Honey Opal

Honey-yellow, translucent to clear and resinous to glassy in appearance. It may or may not have play-of-colour.
General Information
A variety or type of:Common Opal, which is a variety of Opal
Chemical Formula
SiO
 
2
· nH
 
2
O
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Physical Properties of Honey Opal
Mohs Hardness5.5 to 6.5
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TenacityBrittle
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage QualityNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
FractureConchoidal,Splintery
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Optical Properties of Honey Opal
Refractive Index1.37 to 1.52
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
BirefringenceNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
PleochroismAbsent
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
DispersionNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Colour
Colour (General)Honey-yellow, orange brown
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TransparencyTransparent,Translucent
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Crystallography of Honey Opal
Crystal SystemAmorphous
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
HabitKidney- or grape-shaped aggregates
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Further Information
Mineral information:Honey Opal information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Australia
 
  • New South Wales
    • Finch Co.
      • Lightning Ridge
Canada
 
  • British Columbia
    • Vernon Mining Division
      • Vernon
Peru
 
  • Ica
    • Pisco Province
USA
 
  • Nevada
    • Humboldt County
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