What is Special about Opals?
Opals stand out because of their lack of a defined crystalline structure, resulting in a variety of shapes and colors. This makes them stunning and unpredictable. Unlike some other gemstones found in specific areas, opals can be sourced globally. Australia notably supplies 95% of the world’s opals, making it their national gemstone. Honduras, Brazil, Mexico, and the Western United States are other notable sources.
Known also as the October birthstone, opals are mainly white or colorless but can exhibit numerous colors like red, blue, yellow, green, pink, and aqua. This ability to display every color in the rainbow makes opals highly favored. The opal signifies many things, including hope, purity, love, truth, and harmony. Due to their enduring popularity, opals are extensively used in jewelry such as opal bracelets, necklaces, rings, and more.
What about Synthetic Opals?
Created in laboratories, synthetic opals possess the same physical and chemical properties as natural opals, making them real opals. Available in various colors like their natural counterparts, synthetic opals mainly come in white and black, with the former often being more expensive due to its natural-like appearance. Additionally, synthetic opals are available in crystal and fire varieties and are popular in many types of jewelry.
Natural vs Synthetic Opals – What’s The Difference?
Synthetic opals are generally less expensive than natural ones. As previously mentioned, they share similar chemical and physical properties, making it challenging to distinguish between them. Despite not being more durable than natural opals, synthetic ones come in a vast array of colors, offering more variety. However, synthetic opals lack the natural game of light, a characteristic highly admired in natural opals.
On the other hand, natural opals boast a unique appearance that captures light, revealing a splendid array of colors and patterns. This captivating effect occurs as light passes through the gaps in the opal’s silica structure, bending and splitting into different colors of the spectrum.
Caring for Your Opal Jewelry
For both monetary and sentimental reasons, maintaining and caring for your opal jewelry ensures its longevity. Opals, being soft, require gentle handling. Remove them during activities that may cause scratches or damage. Also, avoid exposing them to high temperatures or low humidity as it can cause irreparable damage.
To clean your opal, use warm water, a mild detergent, and a soft cloth or toothbrush. Avoid bleach, chemicals, and immersing them for long. Refrain from using an ultrasonic cleaner as its vibrations can crack or allow water to penetrate the opal.
FAQs
Do lab created opals require maintenance?
Yes, synthetic opals require maintenance much like natural ones. This involves removing them before engaging in physical activities and regular cleaning.
Is a synthetic opal better than a real opal?
The preference between synthetic and real opals depends on the individual. Synthetic opals offer advantages like flexibility, ease of cutting, and affordability, and can be set in varied styles.
What is the best opal color?
The value of an opal’s color depends on factors such as brightness. Generally, brighter opals are more valuable, with orange and red being the rarest and most valuable colors.
Can you wear opal jewelry regularly?
Absolutely. Opal jewelry, whether in the form of an ornate opal necklace or simple opal earrings, complements both formal attire and casual wear. However, being more delicate than other gems, opals require extra care.
