Precious Opal comes from silicate rich environments where through time the depletion of liquid forms a layered silicate mineral. The resulting Opal beads have layers upon layers which give the `Play of Color` associated with the finest of this gemstone. Opal has body colors that can be white, grey, colorless, or black and can be translucent to opaque in quality. The word Opal comes from the Sanskrit `Upala` meaning stone or precious stone. Because of Opal's high water content, do not store opals in a moisture deprived area and they absorb moisture from the environment becoming more beautiful over time as they are worn.