hydrophane

/ˈhaɪdrəfeɪn/
noun
  1. A type of opal that becomes more transparent when it absorbs water.
    • Collectors value hydrophane for its unique ability to become translucent in water.
    • She placed the hydrophane in a dish of water to see its color deepen.
    • The jeweler explained that hydrophane opals can change appearance when wet.
What does "hydrophane" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean