Opal: Peruvian Mint Green

The opal is celebrated for its spectacle of rainbow-like hues, which vary with lighting or angle of observation. Also known as Andean opal, the beautiful Peruvian mint green opal is celebrated for its depth of the color and subtle opalescent glow.

The name opal evolved from the Roman word "opalus" which traces its roots from the Greek's "opallios," meaning to see a change of color. This Greek word is likewise a revision of the ancient Indian Sanskrit's "upala," which means precious stone. The development of this gemstone started millions of years ago when a mixture of silica and water flowed into cracks and holes in the ground. Over time, it hardened and solidified to turn into opal. Some opals are hydrophanes, meaning that they can soak up water like a sponge. When hydrated, the stone becomes more translucent and the play of colors more defined. Peruvian mint green opal has an incredible soft translucent hue. Unlike other opals which diffuse more light and show more dramatic opal fire, mint green opal's beauty is found more in its depth of the color and subtle opalescent glow.