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Literary
July 31, 1898
Wheeling Sunday Register
Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia
What is this article about?
An essay explaining the scientific origin of the opal's iridescent fire from its water content, mentioning legends, the challenge of synthesizing opals for profit, and a historical anecdote of a million-dollar opal owned by Roman senator Nomis coveted by Mark Antony for Cleopatra.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
THE FIRE OF THE OPAL.
Whence comes the fire of the opal? There are numerous pretty legends for answer. But science tells us that it is the water which gives to the jewel that shifting iridescent flame which has caused it to be known as "the moonlight queen." The opal is composed of 10 parts of water and 90 parts of silica. Why cannot we make the precious jewels to order? Echo answers, Why? If we could only find that simple secret out, our fortunes would be made, since opals are worth a lot of money. There was one once for which $1,000,000 was offered. It was not much larger than an ordinary hazelnut and was worn in the ring of Nomis, the Roman senator. Marc Anthony saw it and wanted to give it to Cleopatra, but Nomis would not sell it.
Whence comes the fire of the opal? There are numerous pretty legends for answer. But science tells us that it is the water which gives to the jewel that shifting iridescent flame which has caused it to be known as "the moonlight queen." The opal is composed of 10 parts of water and 90 parts of silica. Why cannot we make the precious jewels to order? Echo answers, Why? If we could only find that simple secret out, our fortunes would be made, since opals are worth a lot of money. There was one once for which $1,000,000 was offered. It was not much larger than an ordinary hazelnut and was worn in the ring of Nomis, the Roman senator. Marc Anthony saw it and wanted to give it to Cleopatra, but Nomis would not sell it.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Commerce Trade
Nature
What keywords are associated?
Opal
Gemstone
Iridescence
Science
Legends
Roman History
Luxury Jewels
Literary Details
Title
The Fire Of The Opal.
Key Lines
Whence Comes The Fire Of The Opal? There Are Numerous Pretty Legends For Answer.
It Is The Water Which Gives To The Jewel That Shifting Iridescent Flame Which Has Caused It To Be Known As "The Moonlight Queen."
There Was One Once For Which $1,000,000 Was Offered. It Was Not Much Larger Than An Ordinary Hazelnut And Was Worn In The Ring Of Nomis, The Roman Senator.