When it comes to lab created opal, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a real and a fake. Lab created opal, or synthetic opal, is made in a lab setting with the same chemical and physical properties as natural opal. It can be hard to tell the difference between the two without expert knowledge, but there are some simple tests you can do at home to tell if your opal is real or fake. In this blog post, we will discuss how to tell if your opal is real or fake.
The Difference Between Natural And Synthetic Opals
Natural opals are formed by nature, and come from the earth. These opals are composed of silicon dioxide and contain a unique rainbow-like color display called “play of color”. Natural opals can also have a variety of colors, including white, blue, red, green, pink, yellow and orange.
Synthetic or man made opal is created in a laboratory, usually by either mixing silica with a binding agent or by recreating the conditions that are present when natural opals form. The colors of synthetic opals can range from light blues and purples to fiery oranges and reds. While synthetic opals generally contain less intense colors than natural opals, they are still attractive stones. Man made opal tends to be more consistent and uniform in terms of its play of color which makes them popular amongst buyers who prefer a consistent look. Additionally, man made opal tends to be more durable as it doesn’t break down over time as quickly as its natural counterpart. Despite these advantages, man made opal is generally considered to be worth far less than its natural equivalent due to it being artificially created. As such, it’s important for potential buyers to be aware of whether an opal is real or man made before making any kind of purchase. Luckily there are several methods for distinguishing between the two – some simple and others more complex – such as looking for signs of abrasion on the surface of the stone or weighing it against other similar sized stones. Regardless, always do your due diligence before investing in man made opal as not all sellers will provide accurate information about its origins.
How To Tell If An Opal Is Real
If you’re considering investing in opal, or simply want to make sure the one you already own is genuine, you need to be able to tell if it’s real or not. Natural opals are valuable and sought after, so knowing the difference between a real and a fake can help protect you from being duped.
The easiest way to determine if an opal is real is by its weight. Genuine opals are quite heavy for their size, while man-made or imitation opals are much lighter. If you have access to a digital scale, weigh your opal and compare it to the expected weight of a real one. Generally speaking, natural opals should weigh around 6 grams per cubic centimeter.
In addition to weight, there are also visual cues you can use to tell if an opal is genuine. Natural opals have a unique play of color, which is created by microscopic silica spheres arranged in a three-dimensional grid within the stone. If the stone you have does not display a play of color, it could be synthetic. Additionally, some man-made opals have a uniform coloring that lacks the vibrant hues of real opals.
To confirm an opal’s authenticity, take it to a professional jeweler or gemologist. They will be able to test it for you and provide more information about its quality and value. It is also worth remembering that some natural opals may be more valuable than man-made ones, depending on their quality and rarity.
The Value Of Synthetic Opals
Man made opal is a type of lab created gemstone which is created to mimic the appearance and play of light of natural opal. These man made opals, also called synthetic opals, are becoming increasingly popular as a cheaper alternative to natural opals, but do they hold any real value?
The short answer is yes. Though these synthetic stones are not worth as much as natural opals, they can still be valuable depending on the quality of the stone. The more vibrant and eye-catching the play of color within the stone, the higher the value. Generally, these man made opals will sell for between $15 and $30 per carat, though some higher quality pieces may fetch higher prices.
Synthetic opals are also often used as a way to get the look of an opal without spending too much money. Since they are less expensive than natural opals, they are often used in jewelry to create a luxurious look without breaking the bank. They can also be used in settings or displays where a real opal might be damaged or worn down over time.
Overall, synthetic opals have their place in the world of gemstones, offering a beautiful, affordable alternative to natural opals. However, when it comes to holding value, they won’t ever be quite as valuable as the real thing.
Where To Find Real Opals
When looking to find real opals, it’s important to differentiate between natural opals and man made opals. Natural opals are gems that have been formed over millions of years, while man made opals are created in a laboratory and do not occur in nature.
Real opals can be found in many places around the world including Brazil, Ethiopia, Australia, and the United States. In addition to these traditional locations, real opals can also be purchased from specialty gem stores, online retailers, and reputable dealers. The quality and price of real opals can vary greatly depending on where you purchase them from, so it’s important to research the seller and make sure you’re buying a genuine product.
When shopping for real opals, there are a few key things to look out for. Make sure the seller can provide a certification of authenticity as well as a description of the color, shape, size, and clarity of the stone. It’s also important to take into account any treatments the stone may have undergone, such as dying or heating. Finally, compare prices to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to natural opal, consider purchasing a man made opal instead. Man made opals are created in a laboratory and offer a wide range of colors and varieties, but typically have much lower value than real opals. They can be found in many jewelry stores as well as online retailers.