Natural Vs. Synthetic Opals

Opals are known for their stunning eye catching color and pattern, making them one of the very high in demand crystals that people seek for. Given that statement, there are many manufacturers that create opals in labs bringing the high prices of opals down to offer opal look-a-likes to people at much cheaper prices. There are people who even value the price of that synthetic opal to an authentic opal trying to trick the buyer into paying high prices for a fake opal. If you are an opal connoisseur or are looking into purchasing opals, it is important to know how to differentiate between natural and synthetic opals.

 

• Natural Opals - Natural opals are formed by the slow deposition of silica gel in the cavities and fissures of rocks. They can be found in a wide range of colors, patterns and shapes. Natural opals are valued for their unique play of color, which is caused by the diffraction and interference of light passing through the microscopic spheres of silica in the crystal.

 

One way to determine if an opal is natural is to examine it under a microscope. Natural opals will show a distinct pattern of color flashes that move and change as the gemstone is rotated. They may also show a characteristic pattern of flashes of color that are usually never perfectly formed.

 

• Synthetic Opals - Synthetic opals are made in a laboratory using a process called the “Gilson method”. This method creates a silica gel mixture and adds a solution of metallic salts to create the wanted color. The mixture is then heated to form a solid that can be cut and polished into an opal-like gemstone.

 

One way to identify synthetic opals is to look for a repeating pattern of color flashes. Synthetic opals are created using a particular method that produces a regular, repeating pattern of colors, unlike natural opals which have a random pattern of flashes.

 

Another way to determine if an opal is natural or synthetic is to look for inclusions or imperfections. Natural opals will often contain small cracks, crazes, spots or other inclusions that are not present in synthetic opals.

 

It is important to know how to differentiate between natural and synthetic opals to make a knowledgeable purchase. By examining an opal and looking for patterns, color flashes, and natural inclusions, you can determine whether it is a natural or synthetic opal. If you are looking to purchase an authentic opal or synthetic opal you want to know which one you're buying and at the right price.