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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The opal is larger than a brick and is broken into two pieces, which von Brandt said was a practice used decades ago to prove gem quality. —chicagotribune.com, 20 Feb. 2022

The opal is larger than a brick and is broken into two pieces, which von Brandt said was a practice used decades ago to prove gem quality. —chicagotribune.com, 20 Feb. 2022

The opal is larger than a brick and is broken into two pieces, which von Brandt said was a practice used decades ago to prove gem quality. —chicagotribune.com, 20 Feb. 2022

The opal is larger than a brick and is broken into two pieces, which von Brandt said was a practice used decades ago to prove gem quality. —chicagotribune.com, 20 Feb. 2022

The opal is larger than a brick and is broken into two pieces, which von Brandt said was a practice used decades ago to prove gem quality. —chicagotribune.com, 20 Feb. 2022

The opal is larger than a brick and is broken into two pieces, which von Brandt said was a practice used decades ago to prove gem quality. —chicagotribune.com, 20 Feb. 2022

The opal is larger than a brick and is broken into two pieces, which von Brandt said was a practice used decades ago to prove gem quality. —chicagotribune.com, 20 Feb. 2022

The opal is larger than a brick and is broken into two pieces, which von Brandt said was a practice used decades ago to prove gem quality. —chicagotribune.com, 20 Feb. 2022

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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

• fire opal

Kids Definition

opal

noun

ˈō-pəl 

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