Is WELO opal valuable?

Is WELO opal valuable?

Like most gems the top quality material is quite rare and commands a high price. The intensity of the color is what makes this opal valuable as the best Ethiopian opal have colors that are described as unreal looking like colored L.E.D. lights.

Are WELO Opals real?

While these unique types of opal can be found in Ethiopia, they are incredibly rare. The majority of precious Welo opal is light yellow, white, or translucent – body colors that showcase a vibrant rainbow effect created by the interplay of light.

What is a black WELO opal?

Many of the opals mined in Ethiopia are hydrophane opals, particularly from the Welo rocks. Black opal is in darkness, color brightness and pattern grading. Likewise, Ethiopian opal is also graded on shape and brightness, but the stone’s body color does not play an enormous part in determining the ultimate quality.

How do you care for WELO opal?

Ethiopian Opal Jewelry Care: When cleaning your Opal jewelry, you should avoid chemicals of any type and simply use warm water and a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Try not to use too much water, and if possible, simply use a damp cloth. If your Ethiopian Opal gets wet, don’t worry.

Why is WELO opal so cheap?

It might seem a tad bit odd, but Ethiopian opals are cheap because they don’t control the market. The only way Ethiopian opal sellers can turn a profit is if they offer their gems at a lower price point. While these opals tend to be considered rarer than Australian, they aren’t necessarily lacking in quantity.

Where does WELO opal come from?

Ethiopia
Ethiopian Opal is the newest variety of precious opal gemstone resourced from the Wollo Province of northern Ethiopia. The beautiful opals from Ethiopia show amazing play-of-color in varied body color and patterns.

What is a willow opal?

The opal is celebrated for its spectacle of rainbow-like hues which vary with lighting or angle of observation. Ethiopian Welo opal is a hydrophane meaning that it can soak up water like a sponge. When hydrated the stone becomes more translucent and the play of colors more defined.

What is a honeycomb opal?

The most rare and collectible of Ethiopian Opal types, honeycomb Opal is the name given to Opals displaying a natural honeycomb pattern, with individual cells displaying intense color flashes in every color of the rainbow. Often, honeycomb Opals are found in Opals with a tan base color.

What is the difference between Ethiopian opal and Australian opal?

Whereas Australian opal is mined from deep beneath the ground, Ethiopian opal grows in large volcanic deposits high up in the hills. The most notable variance of Ethiopian opal is that it is hydrophane, which means that when the opal is immersed into water, its colors, transparency, light and even size alters.

What is the difference between Ethiopian and Australian opal?

What is hydrophane opal?

Hydrophane Opal Definition & Facts. Much of the opal from Welo Ethiopia is hydrophane. Hydrophane means water loving and this type of opal can absorb water rapidly.

What was Opal used for?

Opal The Gemstone. Ninety-five percent of opals are used in gemstone applications for jewelry, ornamentation and for the collectors market. These opals are often prized for their colors and designs.

What is the symbolism of Opal?

Just like other gemstone types, opal has its own characteristics and benefits. Opal is symbolize love or passion . As opal is highly associated with spiritual condition of human body, white opal meaning greatly increases the overall productivity and imagination for the wearer.

What is an Ethiopian fire opal?

Ethiopian Welo opal is popular as the crystal Opals from Welo Ethiopian is very bright and spectacular Opal. The colors are very striking with red being common and blue quite rare which is the opposite to Australian Opals. It has some magnificent patterns and brilliant colors and is called Ethiopian fire Opal.