The Ultimate Guide to White Opal

So what is a white opal? Opal is a hydrated, amorphous type of silica that can be technically classified as a mineraloid. But that doesn't tell us very much. A white opal is sometimes also called a "milky" opal, and it's distinguished by a pale, white overall color. Scattered amidst the opal's body are flecks of mineral inclusions. These are what diffract light and produce the celebrated opalescence. 

It's important to note that white opals are not the only type of opal l that's out there. You might hear of black opals, for instance, or even something called boulder opals. These are the most valuable types of opals, and that is because their overall dark color causes the iridescent flashes of light to appear all the more striking in contrast. Synthetic opal also exists. Synthetic variants look exactly the same as natural opal but boast more durability as well as being much more affordable. Of course with synthetic opals, you're not getting the real thing which is the tradeoff.

White opal, in addition to its relative ubiquity, is the least expensive of the kinds of opals. But white opals are still beautiful for all that—and they have a fascinating lore about them that's all their own. 

Now, if you're looking to buy white opal rings, it's important to know something of the prices they fetch. 

The cost of white opal is less than that of other opals, such as black and boulder opals, as we've already indicated. The reasons for this are that white opals are the most common form of opal, and darker opals are more valued for their beautiful contrast of colors. 

But that doesn't mean that white opals should be overlooked. They can be extremely beautiful in their own right, with the glorious whiteness of the opal enlivened by a glittering galaxy of iridescent flakes. 

Some of the most beautiful of Australian white opals can fetch a price of around $150 per carat, which isn't too shabby. Of course, additional factors, such as the color patterns and brightness of the opal, synthetic, and other factors can affect the final price. 

If you're looking for the finest white opal ring that money can buy, it'll be hard to surpass our ethereal Pearl White Opal Ring. 

Its glimmering white background color is accented by the presence of teal and orange colors in a shimmering iridescence. 

It comes with a handcrafted "obsidian" finish that features plenty of facets to reflect the light and make the most of the white opal's incredible beauty. Plus, the ring is infused with a resin to make it as resilient and crack-resistant as possible.