Opal types demystified: From fire to boulder and everything in between

Every opal is one-of-a-kind—and what this means to you is the power to express your individuality with something truly rare. Ultimately, you'll feel a quiet kind of confidence that shines through, knowing no one else in the world is wearing your exact piece.

Opals require very specific environmental conditions to form. A silica-rich solution must seep into rock crevices and slowly evaporate over millions of years. These conditions produce opals with signature "play-of-color," unlike the uniformity found in most other gemstones. Even in the same mine, one opal can flash neon green while another glows soft lavender. This is why opals have earned their rightful title: The Queen of Gems.

From the ethereal beauty of white opals to the mysterious allure of black opals, there's a type of opal for every mood, moment, and personality. Here's how to find your perfect fit—and how each opal might just brighten your day in ways you never expected.

White Opals: Known for their milky white base with rainbow flashes. White opals are versatile and easy to pair with any outfit. This opal is for you if you like wearing color in an understand way. Picture meeting a friend for brunch. Sunlight hits your opals and it’s like you’re wearing a gentle smile.

Black Opals: Considered the rarest and most valuable type of opal due to rarity and contrast, black opals feature a dark base with intense flashes of color that create head-turning looks. In many cultures, black opals are believed to bring good luck and ward off negative energy. If you love being noticed for your uniqueness and want strangers to stop and ask, “What is that,” a black opal is for you.

Boulder Opals: Boulder opals are unique in that they form within the cracks and crevices of ironstone boulders, resulting in stunning patterns and colors. These opals are strong and grounded with earthy patterns. They are often organic in shape to add a rustic style to your looks. Boulder opals work well with casual or natural style wardrobes. Boulder opals are like hiking through a canyon and carrying a piece of nature with you.

Crystal Opals: Crystal opals are prized for their transparency and ability to display bright colors with incredible clarity. They change with lighting like a mood ring for adults. Wearing colorful jewelry like crystal opals, can stimulate creativity and inspire positive energy. If you are the creative type and writing at sunlit desk, your opal will spark like an idea just waiting to happen.

Semi-Black Opals: These opals have a deep blue base often from Lightning Ridge Australia which offers a grounding and centering presence. You’ll slip on your semi-black opal before a big meeting and it’s your secret source of calm. What’s interesting about these semi-black opals is in Aboriginal culture, opals are considered sacred stones that embody the spirit of the land.

Opal Doublets: Opal doublets consist of a thin layer of natural, colorful opal bonded to a backing material, resulting in an affordable option. They are carefully crafted for durability and lightweight feel. These opals have a bold color so you can quickly pack for a weekend getaway and your opal doublet is the only accessory you need.

Opal Triplets: Opal triplets feature a thin layer of natural opal sandwiched between a protective layer and a backing material, offering durability and vibrancy. Opal triplets are made to wear everyday. You’ll love these opals because they enhance mood and promote feelings of happiness. It’s Saturday and you throw on your favorite tee, jeans and your opal triplet rings. Suddenly you feel like you’ve got a little magic on your side.

No matter your style, mood, or moment—there's an opal waiting to become your signature. Why settle for predictable when you can wear something as original as you are?

Subscribe to our email list to be the first to know when our one-of-a-kind opals arrive. Some sell out within hours. Don’t miss your next favorite. Let opals brighten your day!