Milky Opal, as the name suggests, showcases the distinct characteristics of this type of opal. Milky opals are renowned for their milky white appearance and dreamy play of colors. Unlike other opals, milky opals possess an opaque or semi-translucent milky white appearance, which sets them apart. Even with intense play of colors, milky opals exude a gentle and ethereal beauty, appealing to those who prefer a subdued yet captivating aesthetic.
Due to the captivating colors of milky opals, they are beloved by women, jewelers, and designers. Additionally, the initial abundance of opal mines in Australia resulted in a higher production of milky opals compared to crystal opals, making them more affordable. The market is flooded with milky opals, surpassing other types of opals. Hence, the initial perception of opals among the public was predominantly associated with white. The most common cutting shapes for opals are oval and polished domes, further linking their shape to that of an egg and the color of egg white. Despite being a gemstone with a wide range of colors, opals are commonly referred to as "dàn bái shí" (蛋白石), meaning "egg white stone" in Chinese.
Of course, I cannot guarantee with 100% certainty that the name "dàn bái shí" (蛋白石) for opals solely originated from this association. However, what do you think of my reasoning?
Milky opals feature a milky white appearance, and their play of colors transforms green into vibrant shades of green and red into soft pink, creating a harmonious and dreamy effect. The play of colors in milky opals can be classified from weak to strong intensity. Nowadays, it has become increasingly difficult to find top-quality milky opals in larger carat sizes. More commonly, milky opals exhibit fewer colors or even resemble ordinary opals without any play of colors. Finding high-quality milky opals with large carat sizes has become quite rare.
