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opal
1[ oh-puhl ]
noun
- a mineral, an amorphous form of silica, SiO 2 with some water of hydration, found in many varieties and colors, including a form that is milky white.
- an iridescent variety of this that is used as a gem.
- a gem of this.
Opal
2[ oh-puhl ]
noun
- a female given name.
opal
/ ˈəʊpəl /
noun
- an amorphous, usually iridescent, mineral that can be of almost any colour, found in igneous rocks and around hot springs. It is used as a gemstone. Composition: hydrated silica. Formula: SiO 2 . n H 2 O
opal
/ ō′pəl /
- A usually transparent mineral consisting of hydrous silica. Opal can occur in almost any color, but it is often pinkish white with a milky or pearly appearance. It typically forms within cracks in igneous rocks, in limestones, and in mineral veins. It also occurs in the silica-rich shells of certain marine organisms. Chemical formula: SiO 2 ·nH 2 O.
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Derived Forms
- ˈopal-ˌlike, adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of opal1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of opal1
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Example Sentences
The OPAL program watches the planets for less than one day a year.
The rebels then turned their guns on the family huddled in the Opal.
One of the more positive parts of your personal life is your marriage to Opal Stone Perlman, which has lasted over three decades.
That clock has four faces made of opal, estimated at a value of $10-20 million.
In that case, at least, Little, Brown responded by pulling Opal from the bookshelves.
He owned a 54-ton yacht named the Opal, and attributed the wonderful health he enjoyed to his numerous sea voyages.
If the collodion is good, the film is semi-transparent, of a bluish opal-like appearance.
He fell asleep, and soon and slowly and ever so dimly the opal light of the prairie dawn crept shyly over the landscape.
The moon, ringed by a halo, shone like an opal in the milk-white sky.
He was drinking a dose of sal-volatile, and admiring its opal tint.
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More About Opal
What does opal mean?
An opal is a gemstone that’s best known for its iridescent, milky-white variety.
Other varieties are black and gray, but it can be almost any color. As a mineral, opal is a form of silica.
Unlike many of the other gemstones used in jewelry, opal is not crystalline, meaning it does not form in a crystal structure—it looks like a stone, as opposed to a faceted jewel like a diamond.
Opal gemstones are classified as common or precious. Precious is a label given to certain gemstones that are high in value. Opals labeled precious are typically those that display a high level of iridescence.
Opal is the traditional birthstone for the month of October. It is associated with the zodiac signs Libra and Scorpio.
Example: The opal pendant had flecks of green, pink, and blue.
Where does opal come from?
The first records of the word opal come from the 1300s. It comes from the Greek opállios, meaning “opal” or “gem.” The word may be related to the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone.”
Opal is an amorphous hydrated silica mineral. The word hydrated indicates that water is a large part of its makeup (up to 20%). Opal is found in igneous rocks, often around hot springs. It is also found in the shells of some marine organisms.
Some opal is synthetic, meaning it is manufactured.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to opal-like?
- opal-like (adjective)
What are some words that often get used in discussing opal?
How is opal used in real life?
Opal is commonly used in jewelry and is known for its iridescent qualities.
Play-of-color occurs in precious #opal when lightwaves travel between spheres – the waves bend and break up into the colors of the rainbow. pic.twitter.com/Gj9sVqpZXd
— GIA (@GIAnews) October 27, 2017
This 14K rose gold ring has one 4.5mm lab created opal and four small diamonds to give it some sparkle. Add a textured halo, and voilà, You've got the perfect trendy little ring to wear with your favorite outfits! pic.twitter.com/X2p0Ammvyb
— Royal Diadem Jewelers (@royaldiadem) March 5, 2021
…Ah! An opal…! It's my birthstone! That reminds me that I really wanted a new bracelet~. A bracelet with my birth crystal sounds so cool…!
— taichi bot 🏳️🌈 (@taichiquotebot) March 2, 2021
Try using opal!
True or False?
Precious opal is considered a gemstone, but it does not have a crystalline structure.
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