Exquisite Elements of Shadow and Light: The Opals
The Opals are a hydrated amorphous form of silica (SiO2•nH2O); its water content may range from 3 to 21% by weight but is usually between 6 and 10%, so would fair to say that light is the only thing we can see in some opals. There are two broad classes of opal: precious and common. Precious opal displays play-of-color (iridescence) a variable interplay of internal colors, common opal does not.
Water is a reflection, reflection is light, and were we see light we can see shadows as in a Opal
Like a painting that imitate rays hitting different surfaces displaying color, consistency, and gloss, the distance between the silica particles in the opals create the amount of diffuse color, contrast, edges, and perspective; where inside the gem we can see the shadows of a abstract painting maded by nature.
We could say that opals paint itself or nature painted them because these gems have the art of darkening, lightening, and coloring itself creating an illusion of looking at something beautiful but unclear. As the abstract paintings, in opals we can see some kind of patterns, familiar shapes away from the light source therefore not illuminated by it (the shadow) thanks to the mineral components of the gem.
Maybe the light is an addition in the opal and the water an atmosphere-maker in this painting, having the opal an universal form that with the proper lighting or reflection can change the mood of the picture and therefore the mood in us.
The truth is that without the light, the reflection of the water there would be nothing to see or admire, we wouldn’t have an abstract opal painting to see.
Opals are an amazing abstract painting from nature, are exquisite forms of shadow and lights.
Jewelry in Article:
Opal Bracelet by Sutra Jewels
Earrings & Ring by Katherine Jetter
