Opal The name “opal” originates from the Greek word opallios, which meant “to see a change in color.” The Roman scholar Pliny used the word opalus when he wrote about this gemstone’s kaleidoscopic “play” of rainbow colors that could simulate shades of any stone. Opal’s characteristic “play-of-color” was explained in the 1960s, when scientists discovered that it’s composed of microscopic silica spheres that diffract light to display various colors of the rainbow. These flashy gemstones are called “precious opals.” Those without play-of-color are “common opals.” Dozens of opal varieties exist, but only a few, such as fire opal and boulder opal, are universally recognized. Opal’s classic country of origin is Australia. Seasonal rains soaked the parched Outback, carrying silica deposits underground into cracks between layers of rock. When the water evaporated, these deposits formed opal. The water content of opal gems can range from three to 21 percent—usually between six and 10 in gem-quality material. This, combined with hardness of only 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, makes opal a delicate gemstone that can crack or “craze” under extreme temperature, dehydration, or direct light. Wearing opal jewelry is well worth the extra care, though. This October birthstone has remained a popular choice for centuries.
How to Care for Opal
•Opal is generally stable, but heat from intense light can cause fracture lines called “crazing.” High heat or sudden temperature changes can also cause opal to fracture. Opal is attacked by hydrofluoric acid and caustic alkaline solutions.
•The only safe way to clean opal is with warm, soapy water.
Source:GIA
Shipping Policy
•All orders ship Free of charge with UPS or Fedex
•Call us at 541-345-0354 if you require next day shipping (additional fees apply)
•Please allow 1-2 days to process your order and prepare shipment
•We only ship to addresses within the United States. We are unable to process orders shipped to package forwarding services at this time.
At Skeie's, it's of upmost importance that the jewelry we select is obtained from suppliers who follow conflict-free and socially responsible practices. We believe that the materials used in our jewelry should support and benefit the communities where they originated, while keeping the environmental impact as minimal as possible.
Kostbar Oval Ethiopian Opal Studs
These gorgeous Ethiopian opal studs from Kostbar measuring 6mmx8mm are featured in 14k yellow gold.
Style# 6X8STUD
Free Shipping
No Sales Tax
Money Back Guarantee
Free Shipping
No Sales Tax
Money Back Guarantee
Opal The name “opal” originates from the Greek word opallios, which meant “to see a change in color.” The Roman scholar Pliny used the word opalus when he wrote about this gemstone’s kaleidoscopic “play” of rainbow colors that could simulate shades of any stone. Opal’s characteristic “play-of-color” was explained in the 1960s, when scientists discovered that it’s composed of microscopic silica spheres that diffract light to display various colors of the rainbow. These flashy gemstones are called “precious opals.” Those without play-of-color are “common opals.” Dozens of opal varieties exist, but only a few, such as fire opal and boulder opal, are universally recognized. Opal’s classic country of origin is Australia. Seasonal rains soaked the parched Outback, carrying silica deposits underground into cracks between layers of rock. When the water evaporated, these deposits formed opal. The water content of opal gems can range from three to 21 percent—usually between six and 10 in gem-quality material. This, combined with hardness of only 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, makes opal a delicate gemstone that can crack or “craze” under extreme temperature, dehydration, or direct light. Wearing opal jewelry is well worth the extra care, though. This October birthstone has remained a popular choice for centuries.
How to Care for Opal
•Opal is generally stable, but heat from intense light can cause fracture lines called “crazing.” High heat or sudden temperature changes can also cause opal to fracture. Opal is attacked by hydrofluoric acid and caustic alkaline solutions.
•The only safe way to clean opal is with warm, soapy water.
Source:GIA
Shipping Policy
•All orders ship Free of charge with UPS or Fedex
•Call us at 541-345-0354 if you require next day shipping (additional fees apply)
•Please allow 1-2 days to process your order and prepare shipment
•We only ship to addresses within the United States. We are unable to process orders shipped to package forwarding services at this time.
At Skeie's, it's of upmost importance that the jewelry we select is obtained from suppliers who follow conflict-free and socially responsible practices. We believe that the materials used in our jewelry should support and benefit the communities where they originated, while keeping the environmental impact as minimal as possible.