Common Opal in Oxidized Copper Wire

Common Opal is a natural form of opal that does not display the flashing rainbow colors (called play-of-color) seen in precious opal. Instead, it has a soft, uniform color and a gentle, earthy beauty that many jewelry artists appreciate. ✨
Appearance
Usually opaque to translucent
Colors can include:
White
Cream
Yellow
Orange
Brown
Blue
Pink
Green
Often has a waxy or slightly glassy luster
Some varieties have their own names based on color, such as pink opal or blue opal.
Composition
Made of hydrated silica (SiO₂·nH₂O)
Contains 3–21% water, which gives opal its unique look and texture.
Hardness
5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale
Softer than quartz, so it should be handled with care in jewelry.
Where It’s Found
Common opal occurs in many parts of the world, including:
Australia
Mexico
Peru
United States
Why Artists Love It
For jewelry makers (especially wire-wrapped pieces like yours), common opal is popular because it offers:
Beautiful soft colors
Affordable price compared to precious opal
Unique patterns and calming tones
It pairs especially well with copper wire, which enhances the warm, natural look of the stone. 🧡