Australian Blue Opal Slang

More so than the other opals, the beautiful Australian blue opal is the gemstone that has the most colorful terms to describe its unique flash and fire. Here is a guide to some of the more common terms you will hear when you go to buy Australian opal bracelets, earrings and pendants.

For instance if you hear a jeweler talking about a "blue harlequin" he or she is not referring to one of Picasso's sad clowns. A blue harlequin is a stone that turns up diamond shapes when it is reflected in the light.

Another very common term that is specific to the Australian blue opal is "peacock and lightning." This refers to blue opals that in certain lights have sunburst flashes of olive and bright blue, just like the center of peacock feathers.

"Church" windows is another common term that you will hear used, not just to describe blue opals but any kind of opal. This term is used to describe opals that have a stained glass effect and reflect primary colors such as blue, yellow and red. "Needle fire" is also another term that is commonly used to describe all opals. It is a term that refers to the small fissures and scars inside the stone that create the impression of lightening as you rotate the gem stone in the light.

When buying an Australian blue opal make sure you choose one that is coated with resin and keep it away from heat. This is a very soft stone that dries out easily and once it does dry out the gorgeous blues inside the stone become paler and less refractive of light.

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