opal

noun

ˈō-pəl 

: a usually amorphous mineral that is a hydrated silica softer and less dense than quartz and typically with definite and often marked iridescent play of colors and is used especially as a gem

Examples of opal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The collection ups the ante on the brand’s signature hard stone dials, which are no easy feat on their own—Piaget sometimes goes a hundred cuts of malachite, lapis lazuli, tiger’s eye, opal, or coral before arriving at one slice that’s precise enough to set as a dial with a movement behind it. —Shannon Adducci, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2024

Handcrafted jewelry in silver, turquoise, coral and opals gleam under lights. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2024

Nevada Royal Peacock Opal Mines: This spot in Denio offers travelers the chance to mine or their own opals. —Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 10 Oct. 2024

Also located in Denio, Bonanza Opal Mine Denio gives visitors the chance to search for opals. —Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin opalus, from Greek opallios, ultimately from Sanskrit upala stone, jewel

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing opal

• fire opal

Kids Definition

opal

noun

ˈō-pəl 

: a mineral with changeable colors that is used as a gem