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

As a result, Piaget dropped the limited Collage timepiece back in 2025, home to blocks of pink opal, green chrysoprase, and yellow serpentine on the dial, now followed by the 2026 iteration (price available upon request). — Nicole Hoey For Robb Report, ARTnews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

The piece has gone through alterations, including replacing the original opals with rubies. — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 3 Nov. 2026

Boscono, clad in sophisticated cocktail attire, sports pieces from the Margherita and Mimosa collections, including a high jewelry set comprising a white gold necklace and earrings decked in diamonds, sapphires and opals. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Towering metal shelves hold everything from opal-glass mushroom lampshades to massive plastic tubs of hardware. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for opal

• copal
• propyl
• isopropyl

Kids Definition

opal

noun

ˈō-pəl 

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