| Gems > Opals
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Admired for centuries, it was not until iridescence (the intense play of colors) was studied in the 1960's, revealing the opal's beauty.
Opals are classified in categories of light and dark, ranging from milky white to medium gray tones. Dark colors vary from deep gray to jet-black. Highly prized transparent opals (crystal opals) occur in both light and dark forms.
Describing the opal's fiery intensity, Pliny the Elder wrote, "For in them you shall see the living fire of the ruby, the glorious purple of amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, all glittering together in an incredible mixture of light.".
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