A Rainbow Gem Underground
Like most of the world's gemstones, Opal has had a long history. Treasured greatly in Europe 2000 years ago, the stone was well described by Pliny the elder, an ancient historian who shared the Roman emperor's fascination for opals.
"opal is made up of the glories of the most precious gems which places them beyond description. For amongst them is the fire of the ruby, the rich purple of the amethyst, the sea green of the
emerald, the blue of the sapphire, all glittering together in union indescribable. Some by the intensity of their hues equal all the painters' colors. Others the flame of burning brimstone or of fire quickened by oil.How an opal changes color was a mystery for thousands of years. The electron microscope, unlocked the secret. A diamond produces its colors by refraction, by bending light at the surface of the gem. The opal is unique because it diffracts light naturally, breaking it up into many colors within the stone, As it tilts, all of the colors will change. This phenomenon, called the 'play of color' is what gives opals it's distinctive attraction."
Toward the end of 19th century the world's supply had nearly dried up. It was saved from extinction, when opal was discovered in the vast arid regions of the 'land down under' - Australia
The Striking colors of aboriginal art remind us of opal. It was no doubt amusing to the aborigines to see the white man groveling around in the dirt under the hot sun, looking for them. Hence the name 'Coober Pedy' meaning, 'white man's hole.'
Its amazing that, just like rainbow, opals can contain all the colors of the spectrum. Click on http://www.opalmine.com to see gemstones such as you have never seen before. These ancient beauties have been released from the dirt of the Australian outback, captured by the skill of our online designer 'Brusacci' and placed skillfully in frames of gold and silver. Enjoy a visit to the Australian bush at the same time, and talk to the designer himself if you want some special jewelry suggestions.
Peter Brusaschi the author of the CD 'The ordinary Bloke's guide to opal' has been sponsoring the site http://www.opalmine.com with its opal encyclopedia and chat forum, for the past 10 years. Peter has been visiting the Australian outback for the past 50 years and is an expert on the subject of opals, and the Australian outback. [known by Australians as 'the bush']
By Peter Brusaschi
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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