Opal is a special stone with many different uses. What is an opal and what does it mean spiritually for the person who wears one? The name opal crystal is derived from the Latin word opalus, which ...

The gemstone opal could be manufactured synthetically copying a technique employed by a beetle to control the appearance of its outer shell. Researchers from the Department of Zoology at the ...

The illustrations at the top (steps A through D) depict the creation of 3-D "photonic crystals" to improve the efficiency of thin-film solar cells, a technology that could bring low-cost solar energy.

The world’s finest uncut opal, a 998-gram gem called the Fire of Australia, has gone on permanent public display for the first time since its discovery more than 60 years ago. Valued at more than $675 ...