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Opal
Opal is valued for its all colors appearance and distinctive natural character. Quality and value depend on color, clarity, cut, size, origin, treatment, and documentation.
- Mineral family
- Hydrated silica
- Chemistry
- SiO2·nH2O
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6.5
- Colors
- All colors
- Common origins
- Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico
- Wearability
- Best in protected settings and requires careful wear.
Treatments and synthetics
Smoke, sugar-acid, dye, and impregnation treatments occur.
Care guidance
Use only a soft damp cloth and avoid heat, chemicals, impact, ultrasonic, and steam cleaning.
Buyer checklist
Confirm classification, treatment, dimensions, weight, origin claims, return terms, and any laboratory report before purchase.