How To Care For Opals
Opals have dazzling, romantic appeal, but they are real softies requiring more care than many other gemstones. Here’s how.
Opals are among nature’s most beautiful and affordable gemstones. They have a gorgeous “play of light” that makes each one unique and a bit mysterious. In fact, they are said to be a metaphysical treasure trove and each variety of opal has its own vibe. Did I mention that there are 67 of them? But I use Ethiopian opals which are newbies, having been just discovered in 1990, so this is the opal will tell you about.
“Opal will lift your spirits and free your emotions. It will assist you in identifying and manifesting your life’s mission. Its powers will awaken your spirit and help you discover your own path in life. It’s a stone of human compassion, as well as courage and noble intentions. It’s a soothing emotional and mental experience that will help you reconnect with your life’s mission.”
Sherley Jennifer, Throwin’ Stones
Hydrophane Opals develop as nodules inside volcanic ash in seams between rhyolite layers. It comes in a range of hues and arrangements, with bright bursts of color. The new Opals found in Ethiopia’s Welo area in 2008 have shown to be highly stable despite their porosity, able to absorb water and change transparency or opacity, then revert to their previous form with no adverse response or cracking.
— Sherley Jennifer — Throwin’ Stones
Yes, these beauties are very popular in engagement rings given their dazzling, romantic appeal, but they are real softies and they do require more care than many other gemstones. There is a reason that “Diamonds Are Forever” as the hardest mineral in the world. Opal’s two greatest foes are HEAT and CHEMICALS. Think dishwater, shampoo, layers of hair product, laundry and everything else you might expose it to.
Opals were born of water and just cool water is what you should clean it with. Follow with a soft cloth like an eyeglass cloth or tissue. Once clean, leave it off for the night so that water it has absorbed can disperse. I do advise my customers to avoid 24/7 wear. With proper care, your Opal will be beautiful for a long time.
If the worst happens, don’t worry and don’t regret that you didn’t buy the Diamond. I can replace the Opal and the setting and you will still have saved $1000.00
I want to credit Throwin’ Stones for having a really great website for gemstone lovers and Sherley Jennifer for the hugely informative blog on Opals that I borrowed for this blog post.Check it out if you love Gemstones!
