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. The pink hue comes from native mineral traces in the opal's composition, without additional treatments. Unlike Australian or Ethiopian opal, this Andean variety does not exhibit play-of-color (iridescence).
Material Data Sheet
| Mineral |
Andean pink opal (hydrated silica, SiO₂·nH₂O; opaque opal-CT variety, without play-of-color) |
| Color |
Pale pink to peach with pearly white veins; 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 opal composition |
| Piece type |
Unique tone and veins 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 silicate structure) formed in volcanic hydrothermal environments characteristic of the Peruvian Andean mountain range. Unlike Australian or Ethiopian opal —which exhibit the phenomenon of 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. Traces of manganese and iron oxide incorporated during its formation are responsible for the pink hue; the variation in concentration between pieces explains the tone range from pale pink to intense peach.
What this format is good for
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Wire wrap — the 5.5-6 Mohs hardness requires fine gauge wire (0.6-0.8 mm) and wraps that support the contour without concentrated pressure on the surface; large formats (>40 mm) are especially good for statement pendants
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Macramé — the pink palette fits into earth and nude color compositions; the 15-20 g weight works well for thread pendants and wide bracelets
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Pocket stone — one of the few non-precious opals accessible in tumbled format; the pearly texture and ergonomic size are comfortable for daily carry
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Andean mineral collecting — representative piece of Peruvian volcanic mineralogy; interesting alongside rhodochrosite and Andean tourmaline in thematic South American collections
Andean pink opal in cultural tradition
16th-century Spanish colonial chronicles record the use of soft pink stones —among them Andean opal— as low-grade decorative material in Cusco markets, where they were generically called quyllur rumi ("luminous stone" in Quechua). In 19th-century Europe, Andean opal entered 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 soft internal gradients and a slightly porous texture to the touch, with a pearly-matte luster (not vitreous). 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 an 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 the phenomenon of play-of-color (iridescence). Its aesthetic value comes from its uniform pink color and pearly luster, not from flashes of color. Play-of-color requires an internal structure of regularly ordered silica spheres that this Andean variety does not possess.
Is it sensitive to humidity changes?
Opal is hydrated silica that can lose water in very dry environments or with prolonged heat, which can generate microfissures (crazing). Keep away from direct heat sources and do not store with desiccants. Brief contact with water for cleaning does not affect it.
What is the exact size of each tumbled stone?
Between 28 and 52 mm long, with variations within the batch. Selection is made intuitively; the weight (15-20 g) is the most reliable reference for the size of the tumbled stone you will receive. Batches tend to mix pieces of different sizes within the range.
Is it durable enough for jewelry?
With caution. The 5.5-6 Mohs hardness is moderate: it holds up well in pendants and earrings where the piece does not rub against hard surfaces. For wrist bracelets or rings, we recommend settings that protect the edges of the tumbled stone. It is not the ideal format for very intensive use.
How is it cared for?
Clean with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water; dry well immediately. Avoid ultrasonics, extreme heat, and chemicals. Store in a padded pouch separate from harder stones. More in the jewelry care guide.
See also: all tumbled stones · meditation stones · cabochons.
