Synthetic opal
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Synthetic Opal or Lab-Created Opal: Meaning and Characteristics
The discovery of the ordered sphere structure in precious opals paved the way for their synthetic production by Pierre Gilson in 1974. These lab-created opals are distinguishable from natural opals due to their highly regular patterns.
How to Identify Synthetic Opals
Under magnification, synthetic opals often exhibit a lizard-skin or chicken-wire pattern of color patches, which is absent in natural stones. Additionally, synthetic opals do not fluoresce under ultraviolet light, a feature commonly found in their natural counterparts. They also tend to have a lower density and are frequently more porous than natural opals.
Differences Between Synthetic and Imitation Opals
While synthetic opals are lab-grown and attempt to replicate the natural gemstone’s structure, most imitation opals are composed of materials not found in natural opals, such as plastic stabilizers. These imitation opals are often seen in vintage jewelry and may include foiled glass, glass-based slocum stones, or various plastic materials.
Man-Made Opals: Slocum Stone
Slocum stone, sometimes marketed as Slocum opal, is an early form of opal simulant. It gained brief popularity before the advent of more affordable and realistic synthetic alternatives. This material is made from silicate glass containing traces of sodium, magnesium, aluminum, and titanium.
How Slocum Stone Mimics Opal
Slocum stone comes in various base colors, with its artificial opalescence created by extremely thin layers of metallic film—around 30 nanometers thick—embedded in translucent flakes. These flakes produce a thin-film interference effect, contributing to the stone’s iridescent appearance.
Upon closer inspection, bubbles and swirls typical of glass inclusions are visible. In later versions, built-up laminations can also be identified when viewed from the side.
Opalite: A Man-Made Glass with Opal-Like Qualities
Opalite is a trade name for opalized glass, although the term can be confusing as it is also used to describe a type of natural opal and various opal simulants. Other names for this glass product include Argenon, Sea Opal, and Opal Moonstone. Additionally, the term is sometimes used to market impure varieties of differently colored common opals.
Uses of Opalite
While Opalite is primarily a decorative glass product, it is frequently misrepresented as a natural stone. Buyers should exercise caution when purchasing jewelry labeled as “Opalite” to ensure clarity on whether the material is natural or man-made.
Synthetic opal
FAQ About Synthetic Opals
Are lab-created opals valuable?
Lab-created opals, like other synthetic gemstones, have minimal monetary value compared to natural opals. They are primarily valued for their beauty and affordability rather than rarity.
How can you tell if an opal is synthetic?
Synthetic opals often have a regular, geometric pattern of color that resembles lizard skin or chicken wire when viewed under magnification. In contrast, natural opals exhibit more random and organic patterns. Additionally, synthetic opals are usually flatter and may include plastic stabilizers.
Is synthetic black opal stronger than natural opal?
Synthetic opals are not inherently stronger than natural opals. While they may be more flexible and easier to cut, their hardness remains around 6.5 on the Mohs scale, comparable to natural opals.
What is the main difference between real and fake opals?
The primary difference lies in their formation and composition. Natural opals are formed over millions of years through geological processes, while synthetic opals are created in laboratories. Fake opals, or imitations, are often made from glass or plastic and lack the unique internal structure of real opals.
Can synthetic opals get wet?
Yes, synthetic opals can get wet without damage. However, they are sensitive to heat, even at low temperatures. Exposure to a simple lighter, for example, can cause damage.
Natural Opal for Sale in Our Gem Shop
We offer a wide selection of natural opals and custom-made opal jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Please contact us for a personalized quote.
