Jewelry Glossary

A semi-precious gemstone with a speckled, multi-colored iridescent quality. Looking at an opal in different light or at different angles produces a rainbow-like effect of multiple colors. Opal is 5.5-6.5 on Mohs' scale of hardness. Primary sources include Australia, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Nevada, and Idaho.

See also: Birthstone  Gemstones