Are Ethiopian opals good quality?

Ethiopian Opal is a new variety of opal discovered in Wollo province of Ethiopia. It is highly valued for its vibrant body hues, bold color flashes and patterns. These opals are superior in terms of quality but are relatively cheaper than the other popular origin varieties such as Australian Opals.

Are Ethiopian opals worth anything?

Contrary to Australian opal, Ethiopian’s opal price is generally lower, making it a more affordable gemstone, because of the steady supply, however, high quality Ethiopian opal is still difficult to obtain and can be expensive. Ethiopian opal’s value varies based on its variety, color intensity and patterns.

Are Ethiopian opals bad?

All in all, Ethiopian opals are ethical when mining companies meet the requirements enforced by the government.

Is Ethiopian opal better than Australian?

Whereas Australian opal is mined from deep beneath the ground, Ethiopian opal grows in large volcanic deposits high up in the hills. What makes this variety so appealing is its stunning play of color, one of the most desirable attributes of opal.

Are Ethiopian opals rare?

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.

How can I tell if my Ethiopian opal is real?

Look at the pattern and play of color, it will be tightly bunched together, and under a loop light, there will be no gaps in the pattern. In other words, the flakes of pattern will be so tightly compacted that it appears uniform. Natural opals will have different size flakes within the gemstone.

Are Ethiopian fire opals expensive?

Ethiopian Opals Are Rare And while these gemstones are rarer than Australian opals, they are surprisingly less expensive.

Why does Ethiopian Opal turn yellow?

Hydrophane opals have the ability to absorb water or liquids, similar to a sponge, resulting in a change of color that may turn the opal translucent yellow or brown and the play-of-color to disappear temporarily. The color will return once the opal is fully and naturally air-dried.

Are Ethiopian opals fragile?

From the discussion above, it’s clear that Ethiopian opals are more fragile than Australian opals and require reasonable care to ensure that they last longer. They shouldn’t be subject to immersion in liquids, which can lead to permanent damage, discoloration, fading and cracking.

Are Ethiopian opals fake?

By now, you’ve learned that Ethiopian opals are a real and natural gemstone from Africa. Opals from Ethiopia are incredibly gorgeous, exhibiting stunning play of color and that signature waxy texture. To avoid an unfortunate buying experience, it’s vital to know how to differentiate between real and fake opals.

Is there a Fake opal?

Synthetic opal does exist, as well as partially man-made stones such as triplets and doublets. If so, it’s almost certainly a genuine solid, and you’re looking at a white or crystal opal. All doublets and triplets are dark in body tone because they have a black artificial backing.

What are Welo Opals?

The Welo opal is found in the same type of geological formations as the Australian opal. Welo opal is the most stable opal find in Ethiopia to date. Ethiopian Opals are region specific in character traits just like Australian opals.

What is an Ethiopian fire opal?

Ethiopian Welo opal is popular as the crystal Opals from Welo Ethiopian is very bright and spectacular Opal. The colors are very striking with red being common and blue quite rare which is the opposite to Australian Opals. It has some magnificent patterns and brilliant colors and is called Ethiopian fire Opal.

What is an Ethiopian opal?

Ethiopian opal is a type of precious opal which means that it shows amazing play of color. Ethiopian opal is found in large nodules that are broken open to reveal the opal color. If you are looking for loose individual Ethiopian opal be sure to navigate to the Ethiopian opal stones category on the left.