About Opals

Did you know that over 97% of the world’s opals come from Australia? A smaller amount is mined in Ethiopia, Mexico, and the United States, but Australian and Ethiopian opals are the most commonly used in jewelry. Wondering how to tell them apart? A simple test is to rinse the opal in water. Ethiopian opals may change color when wet because of their porous nature, while Australian opals keep their color even when wet.

What is Precious Opal?

Precious opal is a beloved gemstone, known for its brilliant play of colors. Though it’s softer than gemstones like sapphire, ruby, or diamond, with a Mohs hardness rating of 5-6, it is still durable enough for jewelry.

This vibrant color display in precious opal comes from its unique silica structure. Different arrangements and sizes of silica spheres within the opal create a beautiful rainbow of colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and more—making each opal one of a kind.

Types of Precious Opals

Natural precious opals are divided into several categories:

  1. Solid Black Opal
  2. Solid Crystal Opal
  3. Solid White Opal
  4. Boulder Opal
  5. Opal Doublet
  6. Opal Triplet

Solid Opals

Solid opals are naturally formed stones cut into various shapes without any treatments. The entire stone is pure opal, and each type has a distinct body tone:

  • Solid Black Opal: Known for its dark body tone, enhancing the vibrancy of its colors.
  • Solid Crystal Opal: Translucent, often resembling crystal.
  • Solid White Opal: Has a milky, opaque body tone.

Boulder Opals

Boulder opal is found in veins within a host stone, typically ironstone. When cut, it displays a striking contrast between the precious opal and the ironstone base.

Opal Doublets

Opal doublets consist of a thin layer of natural opal glued to a backing material, such as ironstone or plastic. They offer the beauty of opal at a lower price, making them an affordable choice.

Opal Triplets

Opal triplets have three layers: a protective top layer of glass or plastic, a thin middle layer of opal, and a base layer of man-made material. This layered structure helps protect the opal and enhances its appearance.

The following is a guide for you to compare the two major types of opals around the world - Ethiopian Opals and Australian Opals. This guide will walk you through the differences, helping you choose the perfect stone for your collection.

Ethiopian Opals vs. Australian Opals: A Comparison

1. Origins and Formation

  • Ethiopian Opal: Mined in Wollo Province, Ethiopia, and formed in volcanic rock. Ethiopian opals are porous and can absorb water, affecting their durability.
  • Australian Opal: Mined in areas like Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, and Andamooka. Formed in sedimentary deposits, Australian opals are known for their stability and vibrant color play.

2. Appearance and Color Play

  • Ethiopian Opal: Known for neon-like colours and unique patterns like honeycomb. Often translucent, allowing light to intensify the color.
  • Australian Opal: Bold and vivid colours, with types like black, white, and boulder opals. Black opals are especially valued for their dark background, enhancing the color display.

3. Durability and Stability

  • Ethiopian Opal: Porous and hydrophane, meaning it can absorb liquids, which may alter color and lead to cracking. Requires careful handling.
  • Australian Opal: Non-porous and more stable. Does not absorb liquids, making it more durable and suited for daily wear.

4. Care and Maintenance

  • Ethiopian Opal Care:
    • Avoid water, store in a dry area.
    • Clean with a soft, dry cloth—no chemicals.
  • Australian Opal Care:
    • Gentle cleaning with a soft, damp cloth.
    • Avoid harsh chemicals and store separately from other jewelry.

5. Price and Value

  • Ethiopian Opal: Generally more affordable but high-quality pieces with bright colours can still be valuable.
  • Australian Opal: Typically more expensive, especially black opals. Known for holding or increasing in value over time.

6. Which Opal is Right for You?

  • For Daily Wear or Heirloom Pieces: Australian opals are ideal for their durability and classic appeal, perfect for rings, necklaces, or heirlooms.
  • For Unique Patterns and Affordability: Ethiopian opals are a great choice for their unique patterns and budget-friendly price, suited for occasional wear.

Summary: Ethiopian vs. Australian Opal Comparison

Feature Ethiopian Opal Australian Opal
Origin Wollo Province, Ethiopia Various regions, Australia
Formation Volcanic, porous Sedimentary, non-porous
Appearance Neon-like colours, honeycomb Vivid colours, bold patterns
Durability Moderate (porous, hydrophane) High (non-porous, stable)
Care Needs Avoid water, store dry Minimal care, less sensitive
Price Range More affordable Higher value, especially black opals
Ideal For Occasional wear, unique colours Daily wear, heirloom pieces

Choosing between Ethiopian and Australian opals ultimately depends on your style, lifestyle, and budget. Both types add something truly unique to a jewelry collection!