Opal

Opal is a type of gemstone known for its striking play of colors, often displaying vibrant shifts of rainbow hues. Composed of silica, it forms when water interacts with layers of silica-rich material, creating a unique, porous structure. This structure diffracts light, resulting in the gemstone's mesmerizing color flashes. Opals can be transparent, translucent, or opaque and vary widely in appearance and value. They are valued for their beauty and rarity, making them popular in jewelry. The most famous opals come from Australia, which produces the majority of the world's supply.