Product Description
Check out the natural charm of Ethiopian Hydrophane Opals, specially selected for lapidary artists, collectors, and jewellery makers who appreciate genuine colour play and brilliance. Each rough piece reveals unique hues and clarity, perfect for cutting and polishing into stunning gemstones.
Product Highlights:
- These raw opals feature a mix of mesmerizing colours, including green, orangish yellow, orange, yellow, brown, and blue-orange, making each stone beautifully unique.
- Originating from Ethiopia, these opals are completely natural and untreated, preserving their authentic charm.
- With clarity ranging from eye clean to SI and VS, the stones show natural brilliance and fine internal fire.
- The total parcel weighs 500 grams, making it a great deal for lapidary work, custom jewellery, and gemstone enthusiasts.
- As the birthstone for October, opal symbolises creativity, inspiration, and emotional balance — a meaningful addition to any collection.
- The parcel includes 500 grams of rough opal stones, with individual sizes of 4 grams and above, ideal for lapidary cutting and jewellery projects.
How can I tell if an opal is real or synthetic?
Genuine Ethiopian opals can be identified by their natural colour play, rough loose shape, and untreated (no treatment) condition. These stones show a mix of green, orangish yellow, orange, yellow, brown, and blue hues, which shift beautifully under light — a key sign of real hydrophane opals. Each piece weighs over 4 grams and comes in its natural rough form, unlike synthetic opals that usually have uniform color, no texture, and an artificial shine. The Ethiopian origin and natural, untreated quality confirm their authenticity, making them true gemstones for collectors and lapidary artists.
Why do Ethiopian opals change colour or become more transparent in water?
Ethiopian opals are natural hydrophane opals, which means they can absorb water. When these rough loose opals come in contact with water, they temporarily become more transparent and their colours may change or fade slightly. This happens because the opal’s porous structure allows moisture to enter, altering how light passes through it. Once the stone dries, its original rich colours — green, orangish yellow, orange, yellow, brown, and blue — return to normal. This unique reaction is natural and proves the authentic, untreated (no treatment) quality of Ethiopian opals.
What factors affect the value and price of natural opals?
According to the above data, the value and price of natural opals depend on several important factors — colour, clarity, size, treatment, and origin. These Ethiopian opals show a beautiful mix of green, orangish yellow, orange, yellow, brown, and blue hues, and this vibrant colour play greatly increases there worth. Their rough loose shapes and individual weights over 4 grams make them ideal for cutting and lapidary work. Since these stones are untreated (no treatment) and come from Ethiopia, a region known for top-quality hydrophane opals, their natural purity and brilliance add significant market value. Additionally, being available in bulk wholesale deals, they offer great value for gemstone traders and jewellery makers.