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Precious Opal

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Big Photo

Black Opal
Virgin Valley District, Humboldt Co., Nevada, USA
© 2001 John H. Betts

Show Precious Opal Photos (223)



Formula:
SiO
 
2
 · nH
 
2
O
Colour:Multi-coloured
A variety of Opal

A valuable gem-variety of opal.
Most, but not all, is of the opal subtype Opal-AG.

Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Precious Opal. Currently in public beta-test.

Classification of Precious Opal

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Physical Properties of Precious Opal

Colour:Multi-coloured

Chemical Properties of Precious Opal

Formula:
SiO
 
2
 · nH
 
2
O
Essential elements:H, O, Si
All elements listed in formula:H, O, Si

Other Names for Precious Opal

Synonyms:
Rainbow Opal
Other Languages:
Varieties:
Bandfire OpalBlack OpalBoulder OpalClaro OpalContra Luz Opal
Crystal OpalHarlequin OpalLechosos OpalLevin OpalMother of Opal
Opal MatrixPainter BoulderPinfire OpalPyrophaneRed Flash Opal
White OpalYowah Nut

Other Information

Health Warning:No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

References for Precious Opal

Reference List:

- +
Jones, J.B. and E.R. Segnit (1971), The nature of opal. I Nomenclature and constituent phases. Journal of the Geological Society of Australia: 18: 57-68.

Anal. Chem. Acta (1994): 286: 107.

Lapis Extra No. 10, Opal (1996).

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    • Localities for Precious Opal

    The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
    Hide Locality List
    (TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
    Australia
     
    • New South Wales
      • Finch Co.
    		[var: Black Opal] Opal, Lithographie, 2007
    - Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville. - Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram. - Australian Opal Centre web site http://www.australianopalcentre.com/
    - Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    - Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    - Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville. - Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    [var: Black Opal] Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville.
    Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville.
    Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville.
    Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville.
    - Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram. - Australian Opal Centre web site http://www.australianopalcentre.com/
    - Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville. - Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram. - Australian Opal Centre web site http://www.australianopalcentre.com/
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram.
    Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville.
      • Narran Co.
        • Angledool
    		- Smith, E. & R. (1999): Black Opal Fossils of Lightning Ridge - Treasures from the Rainbow Billabong, Kangaroo Press, East Roseville. - Cram, L. (2004): A Journey with Colour, Vol 2, Part B - A History of Lightning Ridge Opal 1873-2003, Len Cram. - Australian Opal Centre web site http://www.australianopalcentre.com/
      • Yungnulgra Co.
    		No reference listed
    [var: Boulder Opal]
      • Bulloo Shire
        • McKinley Co.
          • Bulloo River
            • Blackwater Creek
    		Rocks & Min.: 8:15.
          • Listowel Downs
    		Rocks & Min.:8:4.
      • Paroo Shire
      • Quilpie Shire
    		[var: Boulder Opal]
    Martins da Pedra collection
      • Winton Shire
    		[var: Boulder Opal] Dennis Tryon collection
    • South Australia
      • Andamooka Ranges - Lake Torrens area
    		[var: Black Opal] Opal, Lithographie, 2007
      • Coober Pedy - Everard Range Regions
    		No reference listed
      • Mintabie
    		John Nijhuis.
    Brazil
     
    • Pará
      • São Geraldo do Araguaia
    Canada
     
    • British Columbia
      • Omenica Mining Division
        • Burns Lake
    		www.em.gov.bc.ca/cf/minfile
        • Troitsa Peak
    		www.em.gov.bc.ca/cf/minfile
      • Vernon Mining Division
        • Vernon
    		www.em.gov.bc.ca/cf/minfile; Simandl, G.J. (2009): Nonmetallic minerals other than coal: Industrial minerals, gemstones and aggregate in British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Geological Survey, Paper 2009‐2, pages.
    Germany
     
    • Saxony
      • Döbeln
    		H. Vollstädt, R. Baumgärtel: "Einheimische Edelsteine", 2nd. ed., Steinkopff (Dresden), 1977
    Honduras
    [var: Opal Matrix]  
    • Gracias a Dios Department
    		Rocks & Min.:8:8.
    • Lempira Department
    		[var: Black Opal] N. Jb. Mineral. Abh. 186 (2009) 11-20.
    Hungary
    www.giant.net.au/users/bmi/prof.htm.
    • Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén Co.
      • Zemplén Mts. (Tokaj Mts.)
        • Erdőhorváti
    		[var: Black Opal]
    [var: Black Opal] Szakáll & Gatter: Hungarian Mineral Species, 1993
        • Komlóska
    		[var: Black Opal] Koch: Minerals of Hungary, 1985
        • Legyesbénye
    		[var: Black Opal] Szakáll: Top.Min. Hun.
        • Megyaszó
    		Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
    Szakáll: Topographia Mineralogica Hungariae III.
        • Tállya
    		[var: Black Opal]
        • Telkibánya
    		Szakáll-Weiszburg: Telkibánya
    Indonesia
     
    • Jawa Island (Java Island)
      • Banten Province
    		Extra Lapis - English No. 10 Opal
    Mexico
     
