A boulder opal contained an unusual carpet of needle-like lepidocrocite inclusions along the interface between the opal and the ironstone matrix.

Fire opal production at a family-owned mine in Mexico is explored at the 2014 GJX show in Tucson.

A look at JTV’s history, current activities, and impact on the industry.

Gem Testing lab in Jaipur, India recently examined a white-brown, translucent to opaque oval cabochon that turned out to be a composite featuring an unusual combination of gem materials.

At the AGTA show, lapidarist James Carpenter explains his use of sugar/heat treatment to enhance opal.

Pronounced cubic cavities, sometimes containing fluorite, are observed in a rare hyalite sample.

Opal is known for its unique display of flashing rainbow colors called play-of-color. There are two broad classes of opal: precious and common. Precious opal displays play-of-color, common opal does not.

As a result of changes in the manufacturing process, recent production of the synthetic fire opal marketed as “Mexifire” exhibits some new properties.

This section, from the Winter 1995 issue of Gems & Gemology, is a compilation of interesting finds from GIA’s laboratories.

A compilation of gem news from around the world, covering topics such as localities, unusual gem materials, market news, new products, discoveries, jewelry manufacturing techniques, and industry trends.

“Leopard opal” consists of vesicular basalt impregnated with play-of-color opal, and is known only from Zimapán, Hidalgo State, Mexico.