It's Going To Be Beautiful In the End

On our holiday a few months ago we had the privilege of staying in an opal mining town, Coober Pedy. We got to camp underground and have a tour of an old section of a mine. The guide explained how the whole opal mining process works, from bare ground to when you perchance find opal and likely it's potch (93% chance).

So now you are wondering what is the difference between opal and potch. Well, these two things are made from the exact same substances. Potch is dull, uncolourful and not very valuable. Opal, on the other hand, is extremely beautiful and expensive.

The only difference between opal and potch is the circumstances in which they're formed.
Opal is formed only under constant pressure in the earth. If the pressure changes you're left with non-precious potch.

So, if you feel like you're under so much pressure right now, know that the end will be beautiful!