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Glite Dictionary
opaque gem

opaque gem

6.7
A gemstone that does not let light pass through
  • noun
  • /oʊˈpeɪk dʒɛm/
translation icon : gema opaca
  • Unlike diamonds, an opaque gem does not sparkle when held to the light.

Examples

  • Turquoise is a popular opaque gem often used in Southwestern jewelry.

  • She bought an opaque gem for her collection.

  • The jeweler showed me an opaque gem with a unique green hue.

  • The opaque gem sparkled under the lights.

  • The jeweler showed me an opaque gem with a unique green hue.

  • Turquoise is a popular opaque gem often used in Southwestern jewelry.

  • Unlike diamonds, an opaque gem does not let light pass through.

Synonyms

black diamond
vsopaque gem
1 9.1

A rare solid black gem valued for its dark look

is the general class for stones that block light rather than one specific black type

Antonyms

transparent gem
5.1

A clear stone like a diamond that light passes through

How Opaque

opaque gem
6.7

Surface Forms

opaque gem singular
opaque gems plural

Morphology

opaque + gem

The meaning 'a gemstone that does not let light pass through it' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'opaque' (not allowing light through) with 'gem' (a precious stone). This simple adjective + noun composition follows common cross-linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Opaque gem starts from a simple picture: a gem, a precious stone, that is opaque, meaning it 'does not let light pass through'. So the phrase is used for a jewel you cannot see through, unlike a clear stone.