Frequently Asked Questions
How is an Ethiopian Opal formed?
Ethiopian opals are hydrophane opals formed as the result of volcanic activity giving rise to nodules within the volcanic ash in stratum between rhyolite layers. The word hydrophane here means “water-loving” due to the fact that they absorb water.
What is difference between lab grown and natural Ethiopian Opals?
Like most of the gemstones, there is an option to choose between natural and lab-created Ethiopian Opals. One must not confuse “lab grown” with the “fake”. While synthetic is a replica the lab grown is developed in a controlled lab environment.
Notably, there arise two major difference in both categories on the basis of their origin and the price in the market.
Where do Ethiopian Opals come from?
Ethiopian Opals were first mined in 2008 in Ethiopia’s northern Welo district. Various deposits were later discovered in Australia’s Coober Pedy mines.
How to take care of Ethiopian Opal Jewelry?
Ethiopian Opal Jewelry is quite easy to clean due to their hardness and durability. However, a few things must be kept in mind like avoiding contact of the gemstone with make-up, harsh chemicals, abrasives.
While cleaning the jewelry make use of lukewarm water and mild cleaning detergent. Soft toothbrush can be used to clean the underside of the ethiopian opal.
Also, the jewelry must be individually kept to avoid contact with other jewelry to avoid unnecessary scratches.
What is a Ethiopian Opal certification?
The most common Ethiopian Opal Certifications includes from GIA, IGL and HRD labs. It is usually a document you receive on the behalf of the aforementioned 3rd party labs which describes an opal in all of its characteristics.
Each and every party’s defining grounds may defer.
What is the birthstone of Ethiopian Opal?
Ethiopian Opal, a unique semi-precious gemstone, is known to be the birthstone of October.
Are Ethiopian Opal good quality?
Ethiopian Opal is world known for its vibrant color hues and that’s exactly what makes it so special. You wouldn’t witness any other gemstone displaying such a vibrant, vivid and unique play of colors. That’s exactly what adds to the quality of this October birthstone.
What are the patterns in Ethiopian opal?
The unique patterns of Ethiopian Opal range from broad pattern crystal, patchwork rolling flash, patchwork honeycomb, fish scale honeycomb, pin fire crystal, neon flesh pattern, welo broad pattern and rainbow pattern.
