The opal has beautiful colours and unique patterns that make it special. But picking the right gemstone is more than just looking at it. Understanding opal colour patterns, brightness and play-of-color will help you feel confident when making a buying decision.
If you are buying an opal ring, pendant or even loose opal, these seven tips will help you judge the quality.
1. Learn the Play-of-Colour
Play-of-color is the term used to describe the flashes of rainbow colours seen when light shines on the internal structure of an opal.
Look for the visible colours red, orange, green and blue.
Tilt the stone, watch colours change.
Look for good colour coverage.
Select a pattern that you like from different angles.
Red flashes are a nice bonus but colour alone does not make an opal valuable.
2. Check the colour brightness
The brighter the stone the better the colours stand out against the background.
Look at the opal stone in natural or neutral light.
Check that the colours can be seen when tilted.
Compare similar rocks side by side
Don’t judge brilliance by the bright lights of the showroom alone.
A bright opal is often eye-catching because it is easier to see the colours.
3. Learn Different Opal Patterns
Typical patterns of opals are:
Design Description
Harlequin Books Colour patches Squares or diamonds
Pin fire Small, pinpoint flashes of colour
wide flash Big patches of changing colours
Flash Rolling Colours appear to crawl on the stone
Ribbon Bands of colour, parallel
Rare, well defined patterns can improve desirability but overall quality is also important.
4. Check the background colour
The body tone of an opal impacts how its colours present.
Black opal: Dark body tone with possible vivid colour contrast.
White opal: White or milky background.
Crystal opal: Appearance is transparent or translucent.
Boulder Opal: Opal occurring naturally in ironstone.
Pick a background that matches your taste and complements the colour scheme.
5. Check Colour Distribution
Notice how the colours are spread out in the stone.
See if you can see the pattern on the major surface.
Notice if bright colours are in one corner only.
Check dark or colourless areas.
Look at the stone on all sides.
Concentrated flashes can be attractive and valuable, but so can a balanced pattern.
6. Make sure it’s real before you buy it
Confirm you are purchasing a solid opal, doublet or triplet.
solid opal: A solid piece of opal material.
Doublet: A thin layer of opal with a backing.
Triplet: Thin layer of opal between a clear top and backing.
Doublets and triplets are made with real opal stone but they are constructed differently from solid opals and need different care.
Ask for an independent gemological report on expensive purchases and about treatments. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Gemstone education and services.
7. Quality and price comparison
Things to consider before you purchase
Brightness: Bright colours may make things more attractive.
Pattern: Premium prices can be commanded by exclusive patterns.
Body tone: Contrast depends on background colour.
Size: Weight and size affect the price.
Condition: Cracks and crazing can reduce value
Documentation: dependable reports, buyer assurance.
Before deciding, look at a few gemstones and the seller’s return policy.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
- What is the best opal pattern of colour?
Harlequin and broad-flash patterns are popular, but the best choice depends on personal preference, brightness and rarity.
- What colour opal is the most valuable?
Red flashes can be very desirable particularly in quality black opal. But some things do influence the price.
- How to check the colour pattern of opal?
Look at the gemstone under neutral light. Move the gemstone around to see how the brightness, colour and distribution change.
- Is black opal superior to white opal?
No, not all the time. The contrast is often stronger in black opals, but good white opal can also be valuable.
- Are doublet and triplet opals real?
They are made of real opal material and other layers. They must always be disclosed in their construction.
- What to avoid when buying an opal?
Avoid undisclosed treatments, extensive damage, misleading descriptions and sellers who are not familiar with how the gemstone is constructed.
Summary
To judge the colour pattern of an opal, before buying an opal, you should examine the play-of-color, brightness, pattern, body tone, distribution, authenticity, and price. Compare the stones, ask the seller specific questions and pick an opal that fits your budget and taste.
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