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Opal is a fascinating gemstone that has captivated people for centuries with its unique play of colors. The stone is formed when silica-rich water seeps into cracks and crevices in rocks, creating colorful bands of opal as the water evaporates. Opal is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it susceptible to scratches and damage.
Opal Point is a new type of opal that was discovered in Australia in 2020. It is a unique variety of opal that forms in cavities in sandstone. Opal Point is characterized by its vibrant colors and strong play of color, making it a highly sought-after gemstone.
Opal Point VS Traditional Opal
Opal Point is a unique variety of opal that has several advantages over traditional opal.
| Feature | Opal Point | Traditional Opal |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 6.5 – 7 | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Clarity | Generally clearer | May contain inclusions |
| Play of color | Strong and vibrant | Can vary |
| Durability | More durable | Less durable |
Hardness
Opal Point is harder than traditional opal, making it more resistant to scratches and damage. This makes it a more suitable choice for jewelry and other applications where durability is important.
Clarity
Opal Point is generally clearer than traditional opal, which means that it contains fewer inclusions. This makes it a more aesthetically pleasing gemstone and allows for better light transmission, resulting in a more intense play of color.
Play of color
Opal Point has a strong and vibrant play of color, which is the result of its unique structure. The play of color in Opal Point can be seen in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
Durability
Opal Point is more durable than traditional opal, making it a better choice for applications where the gemstone will be subjected to wear and tear.
Applications of Opal Point
Opal Point has a wide range of applications, including:
- Jewelry: Opal Point is a beautiful and durable gemstone that is perfect for use in jewelry. It can be used in a variety of settings, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
- Decorative objects: Opal Point can be used to create a variety of decorative objects, such as vases, sculptures, and paperweights.
- Inlays: Opal Point can be used to create inlays for furniture, walls, and other surfaces.
- Collector’s items: Opal Point is a rare and valuable gemstone that is highly sought-after by collectors.
Market Insights
The market for Opal Point is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This growth is being driven by the increasing demand for unique and colorful gemstones, as well as the growing popularity of Opal Point as a jewelry material.
The global market size of Opal Point is estimated to have reached USD 1.72 billion in 2022, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period of 2023-2030. North America is expected to dominate the global Opal Point market.
Future Trends
The future of Opal Point is bright. The gemstone is expected to continue to grow in popularity in the coming years, as more people discover its beauty and durability.
Several factors are driving the future growth of the Opal Point market:
- Increasing demand for unique and colorful gemstones
- Growing popularity of Opal Point as a jewelry material
- Rising disposable income in developing countries
- Expanding applications of Opal Point
Case Detail
Opal Point has been used in a variety of applications, including:
- In 2022, Opal Point was used to create a stunning necklace for the Duchess of Cambridge.
- In 2021, Opal Point was used to create a limited-edition series of watches by Rolex.
- In 2020, Opal Point was used to create a series of decorative vases by Lalique.
Conclusion
Opal Point is a beautiful and versatile gemstone that has a wide range of applications. The gemstone is expected to continue to grow in popularity in the coming years, as more people discover its beauty and durability.
