When people ask, “What color is opal?” the answer is not so simple. Imagine holding a small piece of the sky, the ocean, and a rainbow all at once. That’s what looking at an opal feels like.

When you move this gem around, it’s as if the colors come alive, shifting and shimmering in ways that are truly mesmerizing. It’s this play of colors that makes it so enchanting and sought after.

Some opals might remind you of a sunset, with warm reds and oranges, while others could make you think of the deepest parts of the ocean with blues and greens. Opal colors are truly interesting and we’ll explore each one of them in this article.

No matter what opal color you come across, you’re sure to be charmed by its beauty. Join us as we marvel at the different colors of opal!

The Most Common Opal Color

Among all the beautiful colors of opal, the most common is the white opal. It’s easy to see why people are so captivated by this gem.

White opal has a light background, but what makes it stand out is the incredible play of colors that dance across its surface. It’s like looking into a tiny, colorful universe!

When you hold a white opal, you might see flashes of green, blue, red, and every color in between. These colors shimmer and change as you move it, making it seem alive with light.

The white background of the opal makes these colors pop, like bright paint on a blank canvas. And the amazing this is no two white opals are exactly alike.

It all starts with water carrying tiny particles of silica. Over time, this silica-rich water fills up cracks and spaces in rocks. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind layers of silica, which eventually harden into opal.

The color and pattern depend on how the silica particles are arranged. It’s a long process, but the result is a stunning gemstone that captures the imagination.

The value of opal comes from its beauty and rarity. White opals are used in all kinds of jewelry, from necklaces and earrings to rings and bracelets. They’re especially loved for their ability to match with any color.

People often give opals as gifts, as they symbolize hope and purity. Whether it’s for their beauty or the joy they bring, white opals continue to fascinate and inspire.

The Different Colors of Opal

Aside from white, opal comes in many different colors that are just as beautiful. In this section, you’ll get to see for yourself just how amazing the other opal colors are.

Learning about them is also essential if you want to be able to tell the difference between a real and fake opal.

Black Opal

The sought-after black opal is known for its stunning beauty and unique appearance.

This dark backdrop makes the rainbow of colors on its surface stand out even more. It’s like looking at a night sky filled with dazzling, colorful stars!

The way black opal sparkles and shimmers is what makes it so special. As you move the stone, you’ll see a play of colors that seems to dance and change. This can include bright blues, greens, reds, and yellows.

The contrast between the dark background and the vivid colors is what gives black opal its unique and mesmerizing look.

Wondering about the price tag of a black opal? Well, it’s often considered the most valuable type of opal because of its rarity and the intensity of its colors. It’s used in all sorts of fine jewelry, from elegant necklaces to stunning rings.

Where you can find black opal

Since black opal is rare, it’s not found just anywhere (perfect rhyme!). The most famous place for finding it is Australia, where some of the best and most colorful black opals in the world come from.

Interested in other black gemstones? We’ve created a guide to the best rockhounding locations that contain them as well as other beautiful gems.

Orange Opal

Orange opal stands out with its warm, sunny colors. When you look at it, you’ll see shades ranging from a soft, peachy color to a bright, fiery orange. It’s like holding a little piece of the sun in your hand!

This gemstone doesn’t usually have the play of colors that other opals have, but its glowing orange hues make it just as beautiful and captivating.

The color of orange opal comes from the way the silica particles are arranged and because of other natural elements that mix in.

It’s often called “fire opal” because of its bright, fiery look. It can be clear or cloudy, but it’s always known for its striking orange color.

Orange opal is used in all kinds of jewelry, like rings, pendants, and earrings. It’s also a symbol of passion and creativity.

Where you can find orange opal

Mexico is known for having some of the most beautiful and vibrant orange opals. But don’t worry, we have it in the USA, too. In states like Nevada, there are areas where this colorful gemstone can be discovered.

If you want to know more about where to find orange opal and other orange crystals, you can refer to our article on how to find crystals.

Yellow Opal

Yellow opal lights up any room with its bright and cheerful color. You’ll notice its sunny shades ranging from a soft, pale yellow to a deep, golden hue.

Like the orange opal, yellow opal might not always have the play of colors that other opals are famous for, but its warm yellow tones are just as eye-catching and beautiful.

Here’s a cool thing about yellow opal: it’s often seen as a symbol of happiness and optimism.

Because of its bright color, people have been drawn to it for a long time, using it in jewelry and as decoration. It’s a favorite for people who like yellow gems that stand out and bring a bit of joy.

Where you can find yellow opal

If you want to uncover bright yellow opals, one of the best places to explore is Australia. Within the USA, you can find also yellow opal, especially in Nevada and Oregon.

To know more about the gem mining near you, check out our article.

Red Opal

Red opal can catch your eye with its deep, fiery hues. Imagine looking at a gem that shines like a beautiful sunset— that’s what it looks like.

Its colors can range from a bright, vibrant red to a darker, more mysterious shade. It may not display a rainbow play of colors, but its rich red tones are more than enough.

Like the orange opal, red opal is also often called fire opal because of its intense, fiery look.

It’s used in different types of jewelry, like bold rings and elegant pendants. It’s also seen as a symbol of love and energy.

