Identifying Opal Patterns - International Gem Society

Growing Opals In The Lab

When cleaning raw Ethiopian opals, it's important to avoid using water, as these opals are hydrophane, meaning they can absorb water and potentially become damaged or lose their brilliance. The safest way to remove dirt from raw Ethiopian opals is by using a gentle, dry method. One effective approach is to carefully use pliers or tweezers to remove larger particles of dirt or debris from the surface of the opal. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as opals are delicate and can crack unde