4.98 ct opal Cabochon- 0.99 g

Opal cabochons are polished gemstones that showcase the unique play-of-color characteristic of opals. This opal, weighing nearly 5 carats, features a smooth, rounded cabochon cut which enhances its natural iridescence. Opals are hydrated silica minerals formed from microscopic silica spheres arranged in a grid-like pattern; this structure diffracts light to produce vivid colors that seem to shift as the angle changes. Opals are primarily mined in Australia but can also be found in Ethiopia, Mexico, and other locations. The cabochon shape is often preferred for opals since it protects their delicate surface and highlights color without facets distracting from the gem’s internal fire. Collectors and jewelers value opals for their mesmerizing color flashes and rarity, often incorporating them in rings, pendants, or other fine jewelry.