Some gemstones are beautiful, and we love them for that. And on the other side, there are opals that shine with life and intensity. But this increased interest has also led to more fake stones, imitations, and composites. And when you want to invest, especially since the price of opal stones might change, it’s important to know what you’re getting. We’ll learn how to find a real opal in this blog, but the easy method (even if you’re a newbie, we’ve got your back)!
Tip #1: Begin with the question, “What do you want to buy it for?”
Here’s a simple fact before we get into the physical traits: not all actual opals are the same. Some are made to be worn as jewelry, some are made to be used in energy work, and some are made to be collected. You need a real opal, not a fake or synthetic one, if you want to buy opal gemstone online for healing or spiritual reasons. Real opals have a vibrational quality that helps with creativity, intuition, and emotional clarity. A real stone’s energy is the best for spiritual goals.
Tip 2: Learn the Play-of-Color Trick
One of the best real opal tips is to look at the color play. Natural opals have a rainbow look that isn’t even and fluctuates with light and movement. If the colors are too flawless or too even, like a digital print or glitter that is spread, it is probably a fake or lab-made replica.
Look at the opal while it is in natural light. The colors in real opals fluctuate in gradual, flowing patterns that look like layers. Your first warning sign is if the colors look fake or don’t change.
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good: His love endures forever."
Tip 3: Buy cabochon stones in bulk? Look at the sides
When you buy Wholesale cabochon Gemstones in bulk, be sure to look at the stone’s side profile. A real solid opal will have a smooth body with no layers. On the other side, a lot of “opals” marketed in bulk are actually doublets or triplets. These are buildings with layers:
- Doublet: A thin piece of actual opal bonded to a black base
- Triplet: A doublet with a quartz dome on top
From the top, they might look real. But if you look at it from the side, you’ll see that it has layers. If the dome is clean and smooth, you probably have a solid opal.
Tip #4: Temperature and Weight Show a Lot
One of the simplest ways to tell if an opal is real is by how it feels. Real opals have a certain density and stay chilly to the touch. They get warmer slowly as you touch them. Synthetic equivalents made of plastic or resin feel lighter and get warm practically right away.
This is a quick test: You need to press the stone to your cheek softly. You might have a natural opal if it feels chilly and stays that way for a few seconds. You might have to be careful if it feels warm right away.
Tip #5: Small flaws are a good sign.
Nature doesn’t make things that are perfect. A true opal will frequently have minor flaws, hazy areas, or an uneven surface. Fake opals, on the other hand, tend to look overly shiny, perfect, and like glass.
Natural opals feel a little like they came from nature, while fakes can look like they were made by machines. This is one of the best pieces of advice for people who want to acquire gemstones.
Tip 6: Use the Water Test, but be careful
You can do the water absorption test if your stone is an Ethiopian hydrophane opal. These opals may absorb water and change how they look for a short time. Put some water on the stone:
- It’s probably hydrophane (genuine) if it absorbs slowly.
- It might be synthetic if it doesn’t soak up water or looks fine.
But keep in mind that this exam isn’t the same for everyone. It only applies to the hydrophane opals, not the other type. So, don’t immerse the opal until you’re convinced it’s safe to do so.
Tip #7: Get a Certificate and Information About Where the Gemstone Came From
If you’re not sure if a stone is real, ask the seller for a certificate of authenticity from a gem lab that is well-known. Sellers you can trust won’t mind giving you one.
Also, find out where it came from. Some of the most popular natural types are Australian black opals, Ethiopian hydrophane opals, and Mexican fire opals. Knowing where your stone came from might help you confirm its identification and better comprehend how much it costs.
Bonus Tip: How does the price of opal stones show their quality?
The price is typically a hint. If something is overly bright and cheap, it probably isn’t real. The price of an opal stone depends on its color, body tone, pattern, transparency, and where it came from.
- Black opals that are of high grade are pricey since they are rare and have a lot of color play.
- Ethiopian opals are not too expensive, but they need a little additional care because they are so fragile.
- Fire opals can be low to mid-range, depending on how deep and clear the color is.
Trust your eyes, your gut, and the opal stone guide.
It’s not hard to find a real opal. You don’t need to be a gemologist to purchase with confidence if you follow these seven easy tips. Being aware is the best way to protect yourself, whether you’re buying this gemstone for jewelry or to heal your emotions.
Keep in mind that the colors of real opals convey a narrative. They’re not only lovely rocks; they reflect your soul. And once you know how to spot them, your adventure with crystals becomes much more wonderful.
