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Opal

Fireworks. Jellyfish. Galaxies. Lightning. Opal's shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem.

Opal
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Research

“Worms” in Opal

Near-colorless heulandite crystals in an Ethiopian opal resemble the segmented bodies of worms.

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Cat’s-Eye Boulder Opal

A precious cat’s-eye boulder opal from Australia is examined in the Carlsbad laboratory.

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Natural Opal with Unusual Play-of-Color Pattern

Play-of-color pattern in Ethiopian opal is reminiscent of a turtle’s shell.

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Black Opal with Unique Play-of-Color

A black opal cabochon set in a ring displays vivid orange play-of-color.

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Blue Opal from Chile

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Precious Opal from Pedro II, Brazil

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Intarsia Jewelry Box by Nicolai Medvedev and Susan Helmich

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Slovak Opal: A New Life for a Historical Gem

Reports on the recent production of precious and common opal from a centuries-old locality.

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A New Treatment: Creating Phantom Structure in Opal

A newly developed treatment creates a phantom structure in opal visually similar to natural phantom opal.

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Rare Double Pseudomorph Ikaite-Calcite-Opal

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In Memoriam: Andrew Cody

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Conversation with True Blue Opals and Gems

At the AGTA show, we spoke with Natassa Patel, who along with her mother, Salma, owns and operates True Blue Opals and Gems.

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