Opal Patterns Types (Photos)

Opal is famous for its shifting flashes of rainbow-like color, a phenomenon called play-of-color. This effect is unique to precious opals and arises when light diffracts through microscopic silica spheres inside the stone.

What Is an Opal Pattern?

An opal pattern is the visible arrangement of play-of-color across the gem’s surface and body. These can appear as broad patches, pinpoints, streaks, rolling flashes, or intricate mosaic-like grids. Each pattern gives the stone a one-of-a-kind identity, and certain rare types—such as the true harlequin—are especially prized by collectors.

Patterns are not random. They arise directly from the gemstone’s microscopic structure and are assessed alongside body tone, brightness, clarity, and dominant colors when grading and valuing opals. Because every opal displays a different “fingerprint” of color arrangement, pattern is one of the primary factors that determines both beauty and market worth. All these patterns can be displayed in opal and in the same gem at the same time. 

Precious opals showcasing patterns like Harlequin, Pinfire, Rolling Flash, Ribbon, and Honeycomb with play-of-color and body tone variations.

How Do Patterns Form?

The secret behind opal’s patterns lies in the ordered arrangement of silica spheres. Precious opal is made up of spheres about 150–300 nanometers in diameter, stacked in a grid-like lattice. When light passes through them, it diffracts into spectral colors that shift with movement.

Several factors shape how those colors appear:

Sphere size and uniformity: Larger spheres create reds and oranges; smaller ones produce blues and violets.

Packing and layering: Variations in stacking or thickness can break color into flashes, streaks, or patches.

Impurities and inclusions: Potch (common opal without play-of-color), cracks, or resin-rich zones interrupt the play-of-color and influence pattern continuity.

Body tone: The background tone—light, dark, or black—enhances or subdues how patterns are seen.]

Common divisions of opal patterns

• Geometric: Harlequin (contrasting blocks), Honeycomb (hexagonal cells).
• Irregular: Flagstone (uneven shapes), Floral (flower-like), Jigsaw (puzzle-like).
• Linear: Pinfire (tiny flashes), Chinese Characters (line-like forms), Ribbon (stripes), Feather (curved lines).
• Other: Rolling Fire (wave-like), Broad Flash (large flashes), Sheen (milky glow), Galaxy (swirls), Star Dust (sparkles), Asteria (star effect), Peacock’s Tail (fan-like iridescence).

Types of Opal With Photos

Harlequin Opal

Harlequin pattern opal exhibiting large, angular mosaic-like patches of play-of-color in a precise, geometric arrangement.

Harlequin is the most famous and coveted opal pattern, displaying large, angular blocks of color that resemble a checkerboard or mosaic. The patches often take the form of squares, rectangles, or diamonds arranged in a striking, tile-like layout.

Characteristics:

• Distinct, sharp-edged color patches arranged in a repeating or semi-regular grid.
• True harlequin is defined by large, bold shapes—not just scattered angular flashes.
• Often shows strong contrast with vivid reds, greens, blues, or multicolor displays.

Recognizable features: A checkerboard pattern of contrasting colors, typically squares or rectangles, covering at least 80% of the gem's surface. 

Value: Extremely rare and considered the pinnacle of opal patterns. A genuine harlequin pattern, especially in black opal, commands the highest prices in the opal market.

Variations: Peacock harlequin (feathers), hexagonal harlequin (hexagonal shapes), flagstone harlequin (large squares), etc.

Pinfire (Pinpoint) Opal

Pinfire opal specimen exhibiting dense, pinpoint play-of-color caused by light diffraction through its silica microspheres.

Pinfire opals display numerous tiny, evenly distributed pinpoints of color that sparkle across the stone, creating a delicate, star-like effect.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Small, round flashes of color scattered uniformly or densely across the surface.
• Common in white and crystal opals, particularly in Ethiopian opal material.
• Colors often appear pastel but can be bright in high-quality stones.
• Creates a fine, twinkling visual effect rather than large, dramatic patches.

Value: Relatively common, so generally less valuable than broad or rare patterns. However, pinfire opals with dense, bright, and evenly distributed flashes remain highly desirable to collectors and jewelers.

Ribbon Opal

Ribbon opal specimen exhibiting parallel bands of play-of-color, created by light diffraction through its stratified layers of silica spheres.

Ribbon opals feature long, parallel bands or streaks of color that flow across the stone, resembling delicate ribbons. These bands can be straight, slightly curved, or gently wavy, giving the opal a graceful, linear aesthetic.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Color bands run predominantly in one direction and maintain a sense of continuity.
• Best showcased in transparent or crystal opals, where the pattern has depth and clarity.
• Band thickness, spacing, and color intensity can vary, producing subtle or dramatic visual effects.
• May occur alongside broad flash or rolling flash, adding complexity and movement to the display.

Value: Moderately rare and highly valued when bands are bright, sharply defined, and exhibit a wide range of colors. Stones with distinct ribbons and added movement (such as rolling flash) are especially prized by collectors.

