16.50.02: Blue Peruvian Opal
- Page ID
- 4945
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|---|---|
| Chemical composition | SiO2+.H2O |
| Crystal system | Amorphous |
| Hardness | 5- 6 1/2 |
| Refractive index | 1.45 (+.020;-0.080) |
| Specific gravity | 2.15 (+0.07;-0.90) |
| Lustre | Vitreous |
| Phenomenon | Play of Color |
The name comes from the source from where it is mined, the Peruvian Andes.
Other tradenames include Andean opal, Andean blue opal, Andean blue silica, and blue opal.
Diagnostics
Color
Aquamarine to sea-green color due to trace amounts of copper.
Occurrence
Main source: San Patricio, Peru.
Care
Opal is relatively soft, Peruvian opal should be treated with care as it can be scratched by any harder material. Wash in warm soapy (non-detergent) water.