Define Opal: The Stone, the Word, and What Counts
The definition of opal: hydrated amorphous silica, where the word came from, what counts as real opal, and the six forms a rough parcel turns up.
Richard Lewis
Alexandrite: June’s Color-Changing Birthstone
Alexandrite is June’s rarest birthstone, green by day and red by night. A jeweler explains the color change, its history, value, and natural versus lab-grown.
June 21 Birthstone: What Stone Is It?
Born on June 21? Your birthstones are June’s three: pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. A jeweler explains the solstice cusp and which stone to choose.
Why Does June Have 3 Birthstones?
June has three birthstones: pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. A jeweler explains why, where the list came from, and that all three are equally official.
June Birthstone: Pearl, Moonstone and Alexandrite
June has three birthstones: pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. How to tell them apart, what each suits, and which to choose.
October Birthstone: Opal and Tourmaline Explained
October has two birthstones, opal and tourmaline. What each one is, the tourmaline colors, how to tell them apart, and which to choose.
Opal Birthstone: October’s Stone of Color
Opal is October’s traditional birthstone. Why it makes a wonderful, one-of-a-kind birthday gift, how to choose one, and how to care for it.
What Does Opal Look Like? A Visual Guide to Opal Patterns
A visual guide to what opal looks like: body tone, the main play-of-color patterns, which colors are rare, and how the main types appear.
Rare Opal Varieties: Harlequin, Contra Luz and Other Prizes
The rare opals collectors chase: harlequin, contra luz, red-on-black, Yowah nuts and Virgin Valley, and what makes each so sought after.
Opalized Fossils: When Ancient Life Turns to Opal
Opalized fossils are shells and bones that slowly turned to opal. What they are, how they form, where they are found, and whether you can wear one.