Flash Opal

Broad flash opal cabochon exhibiting expansive, sweeping patches of play-of-color across its surface.

Broad Flash opals display large, sweeping flashes of color that dominate the surface of the stone. These flashes can appear as single, expansive areas or as multiple broad patches, creating a bold and dynamic visual impact.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Flashes are wide, continuous, and often shift dramatically as the stone is moved.
• Can occur as rolling flash, where color bands appear to glide or flow across the opal.
• Intensity and color may vary across the surface, ranging from subtle transitions to vivid, high-contrast displays.
• Colors may be uniform or contrasting, often including red, orange, green, or blue, depending on the opal’s body tone.

Value: Broad Flash opals are highly prized when the flashes are bright, expansive, and show strong color contrast. Stones exhibiting rolling flash or multiple vibrant bands are particularly desirable and can command premium prices in the market.

Rolling Flash Opal

Rolling flash opal cabochon exhibiting broad, dynamic play-of-color that shifts across the surface with movement.

Rolling Flash opals display broad flashes of play-of-color that appear to move or “roll” across the surface as the stone is viewed from different angles.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Flashes can be single or multiple, spanning large portions of the opal.
• Intensity and location of color shift with movement, producing a sense of motion.
• Colors are typically vibrant, well-defined, and can include a range of hues.
• Often seen in crystal opals and other transparent or translucent varieties.

Value: Highly prized for its dynamic visual appeal. Stones with bright, large, and smoothly rolling flashes are particularly sought after by collectors and can command premium prices.

Flagstone Opal

Flagstone pattern opal with irregular, blocky patches of play-of-color.

Flagstone opals exhibit irregular, blocky rectangular or squarish patches of play-of-color that resemble stone pavement; patches are less symmetrical and have softer, irregular edges than a true harlequin.

Characteristics:

• Patches are blocky but not as symmetrical as harlequin.
• Edges may be softer, with irregular outlines.
• Often shows multiple colors in adjacent patches.

Value: Highly desirable, especially when patches are distinct, large, and brightly colored.

Variations: Broad flash (large flashes), rolling flash (waves moving with stone movement), etc.

Chaff Opal

Chaff pattern opal with scattered, irregular flakes of play-of-color.

Chaff opal displays fine, irregular specks or flakes of color scattered across the stone, resembling grains, straw, or chopped material. The patches are generally small and unevenly shaped, giving the opal a delicate, textured appearance against a lighter or neutral background.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Small, randomly arranged color specks without a uniform direction.
• Flashes vary in size and intensity, ranging from subtle to vivid.
• Colors may be varied or consistent across the stone.
• Commonly found in Australian opals, particularly in light and crystal varieties.

Value: Chaff is one of the more common opal patterns, and its value is generally modest. Stones become more desirable when the specks are large, bright, multicolored, or densely distributed, creating a visually captivating effect.

Striated Opal

Striated pattern opal cabochon exhibiting parallel linear bands of play-of-color, creating a layered, fibrous visual effect.

Striated pattern opals display parallel or slightly wavy streaks of color that often resemble sedimentary layers or fine fibers. These linear bands create a structured, layered effect across the stone’s surface.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Lines may be straight, gently wavy, or grouped in clusters.
• Band thickness varies; edges can be sharp or softly blended.
• Colors often alternate or repeat, producing a rhythmic, layered appearance.
• Commonly found in seam opals and boulder opals.

Value: Moderately common. Stones with bright, evenly spaced, and uniform striations are most desirable to collectors.

Floral Opal

Floral pattern opals exhibit play-of-color in distinct botanical formations like petals and blooms within the cabochon.

Floral pattern opals display play-of-color arranged in shapes reminiscent of flowers, petals, or other natural botanical forms. The effect evokes delicate, organic imagery within the gemstone.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Rounded, clustered patches of color forming flower-like or petal-like shapes.
• Soft, swirling arrangements, often multicolored and harmonious.
• Most commonly found in lighter crystal or white opals, where the pattern stands out clearly.
• Subtle transitions and blending of colors enhance the naturalistic effect.

Value: Highly appealing to collectors who appreciate natural and artistic imagery. The value increases with the brightness, clarity, and intricacy of the floral forms.

Straw Opal

Straw pattern opal exhibiting fine, parallel streaks of play-of-color, formed by light diffraction through aligned silica sphere layers.

Straw opals display fine, parallel streaks of color that resemble bundles of straw or slender stalks. These linear flashes create a sense of movement across the surface, giving the opal a graceful and textured appearance.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Thin, elongated color lines typically aligned in a single direction.
• Commonly found in seam opals and Lightning Ridge material.
• Colors are often green or blue dominant but can vary depending on the stone’s body tone.
• Produces a subtle, flowing effect that highlights the opal’s internal structure.

Value: Moderately priced, with the most collectible examples exhibiting bright, dense, and well-aligned straw patterns.

Chinese Writing Opal

Rare Chinese Writing pattern opal with intricate, calligraphy-like play-of-color.

