How Do You Tell If An Opal Is Real?

How do you tell if an opal is real.  The short answer is, buy your opal from opalwhisperers.com

Why? Because Opal Whisperers only sell genuine all-natural Australian opal materials.

Opals, with their mesmerizing play of colors, have enchanted gem enthusiasts for centuries. But with the market flooded with synthetics and imitations, the question often arises: How do you tell if an opal is real? 

Determining the authenticity of an opal calls for a keen eye and some knowledge about the gemstone's natural characteristics.

How Do You Tell If An Opal Is Real? First, Do a Visual Inspection

The first step in identifying a real opal is through visual inspection. Real opals have a unique phenomenon known as play-of-color, a shifting rainbow of colors that can be seen when the stone is moved under light. This play-of-color comes courtesy of the refraction of light as it passes through the microscopic silica spheres within the opal. 

Synthetic opals may copy this effect, but their color pattern frequently looks too regular and structured, without personality. In a real opal, the colors are usually more irregular and natural-looking, either on top of (as in the case of seam opal) or infused through (as in matrix opal, the natural mother stone). 

Checking the Back of the Stone

Another tip on how to know if opal is real is by examining the back of the stone. Authentic opals are categorized into two types, both found on genuine natural opal mother stone or potch. One type consists of solid opals found in one original piece. The second is opal doublets, consisting of all-natural materials.  In contrast, synthetic opals or doublets and triplets, which consist of man-made materials, usually have a smooth artificial base (as in the case of triplets).

Opal Whisperers only sell solid natural opals or doublets, using authentic opal both for BOTH LAYERS.

Why would someone purchase a doublet instead of a solid? 

The answer is that your choice depends on your budget.  A high-quality opal doublet can typically sell for of 1/5 to 1/10 of the price of its solid of similar color. For this reason, many choose to purchase a quality Opal Whisperers doublet. Some of these stones have been in the family collection in excess of 30 years, and have stood the test of time.  Once these pieces are set, it is virtually impossible to tell the difference. In fact, for decades, unscrupulous dealers have been selling “natural” opal doublets as solids. Opal Whisperers guarantees our products against such practice.

Refractive Index and Density

For a more scientific approach to answer the question “How do you tell if an opal is real?”, measure its refractive index and density. The refractive index of opal ranges between 1.37 and 1.52. If you have access to a refractometer, you can check whether your opal falls within this range. 

The density of opal also varies but usually falls between 1.98 and 2.20. These measurements can help confirm the authenticity of the stone, because synthetic opals and imitations frequently have different physical properties.

Microscopic Examination

Using a microscope, you can look for specific inclusions and internal structures that are characteristic of natural opal. Real opals often contain natural characteristics, or fingerprints, indicative of their authenticity,

Synthetic opals usually have a more uniform structure and lack these natural characteristics. The presence of a snake-like pattern, often seen in synthetic opals, is a clear indicator that the opal is not natural.

The Origin and Price

Looking at the origin and price of the opal can also provide clues about its authenticity. Australia produces nearly 100% of the world’s natural high-quality opals. If a seller cannot provide information about the opal’s origin, or if the price seems unusually low, it is wise to be cautious. 

Authentic opals, especially those with vibrant play-of-color or eccentric patterns of art, command higher prices due to their rarity and beauty. A deal that seems too good to be true often is, and it’s better to trust reputable dealers who can provide certification and provenance for their stones. Opal Whisperers, with our rich history in opal mining, stand as one of the world’s leading experts in the opal industry.

Unveiling Nature's Rainbow: The Art of Identifying Genuine Opals

In the mesmerizing world of gemstones, opals reign supreme with their kaleidoscopic beauty. But with their rising popularity, distinguishing real opals from imitations has become a crucial skill. As the stars of Discovery Channel's "Outback Opal Hunters," we – the Opal Whisperers – share our expertise in identifying authentic opals.

With a family legacy dating back to 1961, we specialize in Queensland Boulder Opals, particularly the enchanting Yowah Nut Opals. These natural wonders display unique tribal patterns, a hallmark of genuine opals. 

By choosing Opal Whisperers, you're not just buying a gemstone; you're acquiring a piece of nature's artistry, expertly cut and polished by Isaac Andreou himself.

Please use our online form to reach out and let us guide you through the fascinating process of identifying and owning a genuine opal.