All about Opals:

The beauty of opals in jewelry

Opals are truly unique gemstones with undeniable beauty and value. For centuries, opals have been used to adorn jewelry, crowns, and other precious objects. But what is an opal ? What distinguishes it from other gemstones? And how can you best care for it? In this blog post, we'll answer all these questions and more. So read on to find out everything you need to know about opals!

What is an Opal?

An opal is a precious gemstone composed primarily of water and silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is found in many locations around the world and comes in various colors and shapes. The most common opal color is white, but they can also be yellow , pink, blue, or black . The rarest type of opal is the fire opal, which has a deep red or orange hue. The most valuable opals are those with high iridescence (the flashes of rainbow light you see when you move an opal).

What is synthetic opal?

Synthetic opals are man-made versions of natural stones. They are created in laboratories using chemicals that mimic the same properties as natural stones. While synthetic opals resemble their natural counterparts, they are less durable and less valuable than natural stones.

What is the difference between an Opal and a Diamond?

The main difference between diamonds and opals lies in their composition. A diamond is primarily made of carbon, while an opal contains both carbon and silicon dioxide (SiO2). This makes diamonds more durable than opals, as they can withstand more wear and tear without breaking down over time. Furthermore, diamonds typically have more brilliance than opals because they reflect light better due to their higher refractive index (RI).

What is the difference between an Opal and a Pearl?

Pearls are organic gemstones formed in oyster shells, while opals are composed primarily of water and silicon dioxide (SiO2). Pearls come in various sizes depending on where they're harvested, with most naturally occurring opals ranging from 4 to 10 mm. Pearls are also more expensive than their mineral counterparts due to their rarity and the labor involved in harvesting them from oyster beds. Finally, pearls have a much softer surface than typical gemstones, making them more susceptible to scratches or chipping if not handled carefully. To learn more about pearls, check out our blog post about pearls .

How do you care for an opal?

To keep your opals beautiful for years to come, there are several steps you need to take:

First, you should store them away from harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or detergents, which can damage the surface over time;

secondly, you should not expose your stone to direct sunlight for too long as this can cause discolouration;

Finally, you should avoid wearing your stone during vigorous activities, such as sports or running, as this can cause chips or scratches on the surface, reducing its overall value.

What is the value of an opal?

Opals vary greatly in value, depending on factors such as size, shape, color, and iridescence. Generally, smaller stones are less expensive and larger ones are more expensive, but overall, they are expensive. Stones with a higher iridescence are also more valuable than those with a lower iridescence because they look unique under direct light, such as sunlight or lamps.

Where do opals come from?

Most naturally occurring opals come from Australia, although opals have been found elsewhere, including Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia, the US, Canada, etc. However, some synthetic forms can be made anywhere by combining certain chemicals under controlled conditions, so they don't necessarily have to come from a single area, like natural stones.

We hope this blog has given you all the information you need about the beautiful gemstones known as opals! As mentioned, these stones vary greatly depending on factors like size, shape, color, etc., so be sure to explore several varieties before investing in one for yourself or giving one as a gift ! Finally, always take good care of your gemstones by storing them safely and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, sunlight, etc.

At Aramat Jewels, we sell synthetic opals to protect nature and keep jewelry affordable.

Take a look at our collection of opal jewelry and have your jewelry delivered to your home for free.

Enjoy these beautiful pieces!