Chinese Writing opal, also known as Script opal, displays fine, delicate lines of color that resemble calligraphy or ancient writing etched across the stone. The intricate strokes can mimic Chinese characters, symbols, or brushstrokes, giving the opal a distinctive, almost artistic appearance.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Thin, intersecting lines of play-of-color arranged in intricate, script-like patterns.
• Shapes closely resemble letters, symbols, or flowing calligraphic strokes.
• Colors vary widely, often including blue, green, orange, and red.
• Extremely rare and visually striking, with the pattern typically appearing in high-quality black or dark opals.
• Easily recognizable due to its deliberate, linear arrangement of color.

Value: Among the rarest opal patterns, Chinese Writing opals are highly prized by collectors for their uniqueness and artistic appeal. The novelty, precision, and rarity of the pattern make these stones extremely collectible and valuable.

Asteria Opal

Asteria opal cabochon displaying vibrant play-of-color in a star-like asterism, radiating from a central point.

Asteria opals feature a star-like display, with vibrant rays of color radiating outward from a central point. This celestial effect creates a striking, mystical visual reminiscent of a starburst in the night sky.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Central focal point with multiple color rays extending outward in a starburst arrangement.
• Strong directional play-of-color that shifts subtly with movement.
• Typically occurs in black or dark-based opals, enhancing the contrast of the star pattern.
• Extremely rare and instantly recognizable due to its distinctive radial symmetry.

Value: Asteria opals are highly prized for their rarity and otherworldly appearance. Stones with sharp, vivid rays and a well-defined central point often command premium prices among collectors.

Moss Pattern Opal

Precious moss opal cabochon exhibiting green play-of-color in intricate.

Moss Pattern opals are true precious opals that display play-of-color with patterns reminiscent of moss or earthy vegetation. The flashes are typically green, but may include brown, yellow, or muted earthy tones, creating a natural, organic look.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Color patches are irregular, fine, and dispersed in a way that evokes moss, foliage, or forest-like textures.
• Slightly diffuse or “fuzzy” appearance compared to sharply defined patterns.
• Colors generally lean toward green or earthy shades, but other hues may be present.
• Found in precious opals with play-of-color, unlike dendritic chalcedony, which lacks iridescence.

Value: Valued for its artistic and naturalistic appeal. Stones with vivid, well-contrasted moss-like patterns are especially desirable among collectors.

Mackerel (Fishscale) Opal

Mackerel pattern opal with rippled, overlapping play-of-color flashes.

Mackerel opals, also called Fishscale opals, feature rippled, overlapping flashes of color that mimic the shimmer of fish scales or the appearance of a “mackerel sky.” The effect is smooth, flowing, and visually striking, often emphasizing blues, greens, and silvery tones.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Curved or crescent-like patches of color arranged in overlapping, scale-like patterns.
• Color distribution produces a subtle, shimmering effect rather than sharp flashes.
• Typically dominated by blue and green hues, though other colors may be present.

Value: Mackerel opals are desirable for their distinctive, organic patterning.

Mackerel Opal pattern resembles the scales of a fish, with wavy lines of color in shades of blue, green, and silver. Typically smoother than Dragon Skin, with a more subtle play of color. It is a relatively common pattern and can be quite striking. 

Recognizable features: Wavy, rippled patterns of color, resembling the markings on a mackerel fish.

Dragon skin Opal  

Dragon Skin ammolite with a textured, scaly play-of-color, created by light diffraction across its fractured aragonite layer structure.

Dragon Skin opal displays a textured surface resembling reptilian scales, with irregular, wavy lines and ridges. The effect creates an organic, three-dimensional appearance, evoking the look of a dragon’s hide.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Irregular, scale-like patches or ridges forming a layered, textured pattern.
• Surface may appear rough or smooth, with raised and lowered areas adding depth.
• Color distribution is often uneven, enhancing the natural, organic aesthetic.

Value: Highly valued among niche collectors for its uniqueness and artistic appeal.

Honeycomb Opal 

Honeycomb opal with hexagonal color patches, mimicking a beehive's grid-like structure.

Honeycomb opals feature a hexagonal or grid-like arrangement of color patches, closely resembling the structure of a beehive. This geometric pattern gives the stone a striking, organized visual appeal.

Characteristics (Identification Key):

• Hexagonal cells are typically uniform, distinct, and larger than those seen in mosaic patterns.
• Creates a geometric, netted effect across the opal’s surface.
• Colors can vary widely, often including combinations of white, green, blue, or orange.
• Most commonly observed in Ethiopian opals, though rarer occurrences exist in other opal sources.

Value: Highly desirable, particularly when the hexagonal cells are sharp and the colors are vivid. Exceptional honeycomb opals can rival classic harlequin stones in collectibility and market value.

Finally

Opal patterns are not just decorative features but the natural result of geological processes that arranged silica spheres in unique ways. Each pattern—from the mosaic brilliance of harlequin to the delicate starry flecks of galaxy—contributes to a stone’s beauty, individuality, and worth.