opal

noun

ˈō-pəl 

: a usually amorphous mineral that is a hydrated silica softer and less dense than quartz and typically with definite and often marked iridescent play of colors and is used especially as a gem

Examples of opal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The fashionista wore the statement piece with a golden opal necklace, also designed by Lowe. —Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

Like the corundum, however, the size of the opals found on Mars appear to be very small, says Vivian Sun, a planetary scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 12 May 2026

Back in 2023, NASA’s Curiosity rover spotted opal on Mars—a mineral tied to water and, potentially, environments that could support life. —Ryan Brennan april 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026

One of them was a pair of earrings that contained precious opals. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin opalus, from Greek opallios, ultimately from Sanskrit upala stone, jewel

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing opal

• fire opal

Rhymes for opal

• copal
• propyl
• isopropyl

Kids Definition

opal

noun

ˈō-pəl 

: a mineral with changeable colors that is used as a gem