10 Fascinating Facts About Opal

The name “opal” is the subject of long-standing debate. Some accounts cite the origin of the name to be the Latin word opalus, while other reports state it hails from the Greek word opallios.

- By Helen Serras-Herman

In the past, it seems it was widely accepted that opals, specifically opal jewelry, was not of interest to men. Revolutionary industrialist John Davison Rockefeller, legendary singer and performer Elvis Presley, and iconic artist Andy Warhol are examples to the contrary. Each purchased unique opals during their lifetimes and their appreciation for the gemstone was noted.

.Opal pattern is a popular topic among aficionados of opal. Pattern can easily become the focus of a collection, or at least a category. Of course, when it comes to an opal with different patterns on each face it becomes a little tricky. Also, double-sided opals, rare as they may be, are most certainly a reality.

Coober Pedy, Australia is one of the premiere locations of opal mining, and it’s also the place where, every two years, hundreds of members of the opal industry gather for the National Opal Symposium. In 2020, the symposium marked 10 years in existence.