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Opal Loose Gemstones

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Gemstone: Opal
1.1ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.1 cts Measurements: 8.82 x 6.84 x 2.90 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transparenc...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

22.17-Carat Pear-Shaped Ethiopian Opal – Rare Luxury Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
22.17-Carat Pear-Shaped Ethiopian Opal – Exquisite Gemstone for Fine Collectors by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. A Gem of Radiance and Elegance for the Fine Gem Lover The 22.17-car...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

3.34ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.34 cts Measurements: 11.91 x 9.92 x 6.58 mm mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pav...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2.8ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.8 cts Measurements: 13.75 x 11.81 x 2.21 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

3.18ct Freeform Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.18 cts Measurements: 18.75 x 8.73 x 2.77 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pa...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

3.80 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
3.80 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 14.5x5.5 MM Weight : 3.80 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

9.03 Carat Opal
Located in Bangkok, TH
This piece is a massive and stunning, 9.03 Carat Opal, in a mesmerising, elongated-oval shape that has a gorgeous, sky-blue hue. Opals are a unique and captivating type of gemstone k...
Category

19th Century Edwardian Antique Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

3.01ct Oval Cabochon Crystal Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.01 cts Measurements: 13.66x10.04x4.77 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cabochon Cutting Style Pavilion: Tran...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2.36ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.36 cts Measurements: 20.15 x 8.88 x 2.34 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pa...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

15.54 Carat Oval Opal GIA Certified
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 2203893790 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double Cabochon Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style:...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2 cts Measurements: 11.65 x 8.02 x 3.07 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion:...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

20.13 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
20.13 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone Gemstone : Opal doublet Size :31x14.5 MM Weight :20.13 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Opal Stone 27.63 Carat Natural Ethiopian Pear Shape loose Gemstone
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 27.63 carat pear shape Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine gem aficionado. Returns are accepted and paid by us within 7 days of delivery. We offer supr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

3.69ct Pear Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.69 cts Measurements: 16.41 x 9.27 x 4.10 mm Shape: Pear Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavili...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.19ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.19 cts Measurements: 9.22 x 7.70 x 2.75 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 8.68 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 8.68 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

0.84ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.84 cts Measurements: 13.92 x 5.16 x 1.97 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pa...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

0.66ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.66 cts Measurements: 8.27 x 6.01 x 2.10 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 1.78 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This stunning Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the rough...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.63ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.63 cts Measurements: 12.80 x 10.42 x 1.79 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavil...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.42ct Oval Cabochon Black Opal GIA Certified
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 6227841105 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: Pavil...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

1.66ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.66 cts Measurements: 11.95 x 7.64 x 2.88 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Rare 51.39-Carat Ethiopian Opal – Luxury Gemstone for Collectors Beverly Hills
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 51.39-Carat Free-Form Ethiopian Opal Gemstone By Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. The 51.39-carat free-form Ethiopian Opal is an extraordinary masterpiece for collectors and c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

3.8ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.8 cts Measurements: 18.73 x 7.18 x 3.35 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pav...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Massive 56 Carat Australian Black Opal: Rare Lightning Ridge Gemstone Treasure
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An extraordinary 56-carat Australian Black Opal, sourced from the renowned Lightning Ridge. This massive and rare gemstone is a true collector's treasure, celebrated for its mesmeriz...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Arts and Crafts Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

Natural 20.94 Ct Australian rainbow boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 20.94 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2020. Sue processed the rough opal herself and c...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

0.72ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.72 cts Measurements: 8.07 x 6.20 x 2.15 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.35ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.35 cts Measurements: 10.60 x 7.38 x 3.05 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 4.15 Ct Australian pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 4.15 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the ro...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 8.30 Ct Australian pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 8.30 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 9.59 Ct rainbow Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.66 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself an...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.32ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.32 cts Measurements: 11.16 x 6.51 x 2.81 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavili...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 7.61 Ct Australian carved flower opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.61 Ct Australian wood replacement opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Two Natural Australian Black Opal 0.26ct, 0.23ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making
Located in Suwanee, GA
Two Natural Australian Black Opal 0.26ct, 0.23ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping! Free Gift Bag/Box with every order! Every Opal piece is Uni...
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

Small Round Australian Boulder Opal 0.50ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making
Located in Suwanee, GA
Small Round Australian Boulder Opal 0.50ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping! Free Gift Bag/Box with every order! Every Opal piece is Unique. W...
Category

2010s American Artist Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 12.61 Ct Australian green-blue black boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This rare 12.61 Ct Australian black boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cu...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

Opal Stone 27.42 Carat Natural Ethiopian Oval loose Gemstone
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 27.42 carat oval Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to an avid gem collector. Returns are accepted and paid by us within 7 days of delivery. We offer supreme cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

4.34 ct Pear Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 4.34 cts Clarity: Translucent Colour: Multicolour Flash Measurements: 15.95x10.5x5.39mm Shape: Cabochon Treatment: None Origin: Ethiopia Notes: EOP0059
Category

2010s Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

0.47ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.47 cts Measurements: 8.12 x 6.13 x 1.41 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

15.10 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
15.10 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone Gemstone : Opal doublet Size :18x17 MM Weight :15.10 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal

Natural 9.35 Ct Carved Crystal Australian Opal Scarab mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 9.35 Ct Australian crystal opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself and se...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

0.8ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.8 cts Measurements: 8.14 x 6.11 x 2.31 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 5.53 Ct Australian Gem Opal Crystal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 5.53 Ct natural Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Crystal

2.38ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.38 cts Measurements: 13.74 x 10.32 x 2.59 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style P...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 4.37 Ct Australian ocean-coloured boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This pretty 4.37 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category

2010s Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

3.98ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.98 cts Measurements: 18.95 x 10.73 x 2.96 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style P...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Heart Shaped Natural Australian Black Opal 1.01ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making
Located in Suwanee, GA
Heart Shaped Natural Australian Black Opal 1.01ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping! Free Gift Bag/Box with every order! Every Opal piece is Un...
Category

2010s American Artist Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

14.4 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
14.4 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone Gemstone : Opal doublet Size :19x16 MM Weight :14.4 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 9.42 Ct Australian light pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 9.42 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 5.24 Ct Australian pink boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 5.24 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the roug...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Trillion-Cut Ethiopian Opal – Rare Gem of Elegance by Merkaba Beverly Hills
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
12.00-Carat Trillion-Cut Ethiopian Opal – A Rare and Unique Gem by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. A Trillion-Cut Treasure for the Discerning Connoisseur The 12.00-carat trillion-cut...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Exquisite 29.98 Carat Round Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone – Luxury Masterpiece
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning 29.98 Carat Round Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone – A Natural Masterpiece for the Discerning Gem Connoisseur By Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills Presenting an exceptional 29.98 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural solid 21.67 Ct Crystal Starfish Australian Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 21.67 Ct Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a large starfish, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

Natural 20.08 Ct Carved Boulder Opal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 20.08 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough boulder opal herself...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 5.10 Ct Australian Opal Crystal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 5.10 Ct natural Australian crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

Natural 3.33 Ct Crystal Australian Opal Carved Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 3.33 Ct Australian wood replacement opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

Natural 3.53 Australian pink and green boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 3.53 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 13.54 Ct carved Boulder Opal butterfly wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 13.54 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough boulder opal herself...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal

Opals and Other Loose Gemstones for Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, find a collection of opals and other loose gemstones to help you create your own custom jewelry.

Unless you're a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment, you're probably looking for loose gemstones because you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation. 

Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.

Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)

Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!

There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.

So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.

Find a range of opals and other loose gemstones on 1stDibs.

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