Natural opal?

[KLC]

I stumbled across this welo opal cab, 10.2×8.2mm.
It's supposed to be natural and untreated. But the price is just too cheap so I'm suspicious. Also, the bottom edge of the stone looks almost transparent. Could use some opinions.

 

[KLC]

Just to clarify, I'm not considering buying this stone. I'm trying to learn how to spot a natural opal from a lab created or doublet/triplet.

 

[pokerface]

It looks like a regular low quality white opal to me. When it is taken off the black background it will appear nearly transparent. Pictures of the back and sides would be helpful, though, to say for sure.

 

[KLC]

It looks like a regular low quality white opal to me. When it is taken off the black background it will appear nearly transparent. Pictures of the back and sides would be helpful, though, to say for sure.

Thank you. The transparent band at the bottom made me think it wasn't natural. That and the twenty dollar price. That seems low for a two carat natural opal, even a low quality one. I saw some lab created ones with the same band. So it made me wonder.

 

[pokerface]

I can't tell if the "band" is a reflection or the flash or what. These Ethiopian white opals are plentiful and cheap. They really don't look like anything without the black background and photoshop. I know, because I have one myself.





The best shot I could get:

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

You need videos to check to see if the patterns are columnar which is the dead giveaway for synthetic.

 

[KLC]

I can't tell if the "band" is a reflection or the flash or what. These Ethiopian white opals are plentiful and cheap. They really don't look like anything without the black background and photoshop. I know, because I have one myself.





The best shot I could get:

Wow, it really is transparent. I didn't expect that. Thank you.

 

[cocotate]

Also, the bottom edge of the stone looks almost transparent. Could use some opinions.

Nothing wrong with that transparent band/glow. You'll notice that in practically all transparent welo opals.

 

[fredflintstone]

Natural commercial grade Welo Opal.

 

[fredflintstone]

Many Welo Opals are transparent. Some fantastic Welo Opals out there but they will be more expensive, anywhere from $50.00 to $300.00 a carat (depends on vendor) on the internet. Brick and Mortar retail can be over $1000.00 a carat.

 

[Bron357]

Agree it’s Welo opal.
You have to avoid any perfumes, lotions or oils with Welo opal. It’s hydrophane material meaning it absorbs water so it will also potentially absorb other liquids.
I have a some Welo opals that went a very unattractive yellow body colour with reduced colour play because of wearing along with perfume.
Opals in rings or bracelets should be considered “special occasion” wear only.

 

[fredflintstone]

Agree it’s Welo opal.
You have to avoid any perfumes, lotions or oils with Welo opal. It’s hydrophane material meaning it absorbs water so it will also potentially absorb other liquids.
I have a some Welo opals that went a very unattractive yellow body colour with reduced colour play because of wearing along with perfume.
Opals in rings or bracelets should be considered “special occasion” wear only.

Yes, you must be careful. Good advice.

With that said, I've had a Welo Opal ring for several years and probably wear it 60 times a year, no problems, looks as good as the day it was set, but I know how to take care of it. What to avoid. I do not wear it while eating, in the shower, washing my hands, hard work or working out, anything that I can get liquid other than water on it.

If a Welo Opal does get a liquid on it other than water or clear liquid, wash it off for ten to 30 seconds with warm to hot (not to hot) tap water. Towel the stone off thoroughly, repeat one more time. Do it right after it happens or very soon. It takes a while for liquids to absorb in Welo Opal. The thicker the liquid the longer it takes.

If people do this, they will have an Opal they can pass down.