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Tumbled Andean pink opal from the volcanic deposits of Peru, in its opaque pale pink to peach variety. Size between 28 and 52 mm, weight between 15 and 20 grams.
Material Data Sheet
| Mineral |
Andean pink opal (hydrated silica, SiO₂·nH₂O; opaque opal-CT variety, no play-of-color) |
| Color |
Pale pink to peach with pearly white streaks; subtle tone variations per piece |
| Size |
28-52 mm long; 15-20 g weight |
| Shape |
Tumbled; smoothly rounded surface |
| Finish |
Smooth polish with pearly luster |
| Hardness |
5.5-6 Mohs (compact opal) — suitable for pendants and earrings; for rings, we recommend settings that protect the edges |
| Origin |
Peruvian Andes, main deposit in Canta (Lima province) |
| Treatment |
Untreated. The pink color comes from traces of manganese and iron in the native composition of the opal |
| Piece Type |
Unique tone and streaks per tumbled stone; intuitive selection within the size range |
Why Andean Opal is Pink
Andean opal is a variety of hydrated silica (opal-CT, with partially crystallized silica structure) formed in volcanic hydrothermal environments characteristic of the Peruvian Andean mountain range. Unlike Australian or Ethiopian opal —which exhibit iridescence (play-of-color) due to their internal structure of regularly ordered silica spheres— Andean pink opal has a less organized structure that produces a uniform opaque appearance.
What This Format Is Good For
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Wire wrap — the 5.5-6 Mohs hardness requires fine gauge (0.6-0.8 mm) and wraps that support the outline without concentrated pressure on the surface; large formats (>40 mm) are especially good for statement pendants
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Macrame — the pink palette fits into earth and nude color compositions; the 15-20 g weight works well for string pendants and wide bracelets
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Pocket stone — one of the few accessible non-precious opals in tumbled form; the pearly texture and ergonomic size are comfortable for daily carry
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Collection of Andean minerals — a representative piece of Peruvian volcanic mineralogy; interesting alongside rhodochrosite and Andean tourmaline in thematic South American collections
Andean Pink Opal in Cultural Tradition
Sixteenth-century Spanish colonial chronicles record the use of soft pink stones —including Andean opal— as low-rank decorative material in Cusco markets, where they were generically called quyllur rumi ("luminous stone" in Quechua). In 19th-century Europe, Andean opal reached the gem market under the name "Peruvian opal," popularized in Victorian jewelry as an accessible alternative to the newly discovered Australian opal (1849) and Mexican fire opal. In modern crystal therapy readings, it is associated with emotional calm and gentle communication, symbolic readings consistent with the pink color and matte texture of the mineral.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to Recognize Genuine Andean Pink Opal
Genuine Andean pink opal has a pink color with subtle internal gradients and a slightly porous texture to the touch, with a pearly-matte (not vitreous) luster. Pink glass imitations have a uniform vitreous luster and a very smooth surface. Plastic is noticeably lighter (density ~1.2 g/cm³ compared to 2.0-2.2 for opal) and scratches with a steel blade. Andean opal can be dyed to intensify the color: the sign is excessively uniform saturation without gradients and possible discoloration in cracks or edges when wet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it have play-of-color like Australian opal?
No. Andean pink opal is a common opal (non-precious opal) without play-of-color (iridescence).
Is it sensitive to humidity changes?
Opal is a hydrated silica that can lose water in very dry environments or with prolonged heat, which.
How big is each tumbled stone exactly?
Between 28 and 52 mm long, with variations within the batch. Selection is made intuitively; the weight (15-20.
