OPALS

How can I tell if an opal is solid?

Solid opal comes in the form of black, light and boulder opal. Triplet and doublet opals are not solid but composed partly of opal. Generally, it is easier to tell if your opal is not solid as triplet opals from the top have a distinctly glassy appearance and from the side show a distinct line where the quartz capping and backing piece join. Doublet opal is slightly more difficult to determine, as they may look very similar to a boulder opal (usually ironstone is used as a backing). However, the joining of the opal and backing on the side of the opal is very symmetrical and atypical of the boulder opal. If you are at all unsure, your jeweller should be able to advise you accordingly.

Do opals crack or chip easily?

Opals are softer and more fragile than most crystalline gems. As with all precious items, a certain amount of care should be taken. If the right kind of care is not taken, opals can crack or chip. Be careful not to knock or hit opals, especially those mounted in rings. Also avoid wearing an opal ring while washing up, gardening or doing the housework.

Why is the black opal called "black" when it isn't?

Opal miners coined the name 'black opal'. When black opal exhibits no play of colour it is exactly that - an opaque black colour. It is usually found on the back of polished black opal.

Why are black opals so expensive?

Few people realise that the world's supply of this radiant gem is mined at only one pinpoint on the globe - Lightning Ridge. Therefore black opals are valuable because they are more rare and more scarce than other opal types.

Do opals appreciate in value?

Opals do appreciate in value. An opal purchased five years ago could not be had for the same amount of money today. It is a fact that with the opal fields slowly running low, the price of opals increases yearly.

Is it safe to wear opals all the time?

It is safe to wear opals regularly as long as the right kind of care is taken.

How hard are opals?

Opals are about as hard as one's teeth. They are harder than pearls and softer than diamonds.

Is it true that opals are unlucky?

Opals are one of the luckiest gemstones around. Throughout history, opals have been regarded as a stone of good fortune. It is believed that the 'unlucky' rumour was spread by those in the diamond industry concerned about the growing popularity of the beautiful gem when Australian opal came on the market.