opal

noun

\ ˈō-pəl

Definition of opal

: 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 Design Ethiopian opal split shank ring in 18K gold. — Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2021 The necklace with the bow is centered on an 8-carat opal. — Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 27 Aug. 2021 Salvation appears, not in the form of a rare opal, but as a lost purse full of gold coins. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 15 July 2021 Two rings exude the spirit of fantasy: an exceptional 26-carat black opal set with yellow sapphires and tiny titanium flowers tinted in blue and purple, and a large blue titanium ring in the shape of wave is appointed with a Paraiba tourmaline. — Jill Newman, Town & Country, 12 July 2021 Howard’s plan is to sell off the opal immediately to get a loan shark—played, with menacing oiliness, by Eric Bogosian—off his tail. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 13 Dec. 2019 When Garnett suggests that Howard exploited the Ethiopians by underpaying for the opal, Howard defends himself with a basketball analogy. — Kelefa Sanneh, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2019 Colombian emeralds are paired with rock crystal; purple sapphires and garnets surround a volcanic matrix opal; rubies play with amazonite; brilliant-cut diamonds encircle a cabochon-cut rutilated quartz. — The Editors, Town & Country, 17 Jan. 2020 The opal, Howard believes, is his ticket out of debt. — Bill Goodykoontz, azcentral, 25 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'opal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.