Morado Opal: Twilight Captured in Stone
Every gemstone has a way of telling its own story, and Morado Opal speaks in shades of violet. Also called Purple Opal or Opal Royale, this stone is a relative newcomer to the jewelry world—but one glance at its dreamy hues explains why it has quickly become a collector’s favorite.
What is Morado Opal?
Unlike the fiery play-of-color opals from Australia, Morado Opal is a common opal—which means it doesn’t flash with rainbow fire. Instead, its beauty lies in its velvety purples, lilacs, and lavenders, sometimes swirled with clouds of white or veined with deeper midnight tones. This coloring comes from tiny inclusions of fluorite within the opal itself, giving it a watercolor-like depth that feels almost painted by hand.
Where Does It Come From?
Most Morado Opal is mined in Central Mexico, where deposits yield stones with shades ranging from soft pastel lilac to bold, royal purple. Each piece is unique, a natural canvas shaped by earth and time.
Why Jewelers Love It
Morado Opal is most often cut into cabochons, which show off its marbled depths. Because of its softness (around 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale), it’s best suited for pendants, earrings, and statement rings that are worn with care. The stone pairs beautifully with both warm metals like copper and bronze (which draw out its regal glow) and cooler tones like silver (which highlight its misty, ethereal qualities).
Caring for Morado Opal
Like all opals, Morado Opal contains a small amount of water, making it sensitive to heat and harsh chemicals. To keep it luminous, it’s best to store it away from direct sunlight, clean it gently with a soft cloth, and avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
A Jewel from the Shop:
Tobin captures everything we love about Morado Opal: its blend of shadow and light, depth and mystery. Wrapped in warm copper wire with accents of sparkling gems, this piece cradles a slice of twilight itself. Each glance reveals something new—like watching clouds drift across a violet evening sky.
Morado Opal is more than a stone; it’s an invitation to pause, to wander, to dream. For those who wear it, it carries the quiet majesty of dusk and the whispered promise of transformation.
Explore this piece in the shop, and see how Morado Opal tells its story to you.