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Home > Opal > 6 Ways to Tell if opal is Real

6 Ways to Tell if opal is Real

Lab-created opals are still considered genuine, sharing the same chemical composition, structure, and play of color as natural ones. However, considering lab-created opals are usually priced much lower, it's important to clarify which type you're purchasing to avoid deception. Materials such as Glass, Opalite, and plastic are commonly utilized to mimic opal. It is advisable to purchase from reputable retailers and, if possible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory for authentication. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of opal.

1. Check Product Name

When purchasing Opal, watch for terms like "Opalite," "Aurora Opal," or "Slocum Stone Opal" in the product name. These terms indicate that the item is not real Opal but rather plastic or glass. Furthermore, products sold under the name "Gilson Opal" in the market are not natural Opals, but lab-created Opals.

2. Check the Origin

Real: The vast majority of Opals on the market come from Australia, Mexico, Ethiopia, or Peru. If the Opal you're purchasing isn't from these countries, then you should seriously doubt its authenticity.
Fake: Many high-quality fake Opals come from Russia or Hong Kong.

3. Inspect the Symmetry

Natural Opal typically doesn't exhibit perfect symmetry, even after cutting and polishing. If the Opal is a perfect round or oval, then you should doubt its authenticity.

4. Check the Pattern

Natural: Natural Opal commonly displays a "play-of-color" in unique and varied patterns.
Lab-created: Lab-created Opal (Gilson Opal) exhibits "play-of-color" along with characteristic "snakeskin" structure and may feature a columnar structure when viewed from the side. The pattern often appears overly uniform and orderly.

5. Inspect the Inclusions

Glass Opal simulants contain iridescent metallic foil flakes, creating the illusion of "play of color." Gas bubbles may occasionally be visible as well.

6. Hot Needle Test

Pressing a heated needle against plastic-made fake Opal will emit a "burnt plastic" smell. Please note that this test is destructive and may cause irreversible changes to the appearance of the stone.
Opal
Opal
A species of Minerals, also known as Precious Opal, Gel-Pristobalite, Paederos, Hemiopal, Neslite, Potch, Vidrite, White Cliffs Opal, Hungarian Opal, Black Opal, White Opal, Crystal Opal, Ethiopian Opal
Scientific name: Opal
RockType: Minerals
Description
Description
Opal is one of the world's most popular gemstones due to its flashing colors. Australia is the most famous producer of precious opals along with Mexico and Ethiopia. Opal is softer than most other popular gemstones and lends itself best to pendants and earrings that do not receive heavy impact during wear. It is the birthstone to those born in October.
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