivRaj Ratna, we prioritize sourcing from Australia and Ethiopia to ensure the finest play-of-color and durability for astrological and jewelry purposes.

Quality & Price Factors of Opal

The value of an Opal gemstone depends on several critical factors:

  1. Play-of-Color
    The most prized feature, with vivid flashes of multiple colors that change with the angle of light. Stones displaying a full spectrum of colors and strong brightness command the highest prices.
  2. Body Tone
    Ranges from black (most valuable) to white and crystal (transparent to semi-transparent). Darker body tones enhance the play-of-color.
  3. Clarity
    Transparent to translucent opals with minimal inclusions or cracks are preferred.
  4. Cut & Shape
    Typically cut as cabochons (rounded and polished) to best showcase the play-of-color, though some faceted cuts exist.
  5. Carat Weight
    Larger opals with intense color play are rare and therefore more valuable.
  6. Origin
    Australian black opals are the most coveted, followed by Ethiopian and Mexican opals.

Price Range (Approximate) in India

  • Black Opal: ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000+ per carat
  • White Opal: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per carat
  • Fire Opal: ₹10,000 to ₹40,000 per carat
  • Ethiopian Opal: ₹8,000 to ₹30,000 per carat

Prices vary widely with quality and source.

Opal in Vedic Astrology – The Gemstone of Inspiration and Emotional Balance

Though not traditionally classified under Navratna, Opal holds a special place in various astrological and metaphysical systems for its powerful effects:

  • Enhances creativity, imagination, and inspiration. 
  • Balances emotional energies, helping to heal trauma and promote inner peace. 
  • Supports clarity of thought and helps in decision-making. 
  • Protects from negativity and strengthens intuition. 
  • Aids spiritual growth and connection with higher consciousness. 

Astrologers recommend Opal for those seeking to ignite their creative spark or navigate emotional challenges with grace and insight.

Features of Opal

  • Mineral Family: Mineraloid (amorphous silica with water content)
  • Colors: Base tones from white to black, with vivid play-of-color in reds, blues, greens, yellows, and purples
  • Transparency: Translucent to opaque
  • Hardness:5 – 6.5 on Mohs scale
  • Popular Cuts: Cabochon, oval, freeform
  • Unique Traits: Play-of-color phenomenon, sensitivity to heat and chemicals

Why Choose ShivRaj Ratna for Your Opal?

  • Guaranteed natural, untreated, and certified gemstones
  • Ethical sourcing from world-renowned mines
  • Expert cutting to enhance color play and brilliance
  • Free astrological consultation for compatibility and energization
  • Secure, insured shipping across India and globally
  • Aftercare services including cleaning, polishing, and safe storage advice

Who Should Wear Opal?

Opal is ideal for individuals who:

  • Desire enhanced creativity and artistic inspiration
  • Seek emotional healing and balance
  • Wish to strengthen intuition and psychic abilities
  • Are engaged in professions requiring imagination and innovation
  • Appreciate unique, one-of-a-kind gemstone aesthetics

Where should wear Opal?

  • Typically set in silver or gold, often as rings, pendants, or earrings
  • Should be worn on the finger or as close to the heart as possible to maximize energetic benefits
  • Best worn after thorough cleansing and energizing rituals as per astrological advice
  • Handle with care due to its relatively lower hardness; avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures

 

Our Collection

Select a beautiful piece from our wide online selection, or chat with our experts for more options!