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From: jeff@rtech.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.sci,net.physics
Subject: Re: An opalescent puzzle.
Message-ID: <219@rtech.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 19-Apr-86 20:10:37 EST
Article-I.D.: rtech.219
Posted: Sat Apr 19 20:10:37 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 23-Apr-86 20:02:04 EST
References: <2420@decwrl.DEC.COM>
Organization: Relational Technology Inc, Alameda CA
Lines: 19
Xref: watmath net.sci:741 net.physics:4166

>
>     [My grandmother] told me she could not wear opals, and
>     proved it.  She took my blue Australian opal triplet (opal covered in
>     [quartz] crystal and backed with black onyx - protects a soft stone and
>     deepens the colour) and held it in her hand.  It turned milky white and
>     lost all colour.  I took it back and the colour returned.
> 
> Does anyone have any explanations for this phenomenon?
> 
> 		Topher Cooper

Opals will absorb moisture from the skin.  When this happens, then turn milky.
When the moisture evaporates, they turn back to their original colors.
-- 
Jeff Lichtman at rtech (Relational Technology, Inc.)
"Saints should always be judged guilty until they are proved innocent..."

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