No gemstone plays with light quite like the opal. Known for its kaleidoscopic flashes of colour — known as play-of-colour — and its ever-changing appearance, each opal tells a story all its own. From vivid blues and greens to fiery reds and oranges, no two stones are ever alike.

Long admired by collectors and jewellers alike, opal has become a modern favourite for designers seeking individuality, emotion, and movement in their creations.

Here’s why this mesmerising gemstone deserves the spotlight this October.

1. Origins Across Continents

Opal forms under rare geological conditions — tiny spheres of silica stacked in perfect harmony. The result is one of nature’s most hypnotic optical effects.

Some of the world’s finest opals are sourced from:

• Australia (Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Andamooka): Renowned for black and white opals with intense, fiery colour play.

• Ethiopia (Welo): Known for crystal and hydrophane opals with electric rainbow hues.

• Mexico: Famous for translucent orange fire opals that glow from within.

• Brazil and Honduras: Producers of distinctive, dark-based opals with strong body tone.

Each origin yields a distinct visual identity — from the deep, moody brilliance of Australian black opals to the ethereal shimmer of Ethiopian stones — giving jewellers a full spectrum of stories to tell.

2. A Gem of Myth and Magic

For centuries, opal has been wrapped in myth. The Romans called it the queen of gemstones, believing it contained the virtues of all others. Ancient Arabic legends claimed it fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning.

In the 19th century, Queen Victoria popularised opal jewellery, helping it reclaim its status as a symbol of luck, love, and creativity. Today, opal remains a gemstone of individuality — a fitting emblem for those who defy convention.

3. Play-of-Colour — Nature’s Light Show

Opal’s beauty lies in its structure: microscopic silica spheres diffract light, creating spectral flashes that shift as the gem moves. This phenomenon, called play-of-colour, produces endless variation — each stone is truly one of a kind.

Depending on the type and origin, opals can show fiery reds, cool blues, neon greens, and even rare purples — often all within a single gem. This unpredictability is what makes opal irresistible to designers and collectors alike.

4. A Range to Suit Every Design

From delicate accents to bold centrepieces, opal adapts beautifully to both modern and vintage-inspired settings.

• Black Opal: Deep body colour enhances vivid flashes — perfect for statement rings.

• White Opal: Soft pastel tones ideal for bridal and minimal designs.

• Crystal Opal: Transparent to translucent gems that glow with inner fire.

• Fire Opal: Bright orange to red, often without play-of-colour, radiating pure warmth.

With hardness between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, opal requires mindful setting and care — but its reward is unmatched optical beauty.

5. A Gemstone for Storytellers

More than any other gem, opal captures mood, movement, and emotion. Its constantly shifting light invites customers to look closer — to find something personal and new each time.

Whether you’re curating a birthstone collection, designing custom pieces, or seeking one-of-a-kind centre stones, opal offers both narrative and nuance — a gemstone that invites conversation and connection.

Ready to Discover Opal?

Now is the perfect time to bring this spellbinding gemstone into your collection. On Nivoda, you’ll find an extensive selection of opals from trusted suppliers across Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico, and beyond — all available in one seamless platform.

Browse live inventory, source rare varieties, and let Nivoda handle shipping, paperwork, and customs — so you can focus on creating jewellery that inspires wonder.