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Opal
Fireworks. Jellyfish. Galaxies. Lightning. Opal's shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem.
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Tools
Research
An Opal-Calcite Composite
New Deposit of Black Opal from Ethiopia
The Stayish mine in Ethiopia’s Wollo province has been producing black opal since 2013.
Rare Double Pseudomorph Ikaite-Calcite-Opal
Inclusions in Natural, Treated, Synthetic, and Imitation Opal
Provides a visual guide to the internal features of natural, treated, synthetic, and imitation opal.
A Useful Technique to Confirm the Hydrophane Nature of Opal
Observing a water drop’s interaction with opal, as well as refractive index, can confirm a specimen’s hydrophane nature with less risk of breakage than total immersion.
Hydrophane Opal Treatment
An opal rough is immersed in water and treated with oil and Opticon to observe effects on transparency and play-of-color.
“Boldly Go” with a Southwest-Inspired Starship Enterprise
Play-of-Color Opal from Wegel Tena, Wollo Province, Ethiopia
A new opal deposit was discovered in 2008 near the village of Wegel Tena, in volcanic rocks of Ethiopia’s Wollo Province.
Jewelry Television in Tucson
Intarsia Jewelry Box by Nicolai Medvedev and Susan Helmich
Precious Opal from Pedro II, Brazil
