Ethiopian opal is one of the most beautiful and traded gemstones today. Its popularity is due to its unique vibrant colors, unique designs, and natural luster, making it a favorite choice among jewelry lovers. However, as Ethiopian opal gains popularity, so too are counterfeit gemstones entering the market. Therefore, it's crucial to be able to distinguish between genuine gemstones and imitations. In this easy guide, we'll show you how to tell if your Ethiopian opal is real, fake, or natural and precious.

What Makes Ethiopian Opal Special 

Genuine Ethiopian opal is known for its unique, striking colors—a natural iridescent effect that displays vibrant flashes of green, blue, yellow, orange, and sometimes red. This gamut of colors is magical and the first sign that you have a genuine opal in your hands. Ethiopian opal originates from volcanic rock, which gives it a unique transparency and lightness.

1. Check the Play-of-colour 

The most significant hallmark of genuine Ethiopian opal is its natural play of colors. To identify this, shake the stone in the light. Genuine opal will display deep, vibrant colors that will naturally change color as you shake it. Fake opal has artificial colors that are either static or very precise.

2. Look at the Body of the Stone 

Most Ethiopian opal has a transparent or semi-transparent finish. Most importantly, you'll see small patterns or tiny natural marks. Fake stones will usually appear very clear or dull, with natural imperfections being a positive sign of authenticity.

3. Check for lizard - Skin Pattern 

Ethiopian Welo Opal often displays a distinctive lizard-skin-like surface pattern when viewed up close. This pattern is naturally present in many genuine stones, while synthetic or plastic opal usually lacks this effect.

4. The Water Test 

You should know that Ethiopian opal is a hydrophane gemstone. This means that it absorbs water. If you dip genuine Ethiopian opal in water, it will appear transparent for a short time before drying and returning to normal. But be careful not to expose your opal to water for extended periods of time. However, fake opals usually don't show any such changes.

5. Check the Weight 

Because Ethiopian opal is naturally found in volcanoes, most fakes are lighter than vitreous opal. If the stone feels heavy, too heavy, or too plastic-like, it's probably not real.

6. Buy from a Trusted Seller 

The best way to ensure you're purchasing a genuine Ethiopian Apple is to buy from a reputable gemstone dealer. Ask for a certificate of authenticity for the stone. A certified gemstone assures you it's 100% natural.

Conclusion 

Identifying genuine Ethiopian opal isn't difficult if you know what to look for: its play of color, natural transparency, weight, and water resistance. And most importantly, always purchase your stone from a reputable source. With these simple tips, you can confidently choose a genuine and beautiful Ethiopian opal that you can treasure for years to come.