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Pattern
Most opals have a
pattern that fits into the flashfire or broad flashfire categories. Since there
is very little difference in value for these patterns, the value of most stones
is unaffected by pattern. The patterns which can significantly affect value
are the unusual ones like harlequin and other rare patterns. The thing that
makes each opal so unique, its pattern, usually is not a major contributor to
its value.
While many names
are fanciful and unique to the individual doing the naming, there are a set
of commonly accepted names for fire patterns. These names are defined below:
| Pinfire |
Small pinpoint
circles of fire. When viewed from the side, this pattern often looks like
the side of a stack of pins, while the top view looks like the pits of those
pins, hence the name. The side view is called columnar fire. |
| Flashfire |
Larger areas
of fire, usually irregular in shape. The splashes of fire can be fairly
large but no one area would cover more than 50% of the surface of the opal. |
| Broad
Flashfire |
Sheets of color
usually covering a large section or all of the stone's surface. |
| Rolling Flashfire |
Sheets of color
which roll across the surface of the stone as it is moved. This type of
pattern is almost impossible to photograph but is highly prized. |
| Harlequin |
Square or angular
blocks of fire set closely together. True harlequins, are rare indeed. Rare
and unusual patterns that are not regular are also especially valued but
not true harlequins. |
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Beautiful Australian Opals