Peruvian Opal: Uncommon, Blue, and Beautiful

The Peruvian opal is one of the most sought after blue opals due to its scarcity and fabulous colors. One look at a Peruvian opal can have you envisioning yourself being in the midst of the beautiful water of the Caribbean Ocean. Although it is a soft stone, the Peruvian opal has the lofty status of being Peru's national gemstone.


Peruvian opal is a very rare gemstone. It has been found at only one place on the planet—near San Patricio, Peru, in the Andes Mountains. Because of its scarcity, Peruvian opal has quickly become one of the most sought after blue opals.

Peruvian opal has a pearly luster and a high degree of translucency. It can be clear, or it may contain numerous shades of blue. The blue shades can range from sky blue to the varying colors of the Caribbean Ocean. Also, a Peruvian opal could be dendritic (the blue gemstone could have black splotches in it. The black splotches usually take the shape of ferns). The color of a Peruvian opal is affected by the presence of trace amounts of copper. Peruvian opal is not enhanced in any way…its color is natural.

Unscrupulous gemstone dealers will sometimes try to dye white opals blue in order to make them look like a Peruvian opal. Therefore, you need to be aware that a fake Peruvian opal will have an uneven blue color. Try to examine a Peruvian opal from many different angles, allowing the light to hit it from each of those angles. Fakes are more commonly found in strands of beads, and usually won’t be as expensive as real Peruvian opals. Keep in mind that the Peruvian opal is a rare gemstone, found at only one place in the world. If you want the real thing, you will have to pay the real price.

There are several different names a Peruvian opal is known by: Andean opal or Andean blue opal (which are more commonly used), blue opal, and Andean blue silica.

Be careful not to scratch your Peruvian opal. It is not a hard gemstone. It rates anywhere from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, and if it gets bumped or rubbed against a harder surface, it could become damaged. The best way to clean this gemstone is with mild soap and warm water. Keep it away from harsh chemicals or cleansers.

Metaphysically, it has been said that Peruvian opal clears the mind and allows ideas and thoughts to flow freely. Picture the soothing, clear waters of the Caribbean Ocean in your mind and then relax.

Peru, you can be proud! Your country has given the world a sensational gemstone to enjoy. Peruvian opal is a true treat—rare, beautiful, and one that will leave YOU blue if you don’t obtain it.
 

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