Opals are categorized by their background "body tone," which dramatically affects how the colors pop.

: Known for its warm yellow, orange, or red body color. Unlike other opals, some fire opals are transparent and may not show a play-of-color. 2. Identify Assembled vs. Solid Stones

What To Look For * Play-of-Color Is The Most Important Quality Factor For Opal. There are three main aspects of an opal's quality. Opal Jewelry Buying Guide - Angara

: The rarest and most valuable type. Its dark background provides the ultimate contrast for brilliant rainbow flashes.

If you are on a budget, you might encounter or triplets . Opal Gemstone | Opal Stone - GIA

: Formed within ironstone, these often have a dark, natural backing that makes them durable and gives them a striking appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions * Is opal jewelry good for daily wear? Opals are softer than many gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 5. Buying guide FAQs on Opals - The Natural Gemstone Company