Stunning White Opal: How to Buy, Meanings, Properties, Facts & More

With its ethereal beauty and stunning iridescence, White Opal is a gemstone that captures the imagination and awakens the senses.

It is a symbol of purity, innocence, and hope, and it has been revered for its healing powers and spiritual significance for centuries.

This buying guide explores white opal, its meanings, properties, history, mining, treatments, care tips, and identification.

Whether you are a collector, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply looking to add a little magic to your life, this guide will help you unlock the full potential of this mystical gemstone.

So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of white opal together!

What is White Opal?

White opal is a beautiful healing stone with distinct color plays that range from subtle flashes to vibrant bursts of color. Its white body tone makes it a precious stone that shines brilliantly in the light.

Aside from its aesthetic appeal, white opal is known for its healing properties and ability to bring peace, enhance creativity, and boost self-confidence. Its gentle yet powerful energy makes it a popular choice for achieving balance and harmony.

With all these amazing qualities, white opal is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for its amazing qualities. Now, let’s dive into the ultimate buying guide for this stunning gemstone.

White Opal Buying Guide

If you’re in the market for a stunning gemstone that will turn heads and make a statement, you’ll want to keep in mind a few key things before making your purchase. 

When shopping for a white opal, it is important to consider its size, shape, and clarity, just like with other opals. It is advisable to look for stones that have a mixture of colors and a clear appearance. For a complete list, please read our Buying Opal guide.

Proper care is essential in keeping it looking beautiful for years to come, let’s discuss this in the next section.

Proper Care Of White Opal

To keep your stunning white opal looking its best, you’ll need to take proper care of it – from avoiding harsh chemicals to storing it properly when not in use. Read our Opal Care tips to ensure your gemstone stays in top condition.

By taking proper care of your white opal, you can ensure that it’ll continue to shine brightly for years to come.

In the next section, we’ll discuss how to identify the authenticity of your white opal and how to spot synthetics.

Authenticity and Synthetics

Make sure you know the authenticity of your white opal and how to identify synthetics. Authenticity is crucial when it comes to opals because they’re highly valued and expensive.

When looking at opals, check for consistent color patterns, visible inclusions, and color movement.  If the color pattern is too consistent or too perfect, it may be synthetic. Knowing if your white opal is authentic will save you money and help you appreciate its properties and meanings. Read our post on the Value of Opal for more information on how to check authenticity.

With authenticity in mind, let’s dive into the topic of mining and treatments.

Mining and Treatments

White opals are found in sedimentary rocks and are mined using open-pit mining methods. The mining process involves removing waste rock to uncover the opal-bearing rocks, which are then taken to a processing plant. At the plant, the opals are cleansed to remove impurities and increase their water content. They are also treated to enhance their natural beauty.

Here are three treatments commonly used in the white opal industry:

1. Fossilization process: Opals are soaked in a solution with magnesium sulfate to make them stronger and more durable.
2. Hydrated silica gel treatment: This treatment involves placing the opals in a solution containing hydrated silica gel, which fills in any cracks or pores in the opal, enhancing its color and beauty.
3. Heat treatment: This treatment involves exposing the opals to high temperatures, which can enhance their color and also remove any impurities.

Now that we know how white opals are mined and treated, let’s explore how they’re formed in nature.

White Opal Formation

White opals, like all opals, take millions of years to form through a special interplay of earth and water.

Water seeping into the earth picks up silica from rocks. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind silica deposits. These deposits accumulate and harden into white opal.

White opal formation is also dependent on hydration. The silica deposits must be hydrated to form the opal. Without hydration, the silica deposits will simply remain as silica. The amount of hydration in the deposits affects the opal’s color and opacity. The more hydrated the silica deposits are, the more opaque the opal will be.

Let’s move on to the physical properties of white opals.

Physical Properties

White opals are formed through the interaction of earth and water over time. They have a milky white or light gray base color and can show flashes of other colors when moved. 

The physical properties of white opal that contribute to its beauty are as follows:

• Hardness: White opals have a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, indicating a moderate level of hardness.
• Toughness: White opals are considered to have fair to poor toughness, meaning they can be prone to breakage or cracking if not handled with care.
• Luster: White opals exhibit a vitreous to resinous luster, giving them a shiny and reflective appearance.
• Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of white opals ranges from 1.98 to 2.20, indicating a relatively high density compared to water.
• Water Content: White opals contain varying amounts of water, typically ranging from 3% to 10% by weight. This water content contributes to their unique physical and optical properties.
• Inclusions: White opals may contain various inclusions such as small fractures, impurities, or mineral deposits, which can affect their overall appearance and quality.
• Fracture: White opals exhibit a distinctive fracture type known as conchoidal fracture, which means they tend to break along smooth, curved lines resembling the shape of a shell.
• Cleavage: White opals do not have a distinct cleavage, meaning they do not naturally split along specific planes or directions.
• Carat Weight: White opals can be found in a range of carat weights, from small fragments to larger specimens weighing several carats.
• Color: White opals have a milky white or light gray base color, with flashes of other colors that can appear when the stone is moved. These flashes can include vibrant greens, blues, oranges, and reds.
• Shape: White opals can be found in various shapes, including oval, round, pear, and irregular shapes. The shape is typically determined by the rough material from which the opal is cut.

