Opals, as hydrated forms of silica, encompass a wide range of materials formed by both biogenic and diagenetic processes. The genesis of opal involves precipitation from silica‐rich fluids and ...

The beautiful optical properties of the gemstone opal are the result of tiny amounts of uranium present when the stones were formed, say researchers in Australia. They claim that their work could lead ...

Scientists have discovered a completely new type of opal formed by a common seaweed which harnesses natural technology by self-assembling a nanostructure of oil droplets to control how light reflects ...

Opalized ammonite fossils are some of the most unique and spectacular paleontological specimens. They were formed through a geological process known as opalization, wherein organic material from ...

The red dirt in central Australia might be a close mimic for the red surface of Mars, suggests research that sheds light on how opals formed in the land Down Under. Precious opal is Australia’s ...

Scientists have discovered a completely new type of opal formed by a common seaweed which harnesses natural technology by self-assembling a nanostructure of oil droplets to control how light reflects ...

Precious opal found in the Williams opal mine near Coolgardie in Western Australian. (Government of Western Australia) The red dirt in central Australia might be a close mimic for the red surface of ...