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Frequently asked questions
Why are Ethiopian opals so colorful?
The vibrant flashes of color come from microscopic silica spheres inside the stone. As light passes through these tiny structures, it bends and reflects different wavelengths of light, creating the beautiful blues, greens, reds, oranges, and purples that make every opal unique.
Why do Ethiopian opals look different in different lighting?
One of the most fascinating things about Ethiopian opals is that they constantly change depending on the light and the angle you're viewing them from. A stone that appears mostly green indoors may suddenly reveal flashes of red and blue in sunlight. That's one of the reasons opals are so difficult to capture in photographs.
Can Ethiopian opals get wet?
Many Ethiopian opals are hydrophane opals, which means they can absorb water and other liquids. If this happens, the stone may temporarily change appearance until it dries completely. While occasional contact with water isn't usually harmful, I recommend avoiding prolonged exposure and keeping your opal away from lotions, perfumes, oils, and household chemicals.
Are the photos of the actual stone I'll receive?
Yes. Every photograph on this website is of the exact opal being offered for sale. We personally photograph each stone so you can see its natural beauty before making your purchase.
Keep in mind that opals interact with light, so their colors naturally shift depending on the lighting and viewing angle. Most people are pleasantly surprised to discover even more color in person than they saw in the photographs.
Where do your opals come from?
We source our opals from the Welo region of northern Ethiopia. They are carefully mined by unionized miners, cleaned, polished, and graded in Addis Ababa before being shipped to the United States. Once they arrive, we personally inspect, photograph, and catalog every stone before offering it for sale.
Are Ethiopian opals a good choice for jewelry?
Absolutely. Ethiopian opals are commonly used in rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. However, because opals are softer than diamonds or sapphires, jewelry should be worn with extra care, especially rings that receive more everyday wear.
Why do some Ethiopian opals cost more than others?
Several factors determine an opal's value, including brightness, color, pattern, transparency, size, and rarity. Stones with vivid color, strong brightness, and rare patterns are generally more valuable than stones with softer or less visible flashes.
Are your opals natural or treated?
Our opals are always 100% natural Ethiopian opals.
The Opal Journal
A guide to Ethiopian opal
