Ópalo
Ópalo is a mineral with formula SiO₂·nH₂O, in the Mineraloides (Óxidos) group. This specimen comes from Wegeltena, Delanta Woreda, Wollo, Amhara, Etiopía.
Description
Fragment of opal with iridescent play-of-colour (green, red, blue) on matrix; small size, vitreous lustre, characteristic translucency.
About Ópalo
A hydrated siliceous mineraloid lacking a crystalline structure, known for its iridescent play-of-colour produced by diffraction of light in ordered silica microspheres. Ethiopian opals typically show very vivid colours even in small pieces, but they are sensitive to changes in humidity and can lose stability if not kept properly.
About the locality
Known since the early 21st century for large-scale production of opals with intense play-of-colour. A relatively recent source with abundant material on the market.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0470
- Internal reference
- T0077
- Composition
- SiO₂·nH₂O
- Name
- Ópalo
- Group
- Mineraloides (Óxidos)
- Category
- Cupidium
- Mine
- Wegeltena
- District / Municipality
- Delanta Woreda
- Province
- Wollo
- Region
- Amhara
- Country
- Etiopía
- Etymology
- From Latin "opalus", itself from Greek "opállios", a term used for gemstones showing colour change. Probably from Sanskrit "upala", meaning simply "stone".
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Limonita (Botroidal) — España
- Limonita (Botroidal) — España
- Limonita — España
- Ópalo — México
- Ópalo (Menilito) — España
- Ópalo (Hialita) — República Checa
- Ópalo (Menilito) — España
- Ópalo (Menilito) — España