harlequin opal

9.9

A gem with a red base and small bright patches of many colors

noun
/ˈhɑr.lɪ.kɪn ˈoʊ.pəl/

Specialized

: opalina arlequín

She inherited a necklace set with a beautiful harlequin opal from her grandmother.

Examples

The jeweler displayed a rare harlequin opal that gleamed with every color of the rainbow.
She bought a stunning harlequin opal for her collection.
Collectors value the harlequin opal for its unique patchwork of vivid hues.
The harlequin opal is known for its unique color patterns.
Collectors value the harlequin opal for its unique patchwork of vivid hues.
The jeweler displayed a rare harlequin opal that gleamed with every color of the rainbow.
She inherited a necklace set with a beautiful harlequin opal from her grandmother.

Synonyms

opal

vsharlequin opal

14 5.1

A shiny stone that shows bright flashes of colour and is used in jewellery

is a specific variety with a reddish base and small brilliant color patches

Surface Forms

harlequin opal singular

harlequin opals plural

Morphology

harlequin + opal

The noun phrase is transparently built from 'harlequin' (denoting a diamond-pattern or clownish pattern) modifying 'opal' (a gemstone), so the meaning 'an opal with a harlequin-like pattern/colouring' is directly inferable. This attributive adjective-noun composition is common and cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

Harlequin opal takes its name from the bright, diamond-like costume of a harlequin. The stone has a reddish background with small, brilliant 'patches' of color that look like that checked 'pattern', so the name helps you remember this kind of opal.