Opal is a gemstone composed of silica and water that is typically semitransparent and displays different colors against a dark background. Australia produces 97% of the world's opal. Ethiopia discovered a new source of opal in 2008. Mexico has one of the oldest opal mines. Opal comes from many places around the world and is transformed from its natural state to polished gemstones used in jewelry.

1. a gemstone that consists of silica and water,
typically semitransparent and shows varying
colors against a dark background

2. 
Australia
produces
97% of the
opal in the
world
Ethiopia
just had a
new source
discovered
in 2008
Mexico
has one of
the oldest
opal
mines
Opal comes from many places…

3. Tesfay Desta is a miner
from Ethiopia who mines
opal. He visits both Europe
and the United States to sell
his opals.
This is how opal looks in its
original form. This particular
piece is an 8 ton piece of opal
from Australia. It is worth
over $1 million.

4. This is Ethiopian Opal
ready to be cut
This is cut Ethiopian opal
ready to be polished
This is a different angle of Australian
opal in its natural form. Ethiopian opal
is similar when it is still mixed with
rock.
Ethiopian Opal

5. Mexican Fire
Opal
When the opal is not able to be extracted
or is not of sufficient quality, they are cut
into egg shapes. At this location, vendors
sale the Mexican Fire Opal by the jar in
both cut and uncut material.

6. Opal inspires and fosters love, passion, loyalty, and spontaneity. It can
also help promote self-esteem, concentration and healing.
Each color and type of opal has a more in depth meaning as well.
Opal Stone Meaning
Opals in jewelry are best by
themselves or paired with
diamonds.
Finished opal cabochons ready
for jewelry