How to know if an opal is real? The simplest way is to check for natural imperfections, a play of colour, and the opal's body tone. The global opal market is valued at over $300 million annually, reflecting its enduring allure and value .At The Wind Opal, we understand the challenge of distinguishing genuine opals from synthetic ones.
In this guide, we'll provide you with the expert tips and tricks you need to confidently identify real opals. Whether you're a gemstone enthusiast or a first-time buyer, our comprehensive insights will help you make informed decisions.
Trust The Wind Opal for all your opal needs, as we offer only the finest, authentic opals sourced directly from the heart of the world's best opal mines.
What is a Real Opal?
Opal is a precious gemstone known for its unique play of colour, called "opalescence." This shimmering effect is caused by the diffraction of light through its internal structure. Real opals are valued for their beauty, rarity, and the vibrant colours they display.
Definition of Real Opal
A real opal is a naturally occurring gemstone formed from silica and water. Over millions of years, water carrying silica seeps into cracks in rocks and, under the right conditions, solidifies to form opal. The internal structure of silica spheres creates the unique colour play that opals are famous for. Real opals can vary widely in appearance, ranging from common white opals to the rare and valuable black opals.
Types of Natural Opals
White Opal
White opal, also known as "milky opal," is characterised by its light, white, or cream-coloured body tone. The play of colour in white opal can be quite striking, though typically it is more subdued compared to darker opals.
Black Opal
Black opal is the rarest and most valuable type of opal. It has a dark body tone, which can range from dark grey to black. The dark background makes the vibrant play of colour more pronounced, creating a stunning contrast.
Boulder Opal
Boulder opal is found in ironstone boulders, primarily in Queensland, Australia. It often retains a part of the ironstone matrix, which adds to its unique appearance. The opal is typically thinner but can display an intense play of colour.
Crystal Opal
Crystal opal is highly transparent to translucent, with a clear or colourless body that allows the play of colour to be seen clearly. This type of opal can display vivid colours and is prized for its clarity and brilliance.
Synthetic Opals and Imitations
While real opals are formed naturally, synthetic opals and imitations are created by humans. Understanding the differences is crucial for gem enthusiasts and buyers.
What is a Synthetic Opal?
Synthetic opal is a lab-created stone that mimics the natural formation process of real opals. It has the same chemical composition, internal structure, and physical properties as natural opal. These stones are crafted using advanced techniques to replicate the conditions under which natural opals form.
Common Types of Synthetic Opals
Gilson Opal
Gilson opal is one of the most well-known types of synthetic opal. It was first developed by the Gilson Company in the 1970s. These opals are created through a meticulous process that results in a stone with similar appearance and properties to natural opal. They often exhibit vibrant colours in a well-organised pattern.
Slocum Stone
Slocum stone, also known as Slocum opal, is a type of synthetic opal made from glass. It was created by John Slocum in the 1970s. This material contains flakes of iridescent film that mimic the play of colour seen in natural opals, though it is not as durable or valuable.
What is Fake Opal?
Fake opal, or imitation opal, refers to stones that are designed to look like opal but are made from entirely different materials, such as glass, plastic, or resin. These imitations lack the chemical composition and internal structure of real or synthetic opal. They often have an overly shiny appearance and may show a repetitive, organised pattern of colour flashes.
Key Differences Between Real Vs Synthetic Vs Fake Opal
|
Feature |
Real Opal |
Synthetic Opal |
Fake Opal |
|
Formation |
Naturally occurring over millions of years |
Lab-created to mimic natural opal |
Made from glass, plastic, or resin |
|
Composition |
Silica and water |
Same as natural opal |
Different materials |
|
Play of Color |
Unique, varies with each stone |
Often bright and uniform |
Often repetitive, organised |
|
Durability |
Generally durable, but can be fragile |
Similar to natural opal |
Less durable |
|
Value |
Highly valuable, especially black opal |
Less valuable than natural opal |
Least valuable |
Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions when purchasing opal and ensure you get the genuine beauty and value of a real opal.
How to Know If an Opal Is Real: Real vs Fake Opal
Identifying whether an opal is real or not can be a tricky task, especially if you're new to the world of gemstones. Here’s a step-by-step guide real vs fake Opal that will walk you through the process of checking if your opal is genuine.
Visual Inspection
The first and most straightforward method to identify a real opal is through a detailed visual inspection. This involves looking closely at the stone with the naked eye and under magnification.
Checking for Natural Imperfections
- Natural Flaws: Real opals often have tiny imperfections like cracks, inclusions (small particles trapped inside the stone), or irregularities on the surface. These imperfections occur naturally during the formation of the opal.
- Unique Patterns: The play of colour in real opals is unique and varies across the stone. The colours should shift and change as you move the opal under light, creating a mesmerising effect.
