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Opal
Fireworks. Jellyfish. Galaxies. Lightning. Opal's shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem.
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Research
Australian Opal Beads with Blue Play-of-Color
Boulder opal in sandstone matrix is seen as beads in Tucson.
The Challenges of Cutting a Large Gem Opal Rough
A first-person account of cutting a 3,019 ct piece of white opal to create a 1,040 ct gem with play-of-color across the surface.
Hydrophane Opal Treatment
An opal rough is immersed in water and treated with oil and Opticon to observe effects on transparency and play-of-color.
Splendor in the Outback: A Visit to Australia's Opal Fields
Documents a trip to the renowned opal fields of Lightning Ridge, Koroit, Yowah, and Quilpie.
Thai-Myanmar Petrified Woods
The properties of petrified woods originating from various localities in Thailand and Myanmar are examined.
Digital Photomicrography for Gemologists
A guide to capturing gem inclusion scenes using practical equipment and techniques and the appropriate image-refining software.
Gemstones and Jewelry Inspired By Nature
At AGTA, exquisite jewelry pieces inspired by natural scenes were on view.
Incredible Insects
Just as a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, master jewelers take raw elements and transform them into wearable works of art. Put aside whatever preconceptions you may have about insects, and prepare to step into another world – one that you have passed by countless times but may not have ever noticed.
New Deposit of Black Opal from Ethiopia
The Stayish mine in Ethiopia’s Wollo province has been producing black opal since 2013.
On the Origin of Digit Patterns in Gem Opal
An examination of the finger-like feature mostly found in Ethiopian opal, and proposal for its formation.
