Opals :Pattern Variety
Good patterns of the diffracted colors when combined with brilliance have an enormous impact on the value. Pinfire and small type patterns are less desirable than broad patterns or large flashes.
Distinct patterns such as rolling flash, straw pattern, Chinese writing, ribbon and harlequin are very rare and considered collectors’ items, almost all opal displays some form of pattern, you will never find two opals that are exactly the same.
It’s the amount of color and its intensity that makes it better than another.
In particular, many of the top quality pieces of black opal from Lightning Ridge show their strength through a distinct recognizable pattern play of strong colors, some of the various patterns are listed below.
Harlequin Pattern:
This is the most prized of all patterns and is very rare, the colors in this pattern are more or less arranged like checker board squares.
Floral Pattern:
is possibly the most common of all nice patterns and its name is derived from its likeness to floral dress material, this pattern covers a broad range of design and color.
Pinfire Pattern:
closely resembles a mass of pinheads in different colors.
Palette Pattern:
is like an artist’s palette.
Rolling Flash:
Usually consists of one color that travels across part or all of the stone as it is moved.
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