Attractive play of color and inimitable character, Ethiopian Opal has been able to mesmerize the world of jewelry. However, just like how these precious stones have become popular, there is so much about Ethiopian opals that people find out through this article. Here, therefore, are ten facts about Ethiopian opal that would probably surprise you.
1. The Newcomer Ethiopian Opal
It is a relatively new entrant in the list of official gemstones of the world. Though the Australian opal was many years ago, the newest one that is in the market is the Ethiopian opal gemstone.
The discovery of the first large deposit occurred during the early 1990s in the Shewa province while the second large deposit was identified in the year 2008 in the Welo province of Ethiopia. Although this opal gemstone was relatively fresh in the marketplace, with its vivid, colorful, exciting work, it immediately turned heads.
2. Hydrophane Opals: A Speciality
The second striking feature of many Ethiopian opal gemstones is that they are hydrophane, which means able to absorb water. Such opals can change color and transparency if in wet conditions, often turning more translucent or even transparent.
This change is temporary and does not affect the general quality of the stone, but it surely is one curious trait unique to Ethiopian opal gemstones.
3. Kaleidoscope of Colors
Very well foreshadowed by a strong play of color, Ethiopian opal crystals are so visible in covering all shades of the rainbow. One may manifest in one-stone colors of bright red, blue, green, yellow, and purple, which in other varieties of the same opal would not be seen at one time.
This dynamic color play is one of the reasons these natural opal stones are highly prized. Because of the color scheme, the opal is often compared to the beautiful Labradorite Stone.
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4. Mined in the Highlands of Ethiopian Opal
As it has been established most of the opal crystals mined in Ethiopia are from the northern region of Welo in the highlands. Mining is carried at an altitude of about 2500m—3000m above sea level or 8200 to 9800 feet above sea level.
Because mining is heavy and exhausting, with the roughness of the terrain and the isolation, it therefore adds value and beauty to these Ethiopian opal gemstones.
5. Fire Opals and Crystal Opals in One
The characteristics of Ethiopian opal gemstones can come out as fire opals and crystal opals. While some stones show typical fiery orange or red colors common with fire opals, others are more transparent or translucent, like crystal opals. This is what only makes the Ethiopian opal crystal versatile for different jewelry usages.
6. Resilient
While opals have a general reputation for being fragile, Ethiopian opal gemstones are relatively tough compared to their Australian counterparts; their hardness would be between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Such hardness will surely permit all kinds of jewelry settings, from rings to pendants. The Opal crystals should still be taken care of to avoid harsh conditions or too many chemicals.
Want to know more about beautiful crystals? Then head to Gemstone Jewelry Ideas For Each Zodiac Sign.
7. A Spiritual Gemstone
The opal crystals in Ethiopian culture are spiritual stones in the eyes of a majority of the people; they protect against evil spirits. They believe that the stones also increase the spiritual levels in a person and make him strong. This kind of perception helps the stone become popular not only because of its physical aspect but also because of its metaphysical properties.
8. A Wide Range of Sizes
The sizes of the Ethiopian opal gemstones range from small cabochons to big specimens weighing several carats. Due to this great variation, there is ample leeway in jewelry design, whether you want delicate accents or a bold statement gem. You can also combine these stones with other gems such as Tourmaline Stone and Garnet.
9. Affordability and Availability of Ethiopian Opal
Surprisingly, however, Ethiopian opal gemstones are way cheaper than other types of opals, such as those coming from Australia. This is partially because these gems just happen to be relatively plentiful in the Welo. While their popularity is on the increase, their prices are growing as well, which makes them a great investment.
10. Up-and-coming Star in the World of Gemstones
Although discovered rather recently, Ethiopian opal gemstones gained popularity and became a serious competitor to the Australian ones. Unique properties, excellent vibrant colors, and above all, affordable prices were their passport to the fancy of not only jewelers but also collectors. And the more people get to know their beauty and versatility, so much more they will keep on growing in prominence.
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Conclusion
The Ethiopian opal is the dream of any amateur of precious stones: it is a kaleidoscope of colors, peculiar features, and exciting history. Whether attracted by the vivid shade of its colors, intrigued by its hydrophane properties, or simply in search of a beautiful and affordable gemstone, Ethiopian opal has something for everyone.
