Australian Light Opal Ring set in 14K Yellow Gold

Australian Opal Cutters Light Opal Ring 14K (585) Solid Gold 2.3 ct

Classified by the Opal industry as Natural Opal Type 1 Light Opal (Otherwise known as White or Crystal Opal) is defined when the Opal is presented in one piece in its natural state apart from cutting or polishing and is of substantially homogenous chemical composition and is translucent (free of oxides). Genuine Natural Australian Crystal Opal occurs in limited quantity in all of the Australian Opal fields (Andamooka, Lightning Ridge in NSW, Coober Pedy in South Australia and the Queensland Boulder Opal Fields). A hydrated amorphous form of silica SiO2nH2O consisting of spheres of silicon dioxide molecules arranged in regular, closely packed planes. Translucent or transparent Light Opal is pure hydrated silica SiO2nH2O free from oxides (Magnesium or Iron) so it has a clear Crystal or see through translucency. Precious Crystal Opal shows a variable interplay of internal colours, and though it is a mineraloid, it has an internal structure. At microscopic scales, precious Opal is composed of silica spheres some 150 to 300 nm in diameter in a hexagonal or cubic close packed lattice.