White opal is known for its “opalescence,” a unique optical phenomenon that makes the stone appear to glow from within. This ethereal inner light is caused by the diffraction of light as it passes through the tiny silica spheres that make up the structure of the opal. The spheres’ size and arrangement determine the colors and patterns that emerge, creating a display that can range from subtle shimmer to vibrant flashes, which change and shift with the angle of observation. This opalescence is what makes each white opal distinct and a marvel of natural artistry.
