Opal vs. Pearl: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 28, 2023
Opal is a gemstone formed from hydrated silica, often iridescent. Pearl is a lustrous, round object produced inside the shell of a mollusk.
Difference Between Opal and Pearl
Opal is a precious gemstone that is known for its striking display of shifting colors, commonly referred to as a play-of-color. This characteristic of opal is because of the diffraction of light off the internal silica spheres within the stone. On the other hand, a pearl is created within certain types of mollusks, mainly oysters and clams. Pearls form as a result of the mollusk's reaction to a foreign substance or irritant inside its shell, leading to the creation of concentric layers of calcium carbonate, which give pearls their lustrous appearance.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
The formation process of opal involves water seeping into cracks and voids in host rocks. Over time, the water evaporates, leaving behind silica deposits that eventually form opal. Pearls, in contrast, are a biogenic gem, originating from living organisms. When a tiny irritant enters the mollusk's shell, it reacts by secreting layers of nacre around the irritant, slowly forming a pearl.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
Opals can be found in various colors ranging from clear through white, gray, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, magenta, rose, pink, slate, olive, brown, and black. Some of the most prized opals show a range of colors as the stone is rotated. Pearls, while mostly known for their iconic creamy or white sheen, can also come in a variety of shades, including pink, black, yellow, lavender, blue, green, and brown, often influenced by the type of mollusk and the environment in which it's grown.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
In terms of care and durability, opals are relatively soft, scoring 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. They require careful handling to avoid scratching and are sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Pearls are also delicate, with a hardness of 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs scale. They can be damaged by exposure to chemicals, including those in cosmetics, hair spray, and perfume, necessitating special care.
Nolan
Sep 27, 2023
Opal vs. Pearl Comparison Chart
Formation Process
From the sediment of silica-rich solutions
From nacre secretion around an irritant
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Sep 27, 2023
Typical Appearance
Multicolored with play-of-color
Round with a smooth, lustrous surface
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Sep 27, 2023
Value Determinants
Play-of-color, transparency, pattern
Luster, size, shape, surface quality
Levi
Sep 27, 2023
Care Recommendations
Avoid drastic temperature & chemicals
Avoid chemicals & store separately
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
Opal vs. Pearl Definitions
◉Opal
A birthstone representing the month of October.
As an October baby, she cherished her opal necklace.
Elijah
Sep 11, 2023
◉Pearl
The hard, shiny substance that lines the inner part of some shells.
The oyster's interior shimmered with the same substance as a pearl.
Lucas
Sep 11, 2023
◉Opal
A precious gemstone known for its iridescent play-of-color.
She wore a ring adorned with a vibrant opal.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
◉Pearl
A birthstone representing the month of June.
Her June birthday was celebrated with a pearl bracelet gift.
Olivia
Sep 11, 2023
◉Opal
A translucent to opaque stone that varies in color and pattern.
Each opal stone is unique, with its own pattern and hue.
Elijah
Sep 11, 2023
◉Pearl
Something very rare, admirable, or valuable.
Her voice was considered the pearl of the opera house.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
◉Opal
A mineral consisting mainly of hydrated silica.
The desert region contained deposits of opal.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
◉Pearl
A smooth, lustrous, variously colored mass, chiefly of calcium carbonate, formed around a grain of sand or other foreign matter inside the shell of certain bivalve mollusks and valued as a gem.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
Something small and spherical in shape
"pearls of sweat beading on her upper lip" (Katherine Min).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Opal
(mineral) A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity, of the chemical formula SiO2·nH2O.
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May 03, 2023
◉Opal
(gemology) A precious gem, an iridescent gemstone found in the opal-silica mineral substrate (potch)
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May 03, 2023
◉Opal
A colloquial name used in molecular biology referring to a particular stop codon sequence, "UGA."
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May 03, 2023
◉Opal
A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Opal
a translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color; some varieties are used as gemstones
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Opal
A symbol of hope, innocence, and purity.
The opal pendant was given as a gesture of trust and optimism.
Lucas
Sep 11, 2023
◉Pearl
A shelly concretion, usually rounded, and having a brilliant luster, with varying tints, found in the mantle, or between the mantle and shell, of certain bivalve mollusks, especially in the pearl oysters and river mussels, and sometimes in certain univalves. It is usually due to a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating foreign particle. Its substance is the same as nacre, or mother-of-pearl. Round lustrous pearls are used in jewellery.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
A capsule of gelatin or similar substance containing liquid for e.g. medicinal application.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
One of the circle of tubercles which form the bur on a deer's antler.
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May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
The size of type between diamond and agate, standardized as 5-point.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
(figurative) A valuable little nugget of information; especially, an aphorism or tip#Etymology 5 that is operationally useful for decision-making.
pearl of wisdom
clinical pearls
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May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
(transitive) To cause to resemble pearls in shape; to make into small round grains.
to pearl barley
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May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
To sink the nose of one's surfboard into the water, often on takeoff.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
A shelly concretion, usually rounded, and having a brilliant luster, with varying tints, found in the mantle, or between the mantle and shell, of certain bivalve mollusks, especially in the pearl oysters and river mussels, and sometimes in certain univalves. It is usually due to a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating foreign particle. Its substance is the same as nacre, or mother-of-pearl.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
Hence, figuratively, something resembling a pearl; something very precious.
I see thee compassed with thy kingdom's pearl.
And those pearls of dew she wears.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
One of the circle of tubercles which form the bur on a deer's antler.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
A capsule of gelatin or similar substance containing some liquid for medicinal application, as ether.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
Of or pertaining to pearl or pearls; made of pearls, or of mother-of-pearl.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
To set or adorn with pearls, or with mother-of-pearl. Used also figuratively.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
To cause to resemble pearls; to make into small round grains; as, to pearl barley.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
a shape that is small and round;
he studied the shapes of low-viscosity drops
beads of sweat on his forehead
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pearl
A lustrous spherical gem formed within a mollusk.
Her grandmother passed down a pearl necklace as a family heirloom.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
◉Pearl
A symbol of elegance, wisdom, and purity.
The bride chose pearl earrings to complement her white dress.
Lucas
Sep 11, 2023
Opal vs. Pearl Frequently Asked Questions
Do opals come in a single color?
No, opals can display a wide range of colors due to their play-of-color.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
Do both opal and pearl have symbolic meanings?
Yes, opal often symbolizes hope and innocence, while pearl symbolizes elegance and purity.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
How is a pearl formed inside a mollusk?
A pearl is formed when a mollusk secretes nacre around an irritant.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Is opal considered a birthstone?
Yes, opal is the birthstone for the month of October.
Nolan
Sep 27, 2023
For which month is pearl the birthstone?
Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June.
Elijah
Sep 27, 2023
Are pearls sensitive to certain substances?
Yes, pearls can be damaged by chemicals, including perfume, and should be stored separately.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
What is the primary material composing opal?
Opal is primarily composed of hydrated silica.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
How should opals be cared for in jewelry?
Opals should be protected from drastic temperature changes and harmful chemicals.
Elijah
Sep 27, 2023
What is the main factor determining the value of a pearl?
The value of a pearl is largely determined by its luster, size, shape, and surface quality.
Olivia
Sep 27, 2023
Are opal and pearl used in similar types of jewelry?
Both opals and pearls are used in various jewelry types, from rings to necklaces, but their aesthetics and care requirements differ.
William
Sep 27, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
