Basic Introduction to Australian Opal
Australian Opal, a world wonder, also known as (opal), is a protein stone or an iridescent stone. It is often referred to as “Aussie Opal” due to its primary source in Australia. With its spectrum of colors, it is dazzling and combines the hues of various gems, making it one of the most beautiful gemstones in the world. Owning an Australian opal is a dream for many. Aussie Opal exhibits starlight effects and iridescence. Its chemical composition is SiO2·nH2O (a mixture of silicon molecules and water).
Product Features
Before the discovery of opals, local aboriginals would find shimmering beautiful stones after mudslides. Natural Aussie Opals are mainly categorized into three types: black opals, white opals, and fire opals. Black opals are the most precious, while white and fire opals are more commonly seen on the market.
This gemstone with a unique play-of-color effect was already gaining some recognition during ancient Greek and Roman times; in mythology, it was said to be formed from the tears of Zeus. In historical accounts, it adorned a ring that Mark Antony gifted to the Egyptian queen Cleopatra.
History and Folklore
The true era of Aussie Opals began only at the end of the 19th century when deposits were discovered in Australia. Currently, Australia supplies 95% of the Aussie Opals in the international market, and over 80% of the world's opals come from South Australia. The most valuable black opals are found in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales.
In 1993, the Australian government designated Aussie Opal as the national stone, transforming this ancient global gem into a symbol of a young nation. Opals are extremely individualistic gems, each unique, and hold high value for collectors. Opals have a lustrous appearance and, in Australia, they are considered symbols of luck and nobility. Ancient Romans called them the children of Cupid, the angel of love, representing hope and purity. In the East, they are regarded as sacred gems embodying loyalty. Americans generally prefer red and orange opals, Japanese people favor blue and green opals, and Chinese people like warm-toned red opals. Opals are symbols of prestige and status, and the international gem industry recognizes opals as the birthstone for October, representing hope and good fortune.
Differentiating Genuine from Fake
To simply identify the authenticity of a gemstone, you can follow this method:
Try scratching the material being tested with a piece of glass. If no mark or a very faint one is left, it indicates a certain level of hardness. Then judge by weight – if the item is relatively heavy, it meets two fundamental characteristics of gemstones: hardness and weight. Next, examine the color and internal quality of the material. Slight color imperfections, bubbles, or flaws are normal, aligning with two other key features of gemstones: color variation and imperfections. However, there are exceptions – while rare, top-quality gems do exist. For such cases, consulting an expert or using modern equipment for testing is recommended.
Identifying Genuine vs. Fake Gemstones
Place the gemstone about five inches above a pale silver bowl or white satin, letting sunlight shine through. If the light passing through the gemstone produces a sparkling silver reflection on the surface below, it is likely genuine. A fake gemstone will cast a dark shadow instead. If you place the gemstone in your mouth for a moment and it causes saliva production without feeling dry or warming up, it is likely genuine.