White Opal

Big Photo

Australia
11.40 carats
© Palagems

A Precious Opal of white or light basic colour with play-of-colour.

White Opal Gemstones by Colour

This table shows the variety of hues this gemstone can be found in. Click on a photo for more information.
 
 
 
 

White Opal Gemstones by Size

This table shows distribution of White Opal gemstone sizes that are listed on this site. This can give a good indication as to the general availability of this gemstone in different sizes.
Contributed photos
Lightest:0.28 cts
Heaviest:23.69 cts
Average:8.31 cts
Total photos:18
Do you have a larger White Opal? Why not upload a photo?
0.28ct to 2.62ct2.62ct to 4.96ct4.96ct to 7.30ct7.30ct to 9.64ct9.64ct to 11.99ct11.99ct to 14.33ct14.33ct to 16.67ct16.67ct to 19.01ct19.01ct to 21.35ct21.35ct to 23.69ct
General Information
A variety or type of:Precious Opal, which is a variety of Opal
Chemical Formula
SiO
 
2
· nH
 
2
O
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Physical Properties of White Opal
Mohs Hardness5.5 to 6.5
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Specific Gravity1.98 to 2.50
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TenacityBrittle
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage QualityNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
FractureConchoidal,Splintery
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Optical Properties of White Opal
Refractive Index1.37 to 1.52
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
BirefringenceNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
PleochroismAbsent
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
DispersionNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Colour
Colour (General)White basic colour, play-of-colour
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TransparencyTranslucent,Opaque
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Fluorescence & other light emissions
Fluorescence (General)White, bluish, brownish, greenish
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Crystallography of White Opal
Crystal SystemAmorphous
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
HabitKidney- or grape-shaped aggregates
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Further Information
Mineral information:White Opal information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Australia
 
  • New South Wales
    • Yungnulgra Co.
  • South Australia
    • Andamooka Ranges
    • Central North
    • North West Province
      • Mintabie
www.mineshaft.com.au/1.htm.
Canada
 
  • British Columbia
    • Vernon Mining Division
      • Vernon
Ethiopia
 
  • Amhara Region
    • North Shewa Zone
Peru
 
  • Ica
    • Ica Province
      • Ica District
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