Common opal

Common opal
Opal O"pal, n. [L. opalus: cf. Gr. ?, Skr. upala a rock, stone, precious stone: cf. F. opale.] (Min.) A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity. [1913 Webster]

Note: The {precious opal} presents a peculiar play of colors of delicate tints, and is highly esteemed as a gem. One kind, with a varied play of color in a reddish ground, is called the {harlequin opal}. The {fire opal} has colors like the red and yellow of flame. {Common opal} has a milky appearance. {Menilite} is a brown impure variety, occurring in concretions at Menilmontant, near Paris. Other varieties are {cacholong}, {girasol}, {hyalite}, and {geyserite}. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Opal — O pal, n. [L. opalus: cf. Gr. ?, Skr. upala a rock, stone, precious stone: cf. F. opale.] (Min.) A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity. [1913 Webster] Note: The {precious opal}… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Opal — For other uses, see Opal (disambiguation). Opal An opal bracelet. The stone size is 18 by 15 mm (0.7 by 0.6 in) General Category …   Wikipedia

  • opal — /oh peuhl/, n. 1. a mineral, an amorphous form of silica, SiO2 with some water of hydration, found in many varieties and colors, including a form that is milky white. 2. an iridescent variety of this that is used as a gem. 3. a gem of this. [1350 …   Universalium

  • Opal — /oh peuhl/, n. a female given name. * * * A hydrated, noncrystalline silica mineral used extensively as a gemstone. Its chemical composition is similar to that of quartz but generally with a variable water content. Pure opal is colourless, but… …   Universalium

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  • Opal (given name) — Opal Opal takes its name from the gemstone opal, which is the birthstone for October. Gender female Origin Word/Name Sanskrit …   Wikipedia

  • Opal (disambiguation) — An opal is a gemstone. Opal may also refer to: Contents 1 People 1.1 Fictional characters 2 Places 3 Research facilities …   Wikipedia

  • fire opal — Opal O pal, n. [L. opalus: cf. Gr. ?, Skr. upala a rock, stone, precious stone: cf. F. opale.] (Min.) A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity. [1913 Webster] Note: The {precious opal}… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • harlequin opal — Opal O pal, n. [L. opalus: cf. Gr. ?, Skr. upala a rock, stone, precious stone: cf. F. opale.] (Min.) A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity. [1913 Webster] Note: The {precious opal}… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • precious opal — Opal O pal, n. [L. opalus: cf. Gr. ?, Skr. upala a rock, stone, precious stone: cf. F. opale.] (Min.) A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity. [1913 Webster] Note: The {precious opal}… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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