mineral

Pink Opal

Hydrated silicon dioxide (SiO2·nH2O) with inclusions

Hardness: 5.5 to 6 on Mohs scale; Color: Pastel pink, cream, with occasional white or brown swirls; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 1.9 to 2.3

Hardness: 5
Color: Pastel pink, cream, with occasional white or brown swirls
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed at low temperatures from silica-rich waters that seep into crevices of igneous rocks and harden over millions of years. Much of the world's high-quality pink opal is from the Tertiary period found in the Andes Mountains.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in the jewelry industry for beads, cabochons, and carvings. It is also a popular specimen for crystal healing collectors.

Geological facts

Unlike 'Precious Opal', Pink Opal is a common opal that does not exhibit play-of-color (iridescence). Its distinctive pink hue is often attributed to organic compounds called quinones or tiny inclusions of palygorskite and sepiolite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its waxy luster and lack of shine compared to quartz. Common locations include Peru (Andes), Australia, and the USA. Collectors should look for even color saturation and the absence of large fractures.

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