    • Guanajuato
      • Mun. de Cuerámaro
        • Cuerámaro
    		Panczner(1987):286.
      • Mun. de Pénjamo
        • Pénjamo
    		Panczner(1987):287.
    • Jalisco
      • Mun. de Magdalena
        • La Amazata
    		Panczner(1987):287.
    Panczner(1987):287.
        • Magdalena
    		Panczner (1987): 287.
    Panczner (1987): 287.
        • San Andrés
    		Panczner(1987): 288.
        • San Simón
    		Panczner(1987):288.
    Panczner (1987): 288.
      • Mun. de San Cristóbal de la Barranca
        • El Salvador
    		Panczner(1987):288.
    Panczner(1987):288.
    • Nayarit
      • Mun. de Jalisco
        • La Curva
    		Panczner(1987):288.
    • Queretaro
      • Mun. de Amealco
        • Amealco
    		Panczner (1987): 288.
      • Mun. de Ezequiel Montés
        • Ezequiel Montés
    		Panczner(1987):289.
    [var: Contra Luz Opal]
      • Mun. de Tequisquiapan
        • La Trinidad
    		Panczner(1987):289.
    Slovakia
     
    • Banská Bystrica Region
      • Krupina Co.
        • Hontianske Nemce
    		Koděra, M. et al., 1986 a 1990 : Topografická mineralógia Slovenska, diel 1- 3, Veda – Vydavateľstvo SAV, Bratislava, 1990, 1 – 1590k
    • Prešov Region
      • Prešov Co.
        • Červenica
          • Dubník
    		Koděra, M. et al., 1986 a 1990 : Topografická mineralógia Slovenska, diel 1- 3, Veda – Vydavateľstvo SAV, Bratislava, 1990, 1 – 1590
    Koděra, M. et al (1986): Topografická mineralógia Slovenska. VEDA - vydavateľstvo SAV, 1986, part 1, page 257 - 274
    Koděra, M. et al., 1986 a 1990 : Topografická mineralógia Slovenska, diel 1- 3, Veda – Vydavateľstvo SAV, Bratislava, 1990, 1 – 1590
    Somaliland
     
    • Jodha
    		Journal of Gemmology, 28:81-84 (2002).
    Spain
     
    • Canary Islands
      • Las Palmas Province
    		Extra Lapis - English No. 10 Opal
    • Catalonia
      • Girona (Gerona)
        • La Selva
          • Caldes de Malavella
    		Joaquim Mollfulleda, Minerales, Omega, 1996
          • Sils
    		Joaquim Mollfulleda, Minerales, Omega, 1996
    USA
     
    • Arizona
      • Maricopa Co.
        • Vulture Mts
          • Vulture District
    		Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 87.
      • Santa Cruz Co.
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 193.
        • Oro Blanco Mts
          • Oro Blanco District (Ruby District)
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 193.
        • Redrock District
          • Redrock Canyon
            • East of Red Rock Canyon
    		Lewis, W. Scott (1942), Gem collecting in California: Hobbies: 47: 116-117; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 282.
      • Yavapai Co.
        • Bradshaw Mts (Bradshaw Range)
          • Castle Creek District
    		Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 87.
    • Arkansas
      • Garland Co.
        • Wilson Springs (Potash Sulfur Springs)
          • Union Carbide Mine
    		R&M 70:3 pp 154-170
    • California
      • Kern Co.
        • El Paso Mts
          • Last Chance Canyon
    		Christopher N. Wentzell
    Christopher Wentzell
      • Napa Co.
        • Knoxville District
          • Knoxville
    • Idaho
      • Clark Co.
        • Spencer
    		Extra Lapis - English No. 10 Opal
    Extra Lapis - English No. 10 Opal
      • Latah Co.
    		The Moscow Opal Mines 1890 to 1893 (The First Commercial Opal Mines in the United States), Ron Brockett, 1975
    Dake, 1956. NW Gem Trails, 2nd ed.
      • Lemhi Co.
        • Salmon
    		Extra Lapis - English No. 10 Opal
      • Owyhee Co.
    		Dake, 1956. NW Gem Trails, 2nd ed.
    • Louisiana
      • Vernon Parish
    		R&M 69:3 pp 156-162
    • Nebraska
      • Custer Co.
    		The Minerals and Gemstones of Nebraska CSD U Neb EC 2
      • Furnas Co.
    		The Minerals and Gemstones of Nebraska CSD U Neb EC 2
      • Morrill Co.
    		The Minerals and Gemstones of Nebraska CSD U Neb EC 2
    • Nevada
      • Humboldt Co.
        • Donnelly District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
        • Santa Rosa Mountains
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    USGS Bull 1538D
    NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada; USGS Bull 1538D
    Christopher Wentzell
    Eckert, Allen W. (1997) The World of Opals. (John Wiley & Sons, New York). p. 312,310.
    Rocks & Min.:13:56.; USGS Bull 1538D
    Christopher Wentzell collection.
    USGS Bull 1538D
    Christopher Wentzell
    NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    USGS Bull 1538D
    Rocks & Min.: 8:16; 19:13.; USGS Bull 1538D
    USGS Bull 1538D
    NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    Christopher Wentzell;
          • WRT Stonetree group
    		Christopher Wentzell collection.
    Sinkankas, John (1959) Gemstones of North America. Figure 30 at page 116.
    Christopher N. Wentzell
      • Lincoln Co.
        • Mormon Mountains District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Nye Co.
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    • New Mexico
      • Grant Co.
        • Central District
    		Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
    Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
      • Sandoval Co.
    		NMBMMR Bull 81 Summary of the Mineral Resources of Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Santa Fe Counties, New Mexico
    • Oregon
      • Lake Co.
    		Dake, 1956. NW Gem Trails, 2nd ed.
      • Morrow Co.
    		Extra Lapis - English No. 10 Opal
    • Texas
      • Brewster Co.
        • Alpine
    		http://www.omsinc.org/archives/Ore-cutts_Jan04.pdf
    • Washington
      • Whitman Co.
        • Pullman
    		Dake, 1956. NW Gem Trails, 2nd ed.
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    Copyright © Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau 1993-2013. Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them. Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. Mindat does not offer minerals for sale. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register.
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