Healing Properties

Unlock the full potential of this mystical gemstone and experience its powerful healing effects on both the mind and body. It possesses unique healing properties that can aid in spiritual practices and foster a deeper connection with oneself.

Let us first delve into physical healing as we explore the healing properties of it.

Physical Healing

Let’s explore how this mystical stone can aid in physical healing and enhance your overall well-being. It is often used in the energy healing community to help alleviate physical ailments.

Energy healers in the crystal healing community believe that white opal has the power to aid in the recovery of physical ailments and injuries. It is also believed to be beneficial for expectant mothers, as it is thought to help with the birthing process and ease the pain of labor.

It can be helpful for physical healing, but it should not replace medical advice or treatment from a licensed professional. Rose quartz is often used with white opal for physical healing to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Emotional Healing

As you delve into the emotional healing properties of it, you’ll discover that it’s a stone that has the power to soothe and calm the mind. Its gentle touch can help ease anxiety and stress, making it the perfect stone for those who are looking for emotional healing.

It is particularly useful for those who are looking to tap into their feminine energies. It has the power to help you connect with your inner goddess, allowing you to embrace your natural intuition and creativity. 

White Opal Chakra

Now that we’ve discussed the healing properties of it, let’s delve into its connection to the chakra system.

It activates and balances the crown chakra, bringing inner peace and clarity to our purpose in life. It is beneficial for those with low motivation or negative thoughts and promotes overall well-being.

The hues of opal jewelry are thought to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making it a great stone to wear during meditation or when seeking greater spiritual connection.

With its powerful connection to the crown chakra, white opal is truly a gemstone of spiritual awakening and higher consciousness.

It is important to regularly cleanse and recharge your chakra stone to ensure its continued strength and effectiveness. Read our beginners guide on chakra and learn more about recharging and cleansing your opal.

Zodiac Connection

If you’re a Libra, you’re in luck as white opal is one of the birthstones for your zodiac sign. This gemstone represents balance and harmony, which are important to Libras. This gemstone is ideal for astrology enthusiasts and has significance for other zodiac signs as well.

It is beneficial for Aries, Gemini, and Scorpio. Aries gains courage and confidence, Gemini experiences calming effects, and Scorpio enhances intuition and protection against negative energies.

With its diverse meanings and properties, it is a gemstone that can provide benefits for anyone, regardless of their zodiac sign. 

Uses and Combinations

One way to incorporate white opal into your jewelry collection is by pairing it with other gemstones for a unique and personalized look. Combining it with turquoise can give a bohemian vibe, perfect for those who want to feel connected to nature and their inner self.

In the business world, white opal is known to attract loyal business partners and is said to bring good luck and prosperity.

With its stunning beauty and powerful properties, white opal is truly a perfect gemstone for those who want to add a touch of magic to their lives.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, our ultimate guide to white opal. We hope that this article has been helpful in guiding you towards making an informed purchase and caring for your white opal jewelry.

Remember, white opal is a beautiful and unique gemstone that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit.

As we were researching and writing this article, we couldn’t help but notice the coincidence that white opal is often associated with purity and innocence, making it a perfect gift for mothers.

So why not surprise her with a beautiful white opal piece? She deserves it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does White Opal compare to other types of opals in terms of value and rarity?

White opal is less valuable and rare than Black Opal and Crystal Opal. However, it still has its own unique beauty and charm. It’s important to consider personal preference and budget when choosing an opal.

Can White Opal be used in jewelry making and what types of settings work best?

Yes, white opal can be used in jewelry making. It’s a versatile gemstone that can be set in various types of settings, including prong, bezel, and pave. The choice of setting depends on personal preference and the design of the jewelry piece.

What is the history and cultural significance of White Opal?

White opal has a rich cultural history and significance in many societies. It has been revered for its beauty and mystical properties for centuries. Exploring its cultural significance can deepen our understanding and appreciation of this stunning gemstone.

Are there any superstitions or beliefs surrounding White Opal?

Yes, many cultures believe white opal brings good luck and wards off evil spirits. Some also believe it can enhance creativity and inspire originality. However, it’s important to remember that superstitions are based on cultural beliefs and not scientific evidence.

How does the quality of White Opal vary based on the location it was mined from?

The quality of white opal can vary depending on where it was mined. Australian white opals are known for their brightness and color play, while Mexican white opals tend to have a softer appearance.