Round Cabochon Cut CP05 Blue Opal Synthetic Gemstone Manufacturer

Synthetic opal is a man-made gemstone designed to replicate the chemical composition, internal structure, and physical properties of natural opal. It typically consists of silica spheres arranged in a highly regular, ordered pattern, which creates its characteristic play-of-color through light diffraction. Unlike natural opal, synthetic opals often display a more uniform and regular color pattern, sometimes described as a "chicken wire" or "lizard skin" appearance under magnification. They may contain resin (about 20%) combined with silica (about 80%) in some types, while others are resin-free and chemically identical to natural opal. Synthetic opals are generally more affordable, more durable, and less prone to cracking than natural opals. They do not fluoresce under UV light and can be distinguished by their uniformity and specific growth patterns. These qualities make synthetic opals popular for jewelry, offering vibrant colors and consistent quality at a lower price point.

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What makes precious opal unique compared to common opal?

Precious opal is unique compared to common opal primarily because of its ability to display play-of-color, a vibrant, shifting rainbow-like iridescence that changes as the stone moves or the light angle shifts. This phenomenon occurs due to the internal structure of precious opal, which is made up of uniformly sized, sub-microscopic silica spheres arranged in a regular, grid-like pattern. When light passes through these spheres, it diffracts and breaks into spectral colors, creating the characteristic flashes of color seen in precious opal.

In contrast, common opal lacks this ordered silica sphere arrangement, so it does not exhibit play-of-color and typically appears opaque to translucent with a more uniform body color.

Additionally, precious opals come in various body tones—white, black, crystal, fire, and boulder—each influencing the intensity and contrast of the play-of-color. Black opal, for example, has a dark body tone that dramatically enhances the brightness of its colors, making it highly prized.

In summary, the defining feature that makes precious opal unique is its brilliant and dynamic play-of-color caused by its highly ordered internal silica structure, whereas common opal lacks this optical effect. View More