Many books
have been written about the gemstone, precious
opal. With few exceptions, these have dealt
with the subject in a popular manner, and
all make enjoyable reading. Why do we need
another treatise on the subject?
There
are many forms of opal; the gemstone is
only a very special and rare variety of
the mineral as it occurs in nature. Even
common opal is a fascinating study, because
it occurs in a wide variety of forms, many
of which can be used to produce attractive
ornaments. In addition, there are those
forms which come under the general term
of "opaline silica", many of which are important
industrially. The aim of the disc is to
bring together the history and mythology,
the occurrence and production, the stories
of the "opal people", the properties and
science of opal, as well as its uses and
some potential dangers.
It
is hoped that there will be enjoyable reading
and browsing for the general reader, as
well as being a source of technical material
for professional in mineralogy, gemmology
and related fields. Included, therefore,
are outlines of both older and more recent
scientific studies on opaline silica of
all types. In addition, the bibliography
should lead directly to amplified information
in all fields. |
