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Direct Links to popular gemstones and cabochons:
Amazonite
Opals, Boulder
Parrot Wing Understand mm sizes: Quick guide: 1" = 25mm 1/2"=13mm 1/4"=6.5mm Change can help: 1 quarter= 24.2 mm 1 dime= 18mm Both coins: 42mm |
Opals are one of the most unusual stones on earth. They are considered hydrated silicon dioxide, which means that their internal structure is a tight latticework of silica spheres with water molecules filling the spaces in between. This structure refracts light to create the beautiful gleaming colors that we associate with gem opals. The size of the spheres determines the colors that we see. Interestingly, gem opals can contain from 2 to 10 percent water, which can eventually lead some of them to crack if they dry out too much. For this reason, Heart of Stone Studio offers sturdier opals, such as Koroit Opal and Boulder Opal, both of which have the gemmy portions safely fully or partially contained in matrix. We think that this protects the opal material better without sacrificing its color and overall beauty. Not all opals have the flashy play of light-filled color associated with gem opals, but, like our new Peruvian Opal, their translucent blues and greens make them just as lovely. On This Page: Koroit Opal Peruvian Opal Blue Opal Boulder Opal Opalina
These dramatic boulder opals are mined and cut in the Koroit Opal Field in the desert of Queensland, in northeast Australia. The ironstone matrix is a blend of rich coffee browns and creams, and like most gemmy opals, the opal colors show up best under strong light. Be sure to click on these to see the details. Satin-finish backs.
OP2 $90.00
OP3 $88.00
OP5 $70.00
OP7 $56.00
This Peruvian Opal is a gem-quality type of "common" opal, "common" meaning that it lacks the "fire" found in Australian opals. But so what--It's still gorgeous. And these Peruvians are really amazing: The color of salt water in tropical seas, these beautiful stones are cut to include some surrounding matrix, making for a fascinating interplay of "wet" translucent color--some even with the white of surf--against the warm browns of the "shore." Satin-finish backs.
OP10 $150.00
OP11 $140.00
OP13 $110.00
OP14 $110.00
OP17 $78.00
OP18 $78.00
OP19 $74.00
OP21 $52.00
OP22 $48.00
Here's another "common" opal, which ranges from a light blue to a deep steel blue. All of these cabs are "pillowy" and will look very fancy when set (please note thicknesses). Polished on all sides.
OP25 $40.00
OP33 $18.00
OP36 $14.00 Sorry, Sold!
OP29 $24.00 Sorry, Sold!
OP30 $22.00
Sorry, Sold out for now. This is another Peruvian stone, only here the opal is nearly opaque. However, this opacity gives it an unparalleled richness of color. This is all that I currently have in stock.
OP39 $38.00 Sorry, Sold!
Sorry, Sold out for now. SPECIAL VALUE: Boulder Opals. Both of these Boulder Opals have beautiful plays of color. However, they also have natural fractures visible along the surface. As they are the only two I have left in stock, I've drastically reduced their prices.
OP9 $60.00 reg. $74.00 Sorry, Sold!
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Heart of Stone Studio Gemstones
Cabochons
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