Opal Beads

Opal bead is a member of the quartz group. It derived its name from the Sanskrit word for precious stone, "upala". The opal is a gemstone of hydrated silica.

As far as beads are concerned, then opal is the most challenging material in bead making. Before going for it, one must see that the best color should be seen either on the face or the side of the stone. Opal with bright colors are considered good for beads. One must also see that apart from projecting strong color from any one direction, it must also show color in the full 360 degrees of rotation. These points are essential when thinking in terms of opal bead making.

Color
Opal beads are found in opaque to translucent white category along with vibrant colors which are :

Green Blue Yellow

Orange Red crystals

Types
Opal is a versatile stone because of its various varieties. such as :

Common opal Opalescent precious opal Fire opal

Precious opal Peruvian opal Australian opal

Usage
Opal beads have a wide variety of usage depending upon the quality & size of the beads :

Rings Pendants Earrings Bracelets Loose Gems Necklaces

Pins & Brooches Body Jewelry Charms Diamond Jewelry Jewelry Sets

Material
Opal beads enhances the look of any artifact or jewelry when combined with any of the following materials :

Gold Sterling Silver White Gold Shell Stainless Steel

Nickel Two Tone Vermeil Copper Zinc

Significance
Just like other stones, opal beads are also famous for their set of significant facts which are :

• Aids in the healing of eye diseases
• Soothes the eyes and the nerves
• Enhances creativity

Manufacturing Hubs
Opals are found in quite a few countries :

Mexico Brazil USA Japan Honduras

Kenya Czechoslovakia Peru Canada Australia