Some of the questions we often get asked is: what is the difference between Australian Opals and Ethiopian Opals? How do I know which type is the best? There are a few major differences (other than the obvious difference in the names), so read on to find about more about each of the Opals.
Ethiopian Opals
Opals mined in Ethiopian first hit the gemstone and jewellery market in 1994 and are sometimes referred to as Welo Opals. The colours can be more intense, vibrant and varying compared to Australian Opals. They are more available, which means that they are generally much cheaper than Australian Opals. They are hydrophane Opals, which means that it has the ability to absorb water due to its porous nature. This can sometimes cause durability issues, and they should not be immersed in water or chemicals as it can change their stability, appearance and weight.
Australian Opals
Australia produces 95% of the world’s Opals. However, generally Australian Opals are considered to be more valuable and more expensive. Australian Opals are much less susceptible to changes caused by water or chemicals as solid Australian Opals like the White Opal and Black Opal are non-porous. They can be cleaned using mild detergent and water and can be worn in the shower or while doing dishes. However, the use of chemicals should be avoided so take your jewellery off before using strong chemicals like bleach. Man-made Opals such as Triplet Opals and Doublet Opals should not be immersed in water due to the glued layers which may lift in water. The Australian Opal is the more recommended option due to its durability and value, especially when it comes to special jewellery pieces such as engagement rings and heirloom pieces.
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