Why Are Black Opals So Precious?

Opal is a gem stone which is made up of quartz look-like form of hydrated silica. They are generally semi transparent and show tiny points of shifting colour in a dark or pale background. Generally black opals or dark body tone opals are costlier than those that are white or light colour body tones. The price difference is mainly because dark tone colour display colours more vibrantly. Dark shade opals can fetch up to AUD 15,000 a carat. 

While making opal jewellery, the precious stone is given a free cut or a tear drop shape, to increase its value. Many people associate opal with love and passion. It is believed that it acts as an emotional stabilizer and brings loyalty and faithfulness. Some people feel that it symbolizes happiness, purity and innocence because of the mystic circles in the stone. As this precious stone symbolizes many positive aspects in a life, it is very important to take optimum care of the jewellery made from this stone. 

How to care for your opal?

Solid opal (natural solid opal): opal jewellery should be removed if there are any chances of it being scratched or broken (like moving furniture, working in the garden) because this is a soft stone. Solid opals are fine in water, but should be avoided in very high temperatures and very low humidity areas. These precious stones can be gently cleaned with warm water and mild detergent and a soft tooth brush. Bleach, chemicals and cleaners should be avoided.

Doublets and triplets: Longer exposure to water would cause loosening of layers and water infiltration. But for such damage a long exposure is needed. Damp cloth and mild detergent can be used to wipe off dirt from these layered stones. They should never be soaked nor immersed in water.