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Aurora Opal Properties: Origin, Characteristics, and Care

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What Are The Properties of Aurora Opal?
When it comes to gemstones where every gem speaks a story that lies within the beauty of gracious
nature, the world, especially the Aurora Opal is proof of the cosmic marvel found within the Earth.
This is a beautiful gemstone that looks like a live show of colors that can be compared to the Northern
Lights, everyone becomes mesmerized when observing this gemstone. This blog is sure to contain some
important and awesome facts about opal gemstones.
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However, in this blog, we are going to give you a closer look at the Aurora Opal, its features, and the
most enchanting aspect that makes it even more special than other gems out there.
The Origin of the Aurora Opal
The Aurora Opal starts its cycle deep within the crust of the planet; water becomes trapped in silica
sediments. Across the centuries they accumulate and after millions of years, with the right amount of
heat and pressure, they turn into opal.
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The Aurora Opal, in particular, is a result of this geological marvel and can exist in areas that produce
opals including Australia, Ethiopia, and Brazil. Every deposit implies certain variations of the stone
experience, due to the peculiarities of the conditions that existed when the stone was being formed.
The Play-of-Color Phenomenon
The typical feature of the Aurora Opal is the so-called play-of-color – an effect that resembles the
spectacle of the colors that search for their reflection in the mirror. This happens because when the light
passes through the material composed of the extremely small silica spheres forming the opal it will
diffract.
The size and the position of these spheres define the diapason and the saturation of the colors observed.
In the Aurora Opal, this play-of-color is more vivid and this often depicts a range such as the auroras
with deep green and blue to the fiery red and purple.
Physical Characteristics
Aurora Opal is also an opal and hence it is without any crystal structure like all the opal minerals. This
gives it a unique set of physical characteristics: This gives it a unique set of physical characteristics:
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1. Hardness:
The Aurora Opal is rated between 5 on the Mohs scale. 5 and 6. 5. Although it is somewhat softer in
comparison with most of the other gems, it is still possible to maintain the stunning appearance of the
stone for many years if proper actions are taken.
2. Specific Gravity:
It splits well, and its hardness is approximately 5.5 to 6, while its specific gravity is 1. 98 to 2. 25,
indicating its lightness. This property, together with the play-of-color that is brought out so openly,
makes it a preferred gemstone for pieces that do not impose heavy wear on the client.
3. Fracture and Luster:
The common cleavage or fracture of the Aurora Opal is conchoidal, therefore when it’s broken, the
surface area is curved. It exhibits vitreous to resinous luster making it even more attractive.
4. Water Content:
Another interesting fact about opals is that the Aurora Opal stone is not an exception – opals contain up
to 5% water, 3 % to 21%, to be exact. This water content is a part of the internal structure of the opal
and the diffraction of the light to form the play-of-color.
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Optical Properties
It is here so to speak that the Aurora Opal comes into its own, quite literally as it happens. A lot of
people believe that the mystical optical properties of this stone remind them of a Labradorite. Since the
silica spheres within the stone are not uniform in size and distribution it makes the play of light on the
stone look dynamic and living.
This is not only an eye candy but physics and geology coming alive in close harmony.
1. Transparency:
Aurora Opals are mainly transparent to opaque. The openness depends on the degree of the density of
the stone: with transparent stones, the spectrum of the play-of-color is more intensive.
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2. Color Base:
They come in different colors of the body either white black or even can be transparent like the aurora
opal. A darker or black base color generally increases the contrast of play-of-color making it more
pronounced.
3. Pattern:
The play-of-color pattern can be different: freely branching and, at the same time, having a rather large
size of the color flashes; or it can be very delicate, with scores of point Joyce. Each pattern is different,
which partially defines the individuality of an Aurora Opal.
There is a lot more left to learn about Opal and you can check out: Pearl Jewelry Trends in 2024.
Metaphysical Properties
●​ The Aurora Opal is not only a stone of centimeters and angles with a stunning luminosity, the
beauty of which is further enhanced by the brilliance of light reflections but also a stone of
metaphysical qualities.
●​ In different cultures, opals are considered stones of hope, purity, and in a way stones telling the
truth. Just like Moonstone, these stones are highly sought after because of these powers.
●​ From the magnificent colors of the Aurora Opal, this gemstone is said to help in enhancing
creativity, originality, and self-expression.
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●​ Most people link it with the crown chakra, meaning it has energies that are related to spirituality,
enlightenment, and things of that nature.
●​ To complement these meanings, wearing an Aurora Opal is believed to invite harmony into the
wearer’s life and, therefore, it is all about bringing the universe into people’s lives.
The Art of Crafting Aurora Opal Jewelry
It becomes a truly creative endeavor to turn rough Aurora Opal into a beautiful jewel that can be worn.
Due to the individuality of the stone per instrument, jewelers should ensure that its organic colors are
complimented.
1. Cutting and Shaping:
The Aurora Opal cutting can be described as a sensitive procedure. Due to it being relatively softer and
having higher water content, jewelers have to map each cut properly with the aim of not causing the
stone to crack but fully utilizing its play-of-color.
Cabochon cuts, in which the crown is flat and the pavilion is domed, are preferred to help reveal more
of the stone’s oil-sheen effect.
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2. Setting:
The environment in which the Aurora Opal jewelry is placed also aims at guarding the stone but at the
same time revealing it in the best possible way possible. Bezel settings are widely applied to keep the
stone horizontal and minimize the chances of its destruction by embracing it with metal.
Prong settings are also utilized, but one has to pay a bit more attention to make sure that the stone is
well-fixed.
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​3. Design:
In Aurora Opal’s jewelry creations, many of the designs originate from the theme of nature and the
universe because of the stone’s ethereal properties. Chaste and at the same time delicate designs in
metals, including gold or silver, harmonize with the brusque colors of the opal, producing jewelry that is
both classic and fashionable.
Caring for Your Aurora Opal
1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures:
Temperature shock is also another factor that affects opal; if the temperature changes suddenly, then it
will crack. Laying the stone in direct sunlight or proximal to any heat-producing source should also be
discouraged.
2. Moisture Maintenance:
Since an opal has water in it if for whatever reason the opal dries up it can become very fragile.
Humidifying, for example by leaving your Aurora Opal in a wet environment or even submerging it in
water from time to time, will allow it to be preserved.
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3. Gentle Cleaning:
If your Aurora Opal has been cleaned, wipe it with a clean microfiber cloth, a mixture of warm water,
and a drop of dish soap.
Do not use harsh chemicals for cleaning and never immerse the stone in ultrasonic cleaner.
4. Protective Storage:
When your Aurora Opal jewelry is not in use, it should be kept in a jewelry box or a soft pouch and
handy to avoid damage such as scratches.
Conclusion
Aurora Opal is not just a gem, it is a cosmic treasure, a fragment of the sky made real on this planet.
Many people consider these properties of opal as that they have the striking play-of-color, fine-grained
structure, and unique optical effects which make it one of nature’s most precious gems.
Whether used as an accessory or appreciated entirely organically, the Aurora Opal is about the beauty of
the art as nature created and the unfathomable beauty that flaunts beneath the surface of the earth.
As you welcome this gemstone into your life, may we allow the mystique of its beauty and share the
legacy of the colors it possesses.
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