View of the breakaways opal fields north of Coober Pedy in the Australian outback.
(GETTY IMAGES, COOBER PEDY OPAL FIELDS)
The name “opal” is the subject of long-standing debate. Some accounts cite the origin of the name to be the Latin word opalus, while other reports state it hails from the Greek word opallios.
In the past, it seems it was widely accepted that opals, specifically opal jewelry, was not of interest to men. Revolutionary industrialist John Davison Rockefeller, legendary singer and performer Elvis Presley, and iconic artist Andy Warhol are examples to the contrary. Each purchased unique opals during their lifetimes and their appreciation for the gemstone was noted.