For a long time, people have been drawn to this red gemstone for its unique color and the lively feeling it gives.

Where you can find red opal

Mexico is blessed to have some really beautiful and bright red opals. You can also find it in Nevada, USA, which is known for having opals of different types and colors.

For more specific information on where to find opals, we’ve created a guide just for that!

Pink Opal

Pink opal is as pretty as a picture, with its soft and gentle shades of pink. Its calming colors range from a pale, almost peachy pink to a richer, deeper rose hue. It’s like looking at a piece of the early morning sky, just as the sun starts to rise.

Unlike other opals, pink opal doesn’t have the play of colors you might expect. Its smooth, soothing pink tones make up for it, though.

Because of its color, pink opal is often seen as a symbol of love and compassion. People have always been drawn to it and it’s a favorite for those who like gems that are subtle yet beautiful.

Whether it’s in a bracelet, a pair of earrings, or just a small stone to admire, pink opal, like other pink rocks, mesmerizes with its appeal.

Where you can find pink opal

Pink opal is not too common. One of the best-known places for finding it is in Peru. But the good news is that you can find pink opal in the USA, too! In Nevada, there are areas where this gentle-colored gemstone can be discovered.

Blue Opal

Blue opal captures the beauty of the sky and the ocean. You’ll be amazed by its range of colors, from light, sky-like blues to deep, oceanic shades.

Blue opal is unique because it usually doesn’t show the rainbow play of colors that other opals have.

Instead, it’s like having a piece of the serene and vast blue sky in your hand.

The specific arrangement of the silica, combined with other elements that got into the mix, causes the color blue in this opal.

Blue opal, like other blue gems, is often seen as a symbol of tranquility and calmness. Because of its soothing color, it’s being used in all kinds of jewelry.

Where you can find blue opal

Despite its rarity, blue opal naturally occurs in Oregon, USA. This state has some really beautiful pieces that capture the colors of the sky and sea. However, blue opal is not exclusive to Oregon. It can be found in other parts of the world, too.

Green Opal

Green opal is like a little piece of nature you can hold in your hand. It has beautiful shades of green, ranging from a light, leafy hue to a deeper, more forest-like green.

This range of colors makes green opal a unique and lovely gem. It also usually has a more consistent color, compared to other opals with play-of-color.

The vibrant, natural color of green opal comes from the other elements that got mixed into the silica during its formation.

Because of its color, green opal is often associated with healing and renewal. They’re in demand for use in jewelry, where its beauty can be shown off. Also, many people believe wearing it makes them feel more connected to nature.

Where you can find green opal

Green opal is famously found in Australia, which is endowed with some of the most amazing and stunning pieces. You can also find this green wonder in Nevada, USA.

If you’re curious to know more about other green gemstones, you can check out our article.

Gray Opal

Gray opal is like a mysterious, misty morning. It has subtle and elegant shades of gray, ranging from a light, silvery hue to a deeper, charcoal color. This variety of gray tones gives gray opal a really unique and sophisticated look.

Some gray opals might show a play of colors that shimmer in the light, while others have a more consistent, calming gray color.

Gray opal is often seen as a symbol of wisdom and balance. Many believe it has a way of bringing a sense of calm and sophistication to those who wear it.

Because of this, it’s used in different types of jewelry, like understated rings and pendants, where its quiet beauty can be appreciated. The same goes for other equally stunning gray gems.

Where you can find gray opal

Both Nevada and Oregon in the USA are known for having gray opals. Another notable location for uncovering this gem is in Australia.

Colorless Opal

Hyalite is one example of a colorless opal. Like a window into a tiny, sparkling world, it’s completely clear, letting light pass through it.

This can sometimes create a subtle play of colors that’s different from the bright flashes seen in other opals.

The clear color, or lack of color, happens because of the specific arrangement of the silica particles and the absence of other color-causing elements.

Colorless opal is often admired for its purity and simplicity. It has a way of catching light in a delicate and beautiful manner.

Many people are drawn to this gemstone for its understated elegance. It’s used in various types of jewelry, like delicate earrings or pendants.

Where you can find colorless opal

One place known for having colorless opals is Australia, which is famous for a variety of beautiful opals as you may infer from this article. But if you want to try to find it in the USA, you can explore different areas in Nevada, too.

Multi-colored Opal (Boulder Opal)

Boulder opal is a multi-colored opa, characterized by a dazzling display of colors all in one stone.

Boulder opal has a dark, ironstone base, and on top of this base are layers of opal that shimmer and shine with a variety of colors, from bright blues and greens to fiery reds and oranges.

It all starts when a mixture of water and silica seeps into cracks and spaces in ironstone boulders. Over time, it hardens into opal, forming thin veins or patches.

The dark color of the ironstone enhances the opal’s colors, making them appear more vibrant and striking.

With its amazing color, this opal is often used in jewelry that showcases its natural, rugged beauty. Artists and designers love working with boulder opal because it’s like a piece of art made by nature.

Where you can find multi-colored opal (boulder opal)

As with the other colors of opal, boulder opal is famously sourced from Australia. Unfortunately, it’s not a common find in the USA.