Secret Behind Cracked Or Crazed Opal In Jewellery

Many opal cutters sell stones with cracks saying that they are crazing technique of the stone. There is a huge difference between the two. There is nothing wrong buying Australian opals that is cracked or crazed, but it is important that the owner should be aware about it.  

If your opal has crazed lines or fractures, experts suggest not to use them in jewellery as cleaning the stone would be a problem as ultrasonic cleaners would destroy such opals completely. 

Crazed opals are generally not used in making of jewellery and kept as specimens or collectors’ pieces. Crazed opals would look like having multiple cracks that can be stabilized by treating with Opticon. Few opals have natural inclusions that do not reflect light. These inclusions are not cracks, but are air bubbles, vegetation matter or a potch.

A crack in an opal can be on the surface or internal. If the line is internal and it reflects light, then it is a crack. External cracks can be felt with hand and decrease the value of the stone. Cracked opals do not mean that they would fall apart. If you are interested to use them in a hand-ring, it would not be a good idea. The cracked opal can be used in a pendant set as it would face much wear and tear.