What Are the Different Types of Opal Stones?

If you’ve ever held an opal up to the light, you know there’s nothing quite like it. The flashes of rainbow color dancing across the surface — blues, greens, reds, even purples — make this gemstone feel almost magical. But did you know there’s more than just one kind of opal? 

From fiery reds to milky whites, opals come in a surprising variety of types, each with its own unique beauty and characteristics. Whether you're a gemstone collector, jewelry enthusiast, or just curious about this mystical stone, this guide will walk you through the different types of opal stones and what makes each one special.

What Is an Opal, Anyway?

Before diving into the types, let’s cover the basics. Opal is a hydrated form of silica, made up of tiny silica spheres that diffract light. That’s what creates the signature “play-of-color” — a shifting rainbow effect that seems to move within the stone. Not all opals have this feature, though. Some are translucent, some are opaque, and some don’t show any color play at all — and that’s where different types come into play.

1. Precious Opal

This is the showstopper most people picture when they hear the word opal. Precious opal is known for its vibrant play-of-color — shimmering with multiple hues as the stone moves in the light.

Subtypes of Precious Opal:

• White Opal: Milky white or light gray background with colorful flashes. This is the most common type of precious opal.

• Black Opal: Dark body tone (black, dark gray, or blue) with intense play-of-color. Found mainly in Lightning Ridge, Australia, black opal is the most valuable and rarest type.

• Crystal Opal: Transparent or semi-transparent with strong color flashes. Think of it as the "clear quartz" of the opal world — but with a lot more sparkle.

2. Fire Opal

Unlike precious opals, fire opals are prized more for their body color than their play-of-color. They come in warm, fiery shades like orange, red, and yellow.

• Most fire opals are translucent to transparent and may or may not display color play.

• The majority of fire opals are mined in Mexico, which is why they’re often called Mexican fire opals.

If you're looking for a bold, statement stone that doesn’t follow the “traditional opal” look, fire opal is a hot choice — literally.

3. Common Opal (Potch)

Common opal, also known as potch, lacks the play-of-color that defines precious opal. But don’t be fooled — it’s still a beautiful and versatile stone.

• These opals come in pastel colors like pink, blue, green, lavender, and beige.

• Found worldwide, especially in Peru, the U.S., and Australia.

• Popular in beads, carvings, and minimalist jewelry.

4. Hydrophane Opal

This type of opal is unique in that it absorbs water like a sponge. When hydrated, it can become more transparent and even show enhanced play-of-color. However, if it dries out too quickly, it may crack.

• Most Ethiopian opals fall into this category.

• Beautiful, but require extra care — avoid soaking them or exposing them to extreme temperature changes.

If you’re the type who doesn’t mind pampering your gemstones a little, hydrophane opals are a stunning and dynamic option.

5. Matrix Opal

Matrix opals occur when precious opal is interspersed within the host rock, rather than forming a solid stone. The result is a beautiful mix of texture and sparkle.

• Often found in ironstone or sandstone, especially in Queensland, Australia.

• These stones have a more organic and earthy look.

Matrix opals are popular with artisan jewelers and collectors looking for something truly out of the ordinary.

You can also watch: Welcome to Australian Opal Cutters!

Final Thoughts

So, what are the different types of opal stones? As you can see, there’s way more to opal than meets the eye. From the dark brilliance of black opal to the blazing color of fire opal, and even the pastel charm of common opal — there’s a type for every taste, budget, and personality. Whether you're looking for a powerful centerpiece in your jewelry collection or just want to learn more about gemstones, opals offer a world of color, character, and charm worth exploring.