`15.71Ct ContraLuz Scenic Inclusion Ethiopian Welo Specimen Crystal Opal (2024)

FAQs

How can you tell if an Ethiopian opal is real? ›

Look for a Play of Color

The “play of color” is what makes an opal so unique and desirable. This refers to the way the stone appears to change color when viewed from different angles. If you don't see any color play, the opal is likely a fake.

Welo Opal “Ethiopian Opals”

Many of the opals mined in Ethiopia are hydrophane opals, particularly from the Welo rocks. Hydrophane Opal is a fresh word designed to define a specific Opal form. Opals have been mined for thousands of years in Europe and more than 165 years in Australia.

Ethiopian opals are some of the rarest gems in the world. Not coincidentally, they are also some of the most in-demand gemstones on the market.

There is a large quantity of Ethiopian opal available which has kept the price low. Like most gems the top quality material is quite rare and commands a high price. The intensity of the color is what makes this opal valuable as the best Ethiopian opal have colors that are described as unreal looking like colored L.E.D.

To do this, take a hard object like a needle and scratch the opal's surface. If it scratches, the stone is probably not real. Lastly, you can use a loupe or magnifying glass to inspect the surface of your opal. A real opal should appear transparent and feature small air bubbles or a distinct crystalline structure.

A real opal under a UV light will also appear noticeably different to a fake opal. Synthetic opals, in addition to their visual clues, will emit a green colour under UV light; this is why it is often advised to take a UV torch along to test if the stone 'fluoresces', and if not, it is natural.

Can Ethiopian Opals get wet? Ethiopian Opals are "hydrophane", which makes them thirsty for water. If they come in contact with water, they will absorb it like a sponge. Absorbing too much water may result in unwanted changes to your Opals.

Ethiopian opal is believed to be an emotional intensifier, enhancing the true nature of those who wear it. Some say it strengthens the will to live and shields the wearer against negativity, burning off karma.

Ethiopian Opal is linked with the planet of love and beauty - Venus, and can be worn as the birthstone of all October borns.

Look for good color play: One of the most important factors to consider when buying an Ethiopian opal is its color play. Look for an opal that displays a range of colors when viewed from different angles. The more vibrant and intense the colors, the more valuable the opal is likely to be.

How old are welo opals? ›

While the Ethiopian opal boom seems relatively new, archeology shows that opals may have played a part in East African trade as early as 4000 B.C. A 1939 discovery by archeologist Louis Leakey places opals in the hands of humans in Kenya nearly 6000 years before contemporary Ethiopian opal discoveries.

Black opal is the most rare and highly valued form of opal, and has what is called a black (or dark) body tone. Black opals come in every colour of the rainbow.

Opals are too delicate for everyday wear.

Ethiopian opals are much more porous, meaning when exposed to water, they will absorb it, which can lead to color loss and cracking.

A rare natural opal and difficult to produce

And finally a few tons in 2011. Only 5% of the stones are of sufficient quality to se sold and 1% have the quality to set in jewelry. We can find Welo opals rough in silica veins. Only 2 to 3 m from the surface.

Australian opal, especially opal from Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy, is generally much more expensive and valuable than Ethiopian opal. Top quality Australian opals can sell for over $10,000 per carat. Ethiopian opal is quite affordable in comparison, usually ranging from $50-500 per carat depending on the quality.

Gently deposit a single drop of water onto the surface of the opal. Observe how the water drop interacts with the opal for a few seconds, allowing it either to evaporate or be absorbed into the stone. Reexamine the area where the water drop was placed.

If at all possible, avoid using too much water and instead use a wet cloth. Don't worry if your Ethiopian Opal gets wet. The colour and transparency will alter temporarily, but they will return to their original colour as it dries over a few days.

Lighter and more pastel: The colors in Ethiopian opals are often lighter and more pastel compared to Australian opals. They have a softer, more delicate appearance. Mostly translucent: Ethiopian opals are predominantly translucent, allowing the play of color to shine through.