When choosing an opal, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select a high-quality and valuable stone. These factors include the opal’s play-of-color, body tone, pattern, and size.
The play-of-color is the most important factor to consider when choosing an opal. This refers to the way the opal reflects light and creates a rainbow of colors. The more vibrant and intense the play-of-color, the more valuable the opal will be. The body tone of the opal is also important. This refers to the color of the opal when it is not reflecting light. The most desirable body tones are white or black, as these allow the play-of-color to be more visible. The pattern of the opal is also a factor to consider. Some opals have a regular, repeating pattern, while others have a more chaotic and unique pattern. The size of the opal is also important, as larger opals are more rare and valuable.