- Irregularities: Look for irregularities in the colour patterns. Natural opals rarely have uniform, repetitive colour patterns. If the colours look too regular and predictable, it might be a synthetic or fake opal.
Play of Color
- Vibrant Colours: Hold the opal under a strong light source and gently rotate it. Real opals will display a dynamic play of colours, with flashes of reds, greens, blues, and other hues appearing as the angle of light changes.
- Depth and Layering: The colours should appear to come from within the stone, giving a sense of depth. Synthetic opals often have a more superficial appearance of colour, lacking this depth.
Using Magnification Tools
To get a more detailed view of your opal , you can use magnification tools such as a jeweler's loupe or a microscope. This allows you to see the internal structure and finer details of the stone.
Loupes and Microscopes
- Examine Under Magnification: Use a 10x jeweller’s loupe or a microscope to inspect the opal closely. Look for the following:
- Internal Structure: Natural opals have an irregular internal structure. Synthetic opals often show a columnar or “snakeskin” pattern, which is a giveaway of their man-made origin.
- Inclusions: Look for tiny inclusions or particles inside the stone. These are common in natural opals but are usually absent in synthetic ones.
- Layering: For opal doublets and triplets (types of composite stones), you might see distinct layers when viewed from the side. A real solid opal will not have these layers.
The Water Test
The water test is a simple method to help identify doublets, triplets, and some synthetic opals.
Opal's Reaction to Water
- Submerge in Water: Place the opal in a glass of water and let it sit for a few hours.
- Observe Changes: After a few hours, take the opal out and examine it:
- Colour Changes: If the opal changes colour or becomes cloudy, it is likely a doublet or triplet. These types of opals have layers glued together, and the adhesive can react to prolonged exposure to water.
- Surface Texture: A real opal will maintain its appearance in water. Synthetic or fake opals might show signs of damage or changes in texture.
Identifying Doublets and Triplets
Doublets and triplets are types of opals that are made by combining a thin slice of opal with other materials to enhance its appearance and durability.
What are Opal Doublets and Triplets?
- Doublets: A doublet consists of a thin layer of natural opal glued to a dark backing material (such as ironstone, basalt, or plastic). This backing enhances the play of color in the opal.
- Triplets: A triplet has three layers: a thin slice of opal, a dark backing, and a clear top layer (usually quartz or plastic) that protects the opal and gives it a domed appearance.
How to Identify Doublets and Triplets
- Visible Layers: Look at the side of the opal. If you see distinct layers, it's likely a doublet or triplet. Solid opals do not have these visible layers.
- Glassy Tops: Triplets often have a glassy or shiny top layer that is more reflective than natural opal.
- Backings: Doublets and triplets may have a dark or black backing. If you see this when viewing the opal from the side or back, it’s a clear indicator.
Summary Table
Here’s a quick summary of how to identify real, synthetic, and fake opals:
|
Method |
Real Opal Indicators |
Synthetic Opal Indicators |
Fake Opal Indicators |
|
Visual Inspection |
Natural imperfections, unique play of colour |
Flawless appearance, uniform colour pattern |
Overly shiny, repetitive colour flashes |
|
Magnification Tools |
Irregular pattern, natural inclusions |
Columnar/snakeskin pattern, layers visible |
Smooth surface, no inclusions |
|
Water Test |
No change in colour or texture |
Colour change, becomes cloudy |
Surface damage or changes |
|
Layers |
No visible layers |
May have distinct layers |
Distinct layers when viewed from the side |
By following these steps, you can confidently determine whether your opal is real, synthetic, or fake. Remember, real opals have natural imperfections and a unique play of colour that synthetic and fake opals often lack. If in doubt, consult with a gemologist or a trusted jeweller for a professional opinion. Enjoy the beauty and wonder of your authentic opal from The Wind Opal!
Real vs Fake Opal: Tips for Buying Real Opals
Research and Knowledge
Educate yourself about the different types of opals and their characteristics. Knowing what to look for can help you identify real opals and avoid fakes.
Buying from Reputable Sources
Purchase opals from trusted and reputable dealers or jewellers. Reputable sources are more likely to provide genuine, high-quality opals.
Requesting Certifications
Always ask for certification of authenticity from a recognized gemological institute. This certification verifies that the opal is real and provides details about its quality and origin.
Final Thought
Identifying real vs fake Opal , whether an opal is real can be a fascinating journey that combines visual inspection, magnification tools, and practical tests like the water test. By understanding the characteristics of real opals, such as their natural imperfections, unique play of colour, and the absence of distinct layers, you can confidently distinguish them from synthetic and fake opals.
Always remember to buy from reputable sources and request certifications to ensure the authenticity of your opal. Armed with these tips and insights, you’ll be well-prepared to make informed decisions and enjoy the timeless beauty of genuine opals from The Wind Opal.
Have you ever tried identifying an opal on your own? What tips or techniques have you found most helpful? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
