Updated as of June 2026
Opal
Prized for its play-of-color and linked to creativity, inspiration, and emotional expression.
Price range$10 to $1,000/ct
Hardness (Mohs)5.75
ColorsWhite, Black, Fire, Boulder
BirthstoneOctober
AltGems Score How we score
4.6/10
Opal pros and cons
Pros
- A recognized birthstone (October)
- Available in white, black, fire, boulder
Cons
- Softer at Mohs 5.75, best in protected settings
- Can chip or cleave from a hard knock
- Commonly treated (none for solid natural opal)
Opal is best kept for earrings, pendants, and protected settings rather than rough daily wear.
Launch offer: 5% off your first necklace with code WELCOME5
Shop Opal jewelryReady to buy?
- Handmade in the USA
- Made to order
- Ships in 3 to 5 days
- Gift-boxed
- Satisfaction guaranteed
Explore Opal
Meaning and properties
Symbolism, zodiac, chakraPrice and value
What it costs and whyBuying guide
How to choose and where to buyCare and cleaning
Keep it looking its bestOpal jewelry
Common buying mistakes
- Buying on carat weight alone instead of color and cut, which drive beauty more.
- Skipping treatment disclosure, which changes both value and care.
- Setting this softer stone (Mohs 5.75) in an exposed daily-wear ring instead of a protective bezel or halo.
- Cleaning it the wrong way. Soft and water-sensitive. Clean gently with a damp soft cloth only. Avoid heat, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and long water soaks.
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Where to buy Opal: for fine pieces, choose established jewelers with clear return policies and lab reports; for unique or budget pieces, vetted marketplace sellers work well. Always confirm treatment and the return window before buying. AltGems prices are general per-carat guides, so verify value with a certified gemologist or GIA report.
Frequently asked questions
What is Opal?
Prized for its play-of-color and linked to creativity, inspiration, and emotional expression. It rates 5.75 on the Mohs hardness scale and commonly appears in white, black, fire, boulder.
How much does Opal cost?
Opal typically runs about $10 to $1,000 per carat depending on color, clarity, cut, and origin. See our Opal price guide for detail.
Is Opal good for everyday jewelry?
It rates 5.75 on the Mohs scale, so it suits earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings better than daily rough use.
What is the AltGems Score for Opal?
Opal earns an overall AltGems Score of 4.6 out of 10, balancing durability, brilliance, value, rarity, and everyday wearability. See our methodology on the How We Score page.
How do I care for Opal?
Soft and water-sensitive. Clean gently with a damp soft cloth only. Avoid heat, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and long water soaks.