opal

Play of color radiating from a central point shows an asteria, or perhaps a starburst, pattern. © Planet Opal. Used with permission.

An excellent example of the harlequin pattern. © Opal Auctions. Used with permission.

Another example of chaff. © Opal Auctions. Used with permission.

The Chinese character for “long life” shows in this opal’s play of color. © Opal Auctions. Used with permission.

The famous “Andamooka Opal” on display, with a picture of Queen Elizabeth II when she wore it. Image © Altmann and Cherny. Used with permission.…

One of many beautiful famous opals, the “Aurora Australis” is also one of the few that’s on display. Image © Altmann and Cherny.…

Smoke concentrated in cracks.

Surface pitting in smoked opal.

Carbon spots in smoked opal.