◂ BACK TO GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
Opal
Fireworks. Jellyfish. Galaxies. Lightning. Opal's shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem.
See Gem As
Tools
Research
An Opal-Calcite Composite
A Useful Technique to Confirm the Hydrophane Nature of Opal
Observing a water drop’s interaction with opal, as well as refractive index, can confirm a specimen’s hydrophane nature with less risk of breakage than total immersion.
Hydrophane Opal Treatment
An opal rough is immersed in water and treated with oil and Opticon to observe effects on transparency and play-of-color.
Inclusions in Natural, Treated, Synthetic, and Imitation Opal
Provides a visual guide to the internal features of natural, treated, synthetic, and imitation opal.
New Deposit of Black Opal from Ethiopia
The Stayish mine in Ethiopia’s Wollo province has been producing black opal since 2013.
Rare Double Pseudomorph Ikaite-Calcite-Opal
Land of Origins: A Gemological Expedition to Ethiopia
Documents a visit to the sapphire, opal, and emerald mining and trading areas of Ethiopia.
Preview of Nature Art Science with Paula Crevoshay
Synthetic or Imitation? An Investigation of the Products of Kyocera Corporation That Show Play-Of-Color
Jewelry Television in Tucson
Play-of-Color Opal from Wegel Tena, Wollo Province, Ethiopia
A new opal deposit was discovered in 2008 near the village of Wegel Tena, in volcanic rocks of Ethiopia’s Wollo Province.
