Opal: Cursed Stone of Broken Rainbow

[Basic Introduction]

Opal, also known as opal, is a hydrate of silicon dioxide (SiO₂·nH₂O). Due to the diffraction effect of the arrangement of nano-scale silicon dioxide spheres inside it on light, it forms a play-of-color effect, presenting a fantasy color like flames and aurora. It is mainly produced in Australia (accounting for 95% of the world), Mexico, Ethiopia and other places.

[Characteristics]

Physical properties

Low hardness (Mohs 5.5-6.5): easy to be scratched, it can be called the "glass heart of the gem world"💔.

High brittleness: easy to crack when colliding or with large temperature differences, and requires "ancestor-style" maintenance.

Water content (3%-20%): dehydration will become turbid or even cracked, which can be called "water-made troublemaker"💧.

Color effect

Color: changes with light and angle, from red, orange, blue to purple. Black opal is more charming because of its dark base color and has the highest value.

Fatal flaw: Some opals have a short-lived color change, and may fade to "dead fish eyes" after long-term wearing.

Classification

Precious opal: has a color change effect, and is divided into black opal, white opal, fire opal, etc. according to the base color.

Ordinary opal: no color change, cheap like street stall goods, mostly used for industrial grinding.

[Use]

Jewelry

Ring face/pendant: Black opal is inlaid in precious metals, and the price per carat can reach tens of thousands of dollars, but wearing it requires walking on thin ice, and it will break if you are not careful.

Collection trap: hype "rarity" to harvest leeks, in fact, most color change opals have become waste stones due to improper maintenance.

Industrial use

Abrasive: Ordinary opal is crushed and used for polishing, which is so cheap that it is not as valuable as sandpaper.

Optical material: A few high-purity opals are used for filters, but they have been replaced by synthetic materials.

Metaphysical scam

Claims to "enhance spirituality" and "attract love", but it is actually a disaster area for IQ tax. It is better to buy crystal (at least it is hard)🔮.

[Heartbreaking summary]

Opal is a "beautiful curse" - it looks stunning but is extremely fragile, comparable to the appearance of a scumbag/woman: after a short period of splendor, only a mess is left. 💥

Buy it = buy ancestors: it needs constant temperature and moisture, anti-bumping, and regular soaking in water. If you are not careful, you will lose both money and beauty.

The industrial version is even more ridiculous: the use of ordinary opal is not as meaningful as your cat scratching board🐾.

Conclusion: Unless you have so much money that you want to experience the "art of offering", stay away from opal to protect your IQ and wallet! 💸

Opal, this thing is the "chameleon" in the gem world! Its biggest feature is that its surface can refract colorful light like a rainbow, which is professionally called "color change effect". To put it bluntly, when the light shines, it can flash red, blue, green and other colors, just like turning on special effects. This effect is because its internal structure is like a honeycomb, which is composed of countless small silica balls stacked together. Once the light passes through it, it "splits" and scatters into different colors. However, it is delicate, with a hardness of only 5.5-6.5 (softer than glass). Be careful not to bump it when wearing it on your hand, and it has its own "water property". Long-term drying will cause dehydration and cracking, so you have to wipe it with a damp cloth regularly to "extend its life."

It is definitely a versatile in terms of use: using it as jewelry is a basic operation, such as a pendant made of Australian black opal, one of which can blind your eyes; the collectors regard it as a treasure, and a piece of top-grade colorful opal can be exchanged for a suite; it can also be used as an abrasive in industry. The metaphysical circle is even more magical, saying that it can inspire creativity and regulate emotions-although it sounds like a scam, some people can't help but believe it! A reminder, this thing pays attention to the origin, Australian products are the best, and Mexican fire opals like burning sunsets are also very popular. In short, wearing opal = carrying a rainbow on your body, but remember: it is arrogantly beautiful and arrogantly fragile!

Author: Xingaonai
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