How Can You Tell if an Opal Is Real?

Timeless and sophisticated, the opal is one gemstone that guarantees all eyes on you. That said, not every opal found in the market today is 100% authentic.

If you find yourself agreeing with the statement above, don’t worry. This article will show you how to distinguish between a real and fake.

But first, what is an opal?

Also called the ‘Queen of Gems‘, the opal is the official birthstone of October. Its chemical composition consists of millions of tiny, amorphous silica spheres and this gem can be found in a variety of hues like white, green, black, red and orange.

Opal is known for its eye-catching play-of-colour, an optical phenomenon responsible for giving this gem the myriad burst of hues seen on its surface.

Also Read: The History of Fire Opal

Did You Know?

That even though the opal is characterized as a semi-precious jewel, it derives its moniker from the Latin word ‘opalus’ which literally translates to ‘precious stone.’

Fake Opals vs. Real Opals: What’s the Difference?

Due to the immense popularity and rarity of precious opals, fake stones are commonly found in the market today. Known as either imitation or simulated opals, they greatly resemble natural opals but do not possess the same optical, physical and chemical properties. In most cases, they are made of resin, plastic or glass.

Genuine Opals vs. Lab-Created Opals: What’s the Difference?

Simply put, genuine opals are mined jewels that have been ‘enhanced’ or ‘treated’ to reduce their flaws and increase their overall appeal. On the other hand, lab-created opals are man-made gems that feature the same appearance, chemical composition, internal structure and physical properties as natural opals. These jewels are also considered to be authentic.

How Can You Tell if an Opal Gemstone Is Real?

There are several tips and tricks that you can use to distinguish between a real and fake opal. The most reliable methods are mentioned below.

Recheque Its Country of Origin

As of today, roughly 95% of natural opals are mined in Australia and the remaining 5% are found in Mexico, Honduras and the Western US. As such, if you’re told that your gem comes from countries other than the ones mentioned above, you will have to re-look into its authenticity.

Consider the Price of the Stone

When it comes to the price tag, opals tend to fall in the mid-range category. This means that even though the stone is relatively affordable, it isn’t considered to be an extremely cheap buy. Therefore, if your seller is quoting a considerably low price, then it could be because the stone is fake.

Search for Bubbles

Hold your stone against the light and inspect its surface with the help of a microscope or jeweller’s loupe. If you notice small air bubbles on the surface of the gem, then it is most likely a glass imitation piece.

Pay Attention to Its Play-of-Colour

Typically, opal jewellery features an optical illusion that causes the gem to flash different hues and patterns in reaction to light.

A great way to verify the authenticity of your stone is to view it under strong white light. If the surface of the jewel showcases a dreamy medley of hues, then the gem is probably a real one.

However, if the colour is not directly on the surface, but rather just below it (typically on a layer of uncoloured glass or some other material), then it is probably a fake.

Look at the Pattern

While the play-of-colour can display several patterns, none of them are particularly neat or organised. Look at your gemstone under bright light and if you notice clean, almost symmetrical patterns, it could be a sign of the gem’s inauthenticity.

Cheque the Sides

A doublet or doublet opal (as some people call it) is nothing but a sliver of the gemstone attached to a black backing. A great way to spot this fake is to view the stone from the side. If you notice a perfectly straight line running all around the gem, it could be a fake.

View the Back

Similar to doublets, triplet opals consist of three layers:

1) A black backing

2) A thin slice of opal

3) A plastic or glass dome

The best way to identify this fake is to view it from the bottom. If you notice a black backing, the stone is definitely a fake.

At the end of the day, only a trained professional knows how to cheque an opal accurately. The expert would be able to tell you for certain if your stone is real or fake. So, if you aren’t sure about the opal’s authenticity, we highly recommend that you get it chequeed by a professional.

Should You Buy an Opal?

Absolutely! Apart from their captivating play-of-colour and October birthstone status, opals are also known for being the celebration stone for the 12th, 14th, 21st, 34th and 43rd wedding anniversaries. This makes them a great gift option for the Halloween babies. What’s more, they are said to symbolize hope, fidelity and purity.

The stones are even believed to be beneficial in treating infections, alleviating PMS, regulating insulin, reducing fever and restoring balance to one’s life. However, please note that there is no scientific evidence to support the same.

Needless to say, all these factors make the jewel an extremely unique one that’s bound to make you and/or your favourite person smile.

Where Can You Buy Opal Jewellery From?

From our online store of course! At Angara, we house the best opals money can buy. Not only will you be treated to a vast variety of designs here, but each piece is carefully handcrafted using the finest quality materials. Besides this, at our store, you will also experience the added benefit of choosing the carat weight and grade of the gemstone along with the type of metal used. This ensures that you’ll wind up with a customised piece that you’ll truly adore. What more could you want?

We Also Offer GIA-Certified Opals

For those who want to buy a new piece of opal jewellery, such as an opal ring, it is advisable to opt for a store that offers certified jewels, like ours for example.

For the unaware, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is one of the leading authorities in the world on coloured gemstones, diamonds and pearls. They protect gemstone lovers and collectors alike from imitation pieces by conducting a series of stringent tests on every gem that comes their way. The resultant certificate is a comprehensive one that contains important details about the jewel (like its cut, colour, clarity and carat weight). As such, you can rest assured knowing that your piece is 100% authentic.

 Also read: How Are Opals Formed?