Ethiopian Opal attracts the fancy of many due to its kaleidoscopic play-of-color and mesmerizing pattern. With its increasing popularity, imitated and synthetic opals spill over the market. To the enthusiasts and buyers, the ability to identify its true identity becomes a matter of great importance. The following are step-by-step methods of differentiation for genuine Ethiopian Opal from the so-called imitations.
1. Understanding Ethiopian Opal
Before starting any identification, what needs to be done is to understand the peculiarity of the Ethiopian Opal stone. Generally, Ethiopian Opal is known for their bright and multicolored flashes of light appearing to move across the surface of the stone. This aspect, called “play-of-color,” is one of the hallmarks of true opals.
Most of the Ethiopian Opal crystals are hydrophane opals, a term used because they can absorb water and become more transparent when wet. They come in different colors, which range between white, yellow, orange, and brown variations in body tone.
2. Observe the Play-of-Color
The most characteristic feature of Ethiopian Opal stone is that it exhibits a play of color. While moving the opal in different directions under the light source, one should notice a changing color display about the angle.
A genuine Ethiopian Opal crystal will show all colors: reds, blues, greens, and yellows will appear in various patterns, like flashes, pinfire, or rolling patterns. Imitation opals are those which may show less color or appear static rather than dynamic.
3. Absorption and Transparency Check
One of the distinctive features of Ethiopian Opal stone is that it is hydrophane. A simple test for this is to submerge the opal in water and see the reaction. A real Ethiopian Opal could become more transparent and also show an improved play-of-color upon water absorption.
After being dried, the natural opal stone should go back to its normal state. Be very careful, though, because this might lead to probable damage to the opal if submerged in water for too long.
4. Check for Inclusions
Most natural opal stones, including Ethiopian Opals, contain inclusions or imperfections that identify them as being natural. This could be tiny cracks, lines, or natural patterns inside the stone.
A jeweler’s loupe will help examine the opal more closely. Synthetic or imitation Ethiopian opal crystals maintain uniformity in look and tend to be flawless, never showing the natural inclusions found in genuine stones.
5. Watch out for Doublets and Triplets
Some Ethiopian Opal stones are sold as doublets or triplets thin slices of genuine opal glued to a backing or sandwiched between layers of something else. Those may still contain real opal but are not solid opal and are generally less valuable.
To find out whether it is a doublet or a triplet, the viewing of the natural opal stone has to be from the side. You may notice a line where the layers are joined, which would show it is not a solid opal.
6. Take a Professional’s Advice
In case one is still in doubt about an Ethiopian Opal crystal or any other gemstone such as Moonstone gemstone or Amethyst, then seeking the advice of a professional gemologist is the best thing to do.
They may carry out advanced tests and various certifications that prove their authenticity. This becomes more important when one is making a high-value purchase where the chances of getting a fake are very great.
Want to buy genuine, affordable, and high-quality gemstones? Then visit GemstonesForSale and start your magical journey of crystals.
Conclusion
A very keen eye, accompanied by some basic knowledge of the characteristics of the gemstone, definitely goes hand in hand with the identification of a genuine Ethiopian Opal. By taking a closer look at the play-of-color, checking for transparency and the absorption of water, plus natural inclusions, you are guaranteed an increased chance at real identification.
However, when one is always in doubt, he or she should seek a professional opinion that may guarantee a more genuine purchase of the stone. This will give you confidence when adding the Ethiopian Opal to your collection, knowing you have the real deal.
