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October
A semi-precious stone that is luminous and iridescent, frequently with inclusions of many colours known as “fire". There are three major types of opal, common opal, opalescent precious opal (white or black, with a rainbow-like iridescence, and fire opal (a milky stone that is fiery orange to red in colour with no opalescence. Many opals have a high water content - they can dry out and crack if they are not cared for well (opals should be stored in damp cotton wool). They are found in many places worldwide, but Australia has a tremendous variety of beautiful opals.
Hardness 5.5 to 6.5