How to Tell If an Opal Is Real?

Opal gemstones are known for their classic elegance and colorful palette of vibrancy. But not all the opals in the market are authentic. As imitation and synthetic stones rise, it is essential to learn about the difference between a real opal and a fake one. This is a complete guide where you can find several things that can help you determine the authenticity of an Opal Gemstone.

Understanding Opals: A Brief Overview

Before delving into the identification procedure, let us first know about opals. Opals, also called the ‘Queen of Gems,’ are the October birthstones. They are made up of millions of spherical silica materials and have many colors, including white, green, black, red, and orange. Explore the allure of opal with a concise overview. Delve into the captivating world of opal stones for a deeper understanding. Opals symbolize inspiration, creativity, and emotional healing. 

Fake Opals vs. Real Opals: Spotting the Difference

To avoid purchasing a copied opal gemstone, it is vital to understand the features of faux and genuine opal. Other forms of opals, such as simulated or imitation opals, do not present the same optical, physical, and chemical characteristics as the original or natural opals. These artificial stones are often resin, plastic, or glass.

Methods for Identifying Real Opals

Therefore, it is now time to talk about reliable ways to authenticate opals as real gemstones.

1. Consider the Price

Pricing-wise, the opal is a midrange option. They may be inexpensive gemstones, but not the cheapest. An Opal stone price from an opal seller might indicate that the opal is a forgery or has some defects.

2. Verify the Country of Origin

The first step in evaluating whether it is an authentic opal is to determine its country of origin. About 95% of natural opals are mined in Australia, and 5% are found in Mexico, Honduras, and the Western part of the United States.

3. Examine for Air Bubbles

True opals should have no bubbles that are visible on their surface. If you see tiny air bubbles, the stone is likely a fake stone made from glass or any other material.

4. Assess the Play-of-Color

The original opal stone will show off a brilliant array of colors on its surface. Nevertheless, if the color seems sub-surface, especially on a layer of uncolored glass or another material, it is almost always an imitation of opal.

5. Analyze the Pattern

Look at the gemstone under the bright light for patterns or designs that are not symmetrical. If you see organized, neat patterns, then it is an indication that the opal is not real.

6. Check the Sides

A doublet opal is a counterfeit gemstone that consists of a thin slice of opal attached to a black backing. By viewing the opal from the side, you can identify a double opal. If you observe a perfectly straight line running around the gem, it is likely a fake.

7. Examine the Back

Triplet opals are another type of fake opal that features three layers: a black backing, a thin slice of opal, and a plastic or glass dome. To identify a triplet opal, examine the stone from the bottom. If you see a black backing, it is a clear indication that the opal is not genuine.

Where to Buy Authentic Opal Jewelry

When purchasing opal jewelry, it is important to choose a reputable and trustworthy source. Navratan is an online store that offers a wide selection of opal gemstones. Each piece of jewelry is meticulously handcrafted using the finest quality materials. At Navratan, you have the added benefit of customizing your opal jewelry by selecting the carat weight, grade of the gemstone, and type of metal used.