Description
Opal is a colorful mineral of hydrated form of Silica related to Quartz. Its internal structure makes it diffract light, taking on many colors depending on the conditions when it was formed. Those colors can range from clear through white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, rose, pink, brown and black. Opal varies in optical density from opaque to semi-transparent. Opal is the national gemstone of Australia, a producer of over 93% of the world’s supply.
Andean Opal is different from other types of opals. Firstly, it is only found in the Andean mountains of Peru, making it a unique and relatively rare mineral. Secondly, Andean Opal has a distinct mineral composition, which includes silica, water, and a variety of other minerals such as aluminum, iron and titanium.
