Frequently asked questions

• What's the difference between opal, opalite, and common opal?

  Opal is hydrated amorphous silica (SiO2·nH2O) with 3–21% water content. Common opal is genuine opal that lacks the play-of-color flash associated with precious opal — it shows solid body color (pink Peruvian, blue Peruvian, green) without the rainbow fire. Opalite is not opal at all; it's manufactured opalescent glass, often sold under names like sea opal or opalized glass. If a strand looks uniformly milky-blue and translucent at a low price point, it's likely opalite.
• Why is opal care more demanding than other stones at similar Mohs?

  Mohs 5.5–6.5 puts opal in the same hardness range as turquoise or moonstone, but the water content is the real constraint. Opal can craze (develop fine surface cracks) if dehydrated by dry heat, prolonged sun, or low-humidity storage. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners — vibration and thermal shock both cause damage. Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth only. Skip harsh solvents, acetone, and chlorinated water. For long-term storage, keep finished pieces away from desiccants and direct HVAC airflow; some designers store opal pieces with a damp cotton ball in the box.
• What does stabilization or smoke-treatment do to opal?

  Ethiopian (Welo) opal is hydrophane — it absorbs water and can temporarily change color or transparency when wet. Stabilization with polymer impregnation reduces this hydrophane behavior and improves durability. Smoke-treatment darkens the body color to enhance play-of-color contrast, producing the dark-base Welo opals on the market. Treatment affects care: stabilized opal tolerates handling better but still shouldn't see ultrasonics.
• What jewelry projects suit opal beads best?

  Opal's moderate hardness and water sensitivity make it better suited to earrings, pendants, and necklaces than to rings or bracelets that take daily abrasion. The 4–8mm rounds stocked here work for delicate strung necklaces, gemstone pairings on briolette earrings, and beaded wirework where the stone reads as a focal accent rather than a structural element. Faceted rondelles and microfaceted rounds add light return for evening pieces. Pebble and nugget cuts suit organic, asymmetric designs. Pair with sterling, gold-fill, or 14k — opal's neutral-to-pastel palette flatters both warm and cool metals.
• How do Ethiopian, Australian, Peruvian, and Mexican opals differ?

  Ethiopian (Welo) opal is hydrophane, typically white-to-honey body color, and often shows strong play-of-color at accessible prices. Australian opal is non-hydrophane, more stable, and ranges from white to crystal to black base with classic fire. Peruvian opal is common opal — solid pink, blue, or green with no play-of-color, prized for its calm body color. Mexican opal includes fire opal, a transparent orange-to-red variety that may or may not show play-of-color. Brazilian opal spans common and precious varieties.