Wholesale Andean Pink Opal A (tumbled stone)

OPAR-01 Origin: Peru Grade: A Dimensions: 05-10g - Approximately 20-25mm 10-20g - Approximately 25-35mm 20-30g - Approximately 35-45mm Origin: Peru Grade: A = good Andean pink opal tumbled stone Sold individually. Weight choice from 05-10g to 20-30g Shapes and colors may vary from one stone to another An opal is composed of hydrated silica, with traces of uranium, magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron, arsenic, sodium, and potassium. It also has a high water content that can reach up to 20% depending on the varieties. Opal forms during alternating wet and dry periods. Precipitations loaded with various elements infiltrate the substrate. Then, during dry periods, evaporation allows the formation of the upper layers of chalcedony and quartz. The etymology of the word opal comes from the Sanskrit upala meaning precious stone. It is noted that opal is the only gem that is splendid without any prior cutting. For decades, the origin of the magnificent colors of noble opals remained unexplained until 1965, when the scanning electron microscope appeared. Thus, scientists were able to highlight the structure of opals. Composed of spheres of varying dimensions, opals have a milky appearance, these are common opals. In noble opals, the spheres are of identical dimensions and the light then interferes and produces this incredible multi-colored appearance. It should be noted that water is of great importance in the appearance and durability of opal. It is not uncommon to see raw opals presented to the public in water-filled containers. Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. For comparison, diamond has the highest hardness, which is 10 on the same scale. According to Greek mythology, opal was associated with the tears of joy of Zeus after his victory against the Titans. His tears, upon contact with the ground, turned into opals. This legend mainly concerns blue opal. It is a common opal with various shades of blue. It was even thought that opal granted its wearer powers of clairvoyance and divination. For the Romans, opal is a stone of hope. Pliny the Elder tells the story of Nonius, a senator deposed by Mark Antony (83 - 30 BC), because he refused to give him an opal. Mark Antony absolutely wanted to offer it to Cleopatra. Nonius preferred to flee with only his precious opal and his collection of stones. According to an 18th-century legend, Nonius's opal was found in the ruins of Alexandria.