Indonesian Laser Opal

Laser pattern Opal is a unique optical phenomenon where flashes of color, resembling laser beams, emanate from the stone. Indonesian laser opal, a unique type of opal where the opal has formed within the cellular structure of wood grain, creates a striking, linear play of colors. It's as if tiny lasers are shooting through the stone, creating intricate patterns that might resemble laser-like lines or structures due to the way the opal fills in the wood's natural cavities or growth structures, hence the name.

Indonesian Laser Opal is a rare and unique variety of opal found in Indonesia, specifically from the island of Java. This type of opal is known for its distinctive appearance and properties, making it a prized gemstone among collectors and enthusiasts.

Formation of Opal Laser pattern

The laser pattern in Indonesian Opal Wood is formed through a natural process where silica-rich water infiltrates the wood. Over time, this silica slowly replaces the wood's organic fibers with opal, creating the intricate patterns that resemble laser beams due to the play of light through the opal's structure.

The formation process is as follows:

The formation of these opals is intricately linked to Indonesia's volcanic activity, Indonesia's rich volcanic landscape significantly influences the formation of these opals. Volcanic eruptions provide silica-rich solutions which, over time, infiltrate the surrounding earth, including ancient wood buried in volcanic ash.

The opalization process begins when silica-laden water permeates the organic material of buried wood. Over time, this silica gradually replaces the wood's cellular structure, preserving its form while transforming it into opal. This process not only preserves the wood's cellular structure but also introduces the characteristic play-of-color of opal.

The arrangement of silica spheres within the opal matrix is critical. This replacement is not random; the silica often aligns along the wood's original grain, setting the stage for the unique light diffraction patterns.

The opalization process is incredibly slow, with estimates suggesting that for every centimeter of opal formed, it might take approximately 5 to 6 million years. This extended period allows for the intricate arrangement of silica that produces the characteristic patterns of laser opal.

Occurrence

Indonesian opals, including laser Opal, are found in regions where volcanic activity and sedimentary processes interact, like in Java, particularly around areas like Rangkasbitung in Banten Province. These opals might be embedded within volcanic clastic rocks or in areas where ancient forests were buried by volcanic ash.

Indonesian Laser Opal

Laser Opal Characteristics

Colors: The laser pattern opal shows off a spectrum of colors, from muted browns to bright greens, blues, and reds, which pop more against darker backgrounds.

Appearance: The wood's dark base color, usually brown or black, sharply contrasts with the opal's vibrant colors. The laser pattern features parallel, often iridescent lines that shift with light. These lines, resembling laser beams, are caused by light playing within the opalized wood, following the wood grain to create a unique, dancing color pattern.

Play of Color: Like all precious opals, Indonesian laser opal exhibits a play-of-color, which is due to the diffraction of light by the orderly array of silica spheres within the opal. This results in a spectrum of colors that can appear to move or change as the opal is turned.

Transparency: The laser pattern opal can range from opaque to semi-transparent, depending on the degree of opalization.

Water Content: Opals, including those from Indonesia, contain water, which can range from 3% to 20% of their weight. This water content affects the opal's stability and appearance.

Indonesian Laser Opal

Properties

• Hardness: Typically, opals have a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively soft compared to other gemstones like diamonds or sapphires.
• Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of opals, including Indonesian varieties, generally ranges from 1.98 to 2.20, indicating their density relative to water.
• Luster: Typically exhibits a vitreous to resinous luster.
• Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven.
• Specific Gravity: Usually between 1.9 and 2.3, depending on the degree of opalization.

Rarity and Value

The rarity of opalized wood, especially with precious opal characteristics, significantly increases its value. However, most opalized wood found is common opal, which, while beautiful, does not command the high prices of precious opal with a pronounced play-of-color.

The value of Indonesian opalized wood with laser patterns can vary widely based on the size, quality, and intensity of the opalization and the laser pattern. High-quality pieces with vibrant colors and clear, well-defined patterns can be quite valuable, often sought after by collectors and jewelers. Factors such as rarity, size, and the uniqueness of the pattern contribute to its value. Smaller, less vivid pieces may be less expensive but still prized for their uniqueness.

Meaning and Metaphysical Properties

Indonesian opals are celebrated for their metaphysical properties, believed to enhance spiritual growth by aligning one's intentions with universal energies, thus aiding in the manifestation of desires. These opals, with their vibrant play of colors, are thought to promote emotional healing, creativity, and intuition, making them valuable in practices aimed at emotional balance and spiritual development. While not typically seen as grounding stones, their connection to life's essence through emotional and possibly physical healing properties makes them unique in the realm of crystal healing.

In Conclusion, Indonesian opalized wood with a laser pattern is a rare and valuable material that combines the ancient history of fossilized wood with the ethereal beauty of opal. Its intricate patterns and vibrant colors make it highly prized among collectors and those interested in metaphysical properties. Its value is determined by the quality of the opalization and the uniqueness of the laser pattern, along with cultural and spiritual associations that add depth to its significance.

Read also:

Opalized Wood: Gemstone, Formation, Where to Find it
Opal Patterns with Photos