Ethiopian opal stone has become widely popular in the current days because of its amusing colors and brightness. Nonetheless, given the increasing popularity of this type of stone, one has to know what constitutes a good Ethiopian opal to make a sound investment.
This opal gemstone was discovered in the 1970s in the local regions of Ethiopia and since their find gemstone lovers have been head over heels for this stone. This gemstone is used to create some of the most amazing rings, pendants, and earrings.
Unlike the common and traditional gemstones from Australia and Brazil, the Ethiopian opal stone is larger than the common opal and has more intense colors like green blue yellow red. Its mineral structure is of silica as it seeps into the cracks of volcanic fissures, through this the different layers of colors are made in the opal gemstone.
Identifying High-Quality Ethiopian Opal
- Ethiopian opal shines through a play of colors such as green, blue, yellow, orange, and red. It displays a ‘play of color’ also referred to as opalescence whereby light inside the stone structure is diffracted.
- Color is perhaps the important precondition, which defines the quality and value of Ethiopian opal. The physical properties of the stone are considered to be ideal in case it originates from Ethiopia. This gemstone has to have a deep and bright color not pastel or dull.
- A wide spectrum of colors is another desired characteristic. The Ethiopian gemstone can be found in many colors : green, blue with green, yellow, orange, red, and many more. The merchandise that has a rather wider range of colors which vary as a conveying source of light changes is usually considered as valuable.
Clarity of Ethiopian Stone
- Clarity is another very important aspect to evaluate the authenticity of the Ethiopian opal stone, an ideal gemstone should be clean and with no intensity inclusion there might be some but none big and no brute cloud. The bruto clouds are opaque in opal stone.
- As for clarity, one has to look at the opal in daylight and then under artificial light. Inspect for any form of inclusion or any defects that may be causing the stone to be not as transparent as one would expect.
- Ethiopian opals of good quality should not have any plating or any other feature that hinders the vision of the color play. It is necessary to mention that some features such as small cracks or natural crystalline formations can be inclusions in Ethiopian opal and do not decrease its clarity or value.
The Importance of Cut
The cut of an Ethiopian opal plays a significant role in determining its overall appearance and value. A well-cut stone can enhance its play of color, brilliance, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Whenever you want to evaluate the cut, remember to check the symmetry of the stone, and that all the facets are in one alignment. The stone should be balanced to all the proportions and have a smooth and polished surface to enhance the color.
A poorly cut Ethiopian opal stone may appear dull or lackluster, even if it has excellent color and clarity. A well-cut stone, on the other hand, can showcase its full potential and command a higher price.
The Influence of Pattern
- The pattern of an Ethiopian gemstone adds value and beauty to the gem. There are a few patterns found in this gem, the most widely found is the flash where the pattern is characterized by the sudden bursts of colors and movement when the light hits the surface.
- Also, the colors form a halo-like effect around a central point. And a mosaic pattern where there are small mosaic-like arrangements with colorful patches.
- In understanding the cut and pattern of Ethiopian opal, one is in a better position to make the right decision when purchasing this attractive Ethiopian gemstone. That means a stone with a good cut and pattern which is preferred will be of higher sale value and likely to be more enjoyable.
The Origin Factor in Identifying Ethiopian Opal
- Incomplete details of the origin of an Ethiopian opal stone may not always be visible even when it is held at the eye lens, it can however be a factor of interest in deciding on its authenticity and worth.
- Ethiopian opal is known for its specific properties of color and or play of color. However, there can be efforts to imitate or fake the origin of these stones. Hence, one must buy the stone from a reputable dealer, who will be in a position to authenticate the origin of the particular stone.
- An experienced dealer is going to have documentation or certificates that can prove that the Ethiopian opal stone is in fact from Ethiopia. This may include information concerning the particular mine or locale from which the stone was quarried in addition to any certification appraisals.
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Conclusion
Taking these factors into mind, you will be in a better position to make the right purchasing decision if you intend to buy Ethiopian opal: That is if you would like to possess a gemstone that has the very best color grade possible.
Ethiopian opal can work with many different types of color changes with the light reflex on the stone Called a Play of color.
When it comes to the colour of the Ethiopian opal one has to use comparison under different lighting conditions. That is whatever causes the variation in colors and moods in the stone could be natural, artificial, or sunlight.