Opal (SiO₂/H₂O)

Goodfellow provides high-quality opal (SiO₂/H₂O) for specialized research and industrial applications. Opal, a hydrated amorphous form of silica, is characterized by its unique play of colors (opalescence) and variable water content. This material exhibits interesting optical properties due to its internal structure of silica spheres, which can create photonic crystal effects. Opal is used in industries such as optics, materials science, and nanotechnology. In optics, it serves as a natural model for photonic crystals and light diffraction studies. Materials scientists study opal for insights into self-assembly processes and nanostructured materials. In nanotechnology, synthetic opal structures are used as templates for creating advanced materials. Emerging technologies leveraging opal-inspired structures include color-changing smart materials and advanced optical sensing devices. Goodfellow's provision of research-grade opal supports cutting-edge studies in photonics and nanostructured materials, particularly in developing new optical and sensing technologies. The unique structural and optical properties of opal ensure its continued importance in both scientific exploration and industrial applications requiring materials with specific light-manipulating characteristics and self-assembled nanostructures.