The facts
What harlequin Opal actually is
Mineralogically, harlequin Opal is precious opal — SiO₂·nH₂O, crystallising in the amorphous system.
The colour is caused by diffraction from a regular lattice of silica spheres; harlequin refers specifically to a mosaic of angular, roughly equal-sized colour patches. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.44–1.47, and the specific gravity sits near 1.98–2.25; cleavage is none.
Where harlequin Opal comes from
The recognised sources are Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia, Querétaro, Mexico and Wello, Ethiopia.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How harlequin Opal is treated
A pattern name, not a treatment or a species. True harlequin is genuinely rare and the term is heavily abused for any broad-flash opal. Underlying stones may still be stabilised, doublets or triplets, so check the pattern claim and the construction separately.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What harlequin Opal is confused with
The usual confusions are Broadflash opal, Pinfire opal, Doublets and Synthetic opal.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.44–1.47 and specific gravity 1.98–2.25 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What harlequin Opal is used for
Harlequin Opal is bought by jewellery and mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Harlequin Opal is 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, with none cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What harlequin Opal costs
Indicative pricing for harlequin Opal is 200–20,000 USD/ct depending on body tone and how convincing the pattern is.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is harlequin Opal treated, and how?
A pattern name, not a treatment or a species. True harlequin is genuinely rare and the term is heavily abused for any broad-flash opal. Underlying stones may still be stabilised, doublets or triplets, so check the pattern claim and the construction separately.
Where does harlequin Opal come from?
Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia, Querétaro, Mexico and Wello, Ethiopia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is harlequin Opal hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does harlequin Opal cost?
Indicatively 200–20,000 USD/ct depending on body tone and how convincing the pattern is. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is harlequin Opal confused with?
Most often Broadflash opal, Pinfire opal, Doublets and Synthetic opal. A refractive index of 1.44–1.47 and a specific gravity near 1.98–2.25 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for harlequin opal?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about harlequin opal