Yes, Fairy opal is a real and captivating type of opal, specifically referring to a form of Australian Sandstone Opal Matrix that has undergone a special enhancement process.
Unveiling Fairy Opal: A Gemstone's Reality
Fairy opal is indeed a genuine variety of opal, not a myth. It refers to a specific form of Australian Sandstone Opal Matrix. This unique material contains precious opal interspersed within its natural sandstone host rock. To unlock its full potential and enhance its beauty, this type of opal undergoes a specialized treatment, making it highly appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Enchanting Characteristics of Fairy Opal
What sets Fairy opal apart are its stunning visual qualities, which are intensified through its unique enhancement process. This treatment makes the natural opal colors significantly more vibrant, and any intricate patterns formed by the opal layers become distinctly visible. These opals are particularly admired for their beautiful blue and green opal speckles, which create a mesmerizing play-of-color within the sandstone host rock. This transformation elevates the matrix into a dazzling display, truly living up to its whimsical name.
How Fairy Opal's Beauty is Enhanced
The striking appearance of what is known as Fairy opal is achieved through a specific treatment applied to Australian Sandstone Opal Matrix. This process is carefully performed to intensify the natural brilliance of the opal:
- Raw Material: The process begins with natural Australian Sandstone Opal Matrix, which inherently contains precious opal distributed within a sandstone host.
- Enhancement Process: A specialized heating treatment is applied to this matrix. This controlled process is designed to deepen the opal's colors and enhance the visibility of its internal patterns and layers, which might otherwise be subdued.
- Result: The outcome is an opal with significantly more vibrant hues and clearly defined structures, often exhibiting characteristic blue and green speckles that shimmer against the matrix, creating a distinctive and enchanting appearance.
Distinguishing Opal Types: A Quick Guide
While Fairy opal is a specific type of treated matrix opal, understanding its place among other opal varieties can provide valuable context.
| Opal Type | Description | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Fairy Opal | Enhanced Australian Sandstone Opal Matrix where opal is interspersed within sandstone. | Vibrant, enhanced colors; distinct patterns; often notable blue and green speckles; results from a specific heating treatment. |
| Black Opal | Opal with a dark body tone (N1-N4 on the body tone scale), typically from Lightning Ridge, Australia. | Most valuable due to vivid play-of-color against a dark background. |
| White/Light Opal | Opal with a light body tone (N7-N9). | Play-of-color against a light background; common and generally more affordable than dark opals. |
| Boulder Opal | Opal that forms as seams within its natural ironstone or sandstone host rock, found predominantly in Queensland, Australia. | Opal is permanently attached to the host rock, often cut into freeform shapes to maximize the opal's flash. |
| Crystal Opal | Transparent to semi-transparent opal. | Play-of-color is visible from within the stone, giving it a luminous, often jelly-like appearance. |
| Matrix Opal | Precious opal finely distributed as specks or veins within a host rock (e.g., ironstone, sandstone, basalt). Fairy opal is a recognized type of treated matrix opal. | Host rock is visible; often treated to enhance color (as with Fairy opal); can be found in various locations. |
Ensuring Authenticity: Tips for Opal Enthusiasts
When acquiring any type of opal, including Fairy opal, ensuring its authenticity and understanding any treatments it has undergone is crucial.
- Source Reputable Dealers: Always purchase opals from jewelers or dealers with established reputations and specialized expertise in opals.
- Inquire About Treatments: It is essential to ask if the opal has been treated or enhanced. Treatments, such as those applied to Fairy opal, are common and accepted practices in the gem industry, but they should always be disclosed to the buyer.
- Examine Play-of-Color: Genuine opals exhibit a unique play-of-color that shifts and changes as the stone is moved or viewed from different angles. This optical phenomenon is a key indicator of real opal.
- Look for Natural Characteristics: Natural opals may have minor inclusions, irregularities, or variations in their patterns that can signify their authenticity.
