opal

The high cabochon in this moonstone brings out its shimmer. “Moon Over Ocean Ring,” 18k gold, moonstone, and blue opal. © Gina Pankowski.…

This pendant marries rare blue ammolite with black opal. Jewelry and photo by Jessa and Mark Anderson. Licensed under CC By 2.0.

Studs, transformable reversible earrings made with opal, paraíba tourmaline, and diamonds. Photo by Sara Rey photography. © Lindsay Jane…

Vintage opalite glass beads. Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.

Opalite, like the oval shown in this pendant, is a glass material frequently used to simulate moonstone. Photo © Adornments by Mae. Used with permission……

With its bright iridescence, a well-cut fire agate can resemble high-quality opal. “Fire agate flickr eyes,” photo by Jessa and Mark Anderson.…

A popular synthetic, opalite isn’t always so honestly labeled. Photo by Chan Walrus. Licensed for reuse by Pexels.

Ammolite and black opal can look very similar. Currently, ammolite is pricier than black opal. “Ammolite,” photo by Jessa and Mark Anderson.…

Some inexperienced buyers might mistake adularescent moonstone for opal. “Moonstone” by Kelly McCaughey, photo by The Gem Vault. Licensed…