By 
Jeff Dekofsky
 | 
TED-Ed Original

The most colorful gemstones on Earth

In November 1986, Australian miners climbed Lunatic Hill and bored 20 meters into the Earth. They were rewarded with a fist-sized, record breaking gemstone, which they named the Hailey's Comet opal. Thanks to a characteristic called "play of color," no two opals look the same. So what causes these vibrant displays? Jeff Dekofsky digs into the rock's shimmering, dancing displays of light. [Directed by Ivana Bošnjak and Thomas Johnson, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Salil Bhayani].

Related tags:

TED is supported by ads and partners

Watch next