Alter Aeon The Great Library

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Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  41440
Title: a book titled 'Opals: Rainbows of the Deep'

Opals are curious gems. They are similar in composition to quartz, but they
do not form crystals. Indeed, their structure appears to be entirely
amphorous. It fractures readily, and contains a small amount of water, so
that when they get too dry, they become brittle and risk fracturing. Opals
are generally found in or around deposits of marlstone, basalt, rhyolite or
sandstone.

Opals come in many types. Most are common or potch opal. This stone can be
nearly any color or combination of colors. It has a milky luster and is
generally opaque, though translucent stones, called resin opal, also exist.
Some are banded in many different colors. Precious opal can be black or
white, and when light shines upon it, shows a play of "fire" within:
flashes of brilliant red, orange, green, blue and purple in varied amounts
shine within its depths. An uncommon variety of opal, call hyalite, is
entirely transparent. It may be as clear as glass, or it can show fire like
a precious opal.

Opals are usually polished in thin cabochons, oftened sandwiched between
glass plates to protect them from cracking. Sometimes opals are faceted,
but this is rare even with hyalite. Opals of all kinds are considered
lucky, and many luck charms are made with an opal as the centerpiece.

The most famous location for opal mining is the Abwal Mine, located beneath
Ubar. All varieties of opal can be found here, in concentrations greater
than anywhere else in the world.

Many famous artifacts have been made with opals. The Suborians made several
pieces of high quality armor with opal clasps. There are often worn by
high-ranking members of the Dragon Emperor's army. The janni of the
southeastern deserts have been known to incorporate opals into their famous
jewelry.

Black and white opals are rarely used together. However, there are two
famous artifacts from Ubar that combine the use of white and black opals:
the Pendant of Vampirism and the Circlet of Rainbows. The Pendant of
Vampirism is sacred to the priesthood of Byung, and was believed to have
been destroyed many centuries ago. The Circlet of Rainbows is also
unaccounted for. This potent artifact was believed to increase the efficacy
of front-line fighters in battle, but it provides no protect for the
wearer's head, leaving them vulnerable.