Question

The iridescent nature of opals is a result of water trapped inside silica material. With time, this water will escape. Unlike advice given for most precious stones, experts advocate frequent handling of opals, which transmit body oils to the stones and helps them maintain their water content.
Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

• A. Opals will eventually lose their colour if left alone
• B. Body oils give opals their iridescent colours
• C. Opals require the same care as most precious stones
• D. An opal stone rarely maintains its value for longer than a century

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Opals will eventually lose their colour if left alone

Option A is the correct answer because according to the statement , the iridescent (colourful) nature of opals is due to its water, and as the water content will be lost, they will lose their colour.

Option B is incorrect because water gives opals their colour, not body oils, they only help them maintain their water content.

Option C is incorrect because other stones require even more intensive care, here they only need to be exposed to body oils.

Option D is incorrect because that is not mentioned in the passage.