Yes, purple opal absolutely exists and is a highly sought-after variety of this captivating gemstone. Its stunning hues make it a unique addition to the world of precious and common opals.
The Enigmatic Beauty of Purple Opal
Purple opal is a truly remarkable gemstone, renowned for its diverse range of shades, from delicate lavender and lilac to rich, deep violet and plum. Like other opals, its beauty can stem from either a solid, consistent body color (common opal) or the mesmerizing phenomenon known as "play-of-color" (precious opal), where flashes of spectral colors dance across its surface.
Where is Purple Opal Found?
This unique and stunning gemstone is primarily found in Mexico, particularly in the regions of Querétaro and Jalisco. These Mexican localities are renowned for producing some of the finest examples of purple opal, ranging from opaque common opal to translucent and even precious varieties exhibiting vibrant play-of-color. While other localities around the world may occasionally yield purple opal, Mexico remains a significant source.
What Gives Purple Opal its Color?
The beautiful purple coloration in opal is typically caused by the presence of trace elements during its formation. For instance, tiny inclusions of manganese are often responsible for imparting the rich violet and lavender hues seen in many purple opals. In some cases, the structural arrangement of microscopic silica spheres within the opal can also influence its body color and the way it interacts with light, contributing to its unique purple appearance.
Types of Purple Opal
Purple opal can be broadly categorized, similar to other opal varieties, based on its optical properties:
- Common Purple Opal (Potch): This variety features a beautiful, consistent purple body color without any play-of-color. It can be opaque or slightly translucent and is valued for its serene, solid hue.
- Precious Purple Opal: Highly prized, precious purple opal displays the signature "play-of-color" where flashes of iridescent colors—such as green, blue, pink, and even red—are visible against a purple background. The intensity and variety of these flashes significantly influence its value.
- Purple Fire Opal (Rare): While traditional fire opal is known for its vivid orange to red body color, some opals with a predominantly purple body tone may exhibit a strong internal "fire" or glow that enhances their purple hue, creating a captivating effect.
Identifying and Appreciating Purple Opal
When evaluating purple opal, several factors contribute to its overall appeal and value, including the intensity and consistency of its purple color, the presence and vibrancy of play-of-color (if it's a precious opal), its clarity, and its cut. Whether cherished as a cabochon, bead, or part of a unique jewelry piece, purple opal stands out as a distinctive and elegant gemstone.
Here's a quick overview of key characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Range | Lavender, lilac, violet, plum, indigo. |
| Transparency | Can range from opaque (common opal) to translucent (precious opal). |
| Play-of-Color | Present in precious varieties, showing dynamic flashes of spectral colors. |
| Primary Source | Mexico (Querétaro, Jalisco) |
| Mohs Hardness | 5.5 – 6.5 (Relatively soft, requires careful handling to prevent scratches or damage). |
| Composition | Hydrated amorphous silica (SiO₂·nH₂O). |
Its unique coloration and relative rarity ensure that purple opal continues to be a favorite among gem enthusiasts and collectors.
